Electrochromic Dimming Module for Near-Eye Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Near-eye display devices for augmented and virtual reality applications face challenges in managing ambient light, as existing technologies either fail to adequately dim ambient light for AR applications or completely block it for VR, leading to suboptimal user experiences due to inconsistent light transmission and power consumption issues.
Innovation Solution
A dimming module incorporating monochrome electrochromic cells with stacked layers of materials, including transparent substrates and conductors, allows for variable density dimming by controlling the amount of ambient light transmission based on ambient light values, user preferences, and application types, enabling both partial dimming for AR and darkened states for VR.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a transmissive near-eye display is used to allow ambient light to pass through for AR applications, then the user can see the real-world view clearly, but the ambient light cannot be adequately dimmed when needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies an electrochromic layer that can dynamically change its optical properties from transparent to opaque based on electrical signals. This dynamic adjustment allows the near-eye display to adapt between AR mode (transparent) and VR mode (opaque), resolving the contradiction between maintaining ambient light transmission and enabling dimming capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrochromic layer changes its light transmission parameter in response to applied voltage. By controlling the electrical parameter, the optical property (light transmission) is changed, enabling the system to switch between different viewing modes and resolve the contradiction between fixed transparency and adaptive dimming.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a darkened state is implemented to block ambient light for VR applications, then the user experience is enhanced by blocking ambient light, but the near-eye display brightness must be increased to compensate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the light blocking function from the near-eye display itself and places it in a separate electrochromic layer. This allows the display to maintain its original brightness characteristics while the electrochromic layer handles the ambient light blocking, avoiding the need to increase display brightness and thus reducing power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrochromic layer acts as an intermediary between the ambient light and the near-eye display. It mediates the light transmission before it reaches the display, allowing the display to operate at optimal brightness levels without needing to compensate for ambient light conditions, thereby reducing overall power consumption.
3Ease of operation
If existing dimming technologies are used to control ambient light, then some dimming is achieved, but the light transmission is inconsistent and power consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical or liquid crystal-based dimming systems with an electrochromic system that uses electrical fields to control light transmission. This substitution provides more consistent and reliable dimming control while reducing power consumption compared to traditional liquid crystal technologies that require continuous power to maintain their state.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The dimming module provides flexible and efficient light management, enhancing user experiences by allowing users to see augmented imagery while blocking ambient light when needed, with low power consumption and quick response times, suitable for various near-eye display brightness ranges.
Implementation Method 1
The dimming module includes at least one electrochromic cell that enables variable density dimming (or selectable dimming levels/ambient light transmission percentages)
Implementation Method 2
The stacked layers include layers of, a monochrome electrochromic compound and an insulator sandwiched between a pair of transparent substrates and conductors
Data Source
AI summary
The technology provides a dimming module for a near-eye display (NED) device that controls an amount of ambient light that passes through the transmissive near-eye display to a user. The dimming module includes at least one electrochromic cell that enables variable density dimming so that the NED device may be used in an augmented reality (AR) and/or virtual reality (VR) application. The electrochromic cell may be a monochrome electrochromic cell having stacked layers of, a monochrome electrochromic compound layer and insulator sandwiched between a pair of transparent substrates and conductors. A current may be applied to the conductor layers to control the amount of dimming in response to a dimming value. A NED device having a dimming module may be included in a visor, or other type of head-mounted display (HMD). The dimming module may be flat and supported by a flat waveguide mount in the user's field of view.