Electro-Chromic Film Transparency Control for Headwear Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional head-mounted displays (HMDs) face limitations due to high cost, size, weight, and efficiency issues, particularly in their optical systems, which restrict their field of view and performance in various applications, including augmented reality, where intelligent control over transparency is needed to enhance user experience.
Innovation Solution
A head wearable display system with an eyepiece featuring an electro-chromic dimming system that uses an ambient light sensor and solar cell to adjust transparency dynamically, providing intelligent and adaptive control over the electro-chromic film to optimize visibility in different lighting conditions, thereby improving contrast and user experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If conventional optical systems are used in HMDs, then the device can display images, but the field of view is limited and cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using electro-chromic film that can dynamically alter its optical properties (transparency/opacity) in response to electrical signals. This allows the optical system to adapt its parameters (transmission characteristics) to optimize field of view and image quality without requiring complex mechanical or structural modifications to the optical path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by incorporating an electro-chromic dimming system that can dynamically adjust the transparency of the eyepiece in real-time based on ambient lighting conditions. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to optimize performance across different operating conditions without requiring multiple fixed optical configurations, thereby reducing overall system complexity while expanding effective field of view.
2Adaptability or versatility
If electro-chromic film is used to adjust transparency, then visibility in different lighting conditions is optimized, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by using an ambient light sensor to continuously monitor lighting conditions and provide input to the electro-chromic dimming system. This feedback mechanism allows the system to automatically adjust the electro-chromic film's transparency in response to changing ambient light levels, optimizing visibility while minimizing unnecessary power consumption by only activating the electro-chromic effect when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by designing a system where the ambient light sensor automatically triggers the electro-chromic dimming system without requiring user intervention. The system serves itself by detecting lighting conditions and autonomously adjusting transparency, thereby reducing the need for continuous manual control and associated power consumption.
3Ease of operation
If ambient light sensor and solar cell are added for intelligent control, then transparency adjustment is optimized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the electro-chromic dimming system to serve multiple functions: it acts as both a transparency adjustment mechanism and a power management feature. The solar cell integrated into the system not only powers the electro-chromic film but also contributes to the overall energy efficiency, allowing a single integrated system to handle both control and power requirements without adding separate complex subsystems.
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 system enhances user experience by intelligently adjusting transparency in real-time, improving contrast and reducing power consumption, while maintaining visibility of both real-world and virtual images, thus overcoming the limitations of conventional HMDs.
Implementation Method 1
an electro-chromic dimming system that uses an ambient light sensor and solar cell to adjust transparency dynamically
Implementation Method 2
an electro-chromic dimming system that uses an ambient light sensor and solar cell to adjust transparency dynamically
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for providing adjustable transparency to an optical element of a head wearable display includes an electro-chromic film disposed across the optical element to adjust a transparency of the optical element to ambient light and a transparency controller coupled to control the electro-chromic film with a drive signal to decrease the transparency of the optical element as the brightness of the ambient light increases. The transparency controller includes a scaling circuit coupled to receive a power signal from a power source and coupled to output the driving signal to the electro-chromic film to control the transparency of the optical element. The scaling circuit scales the power signal to generate the driving signal. The transparency controller further includes a control circuit coupled to the scaling circuit to control the scaling applied by the scaling circuit.