Electronic Eyeglass Polarizing Beam Splitter Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current head-mounted displays lack the ability to seamlessly transition between immersive and see-through modes while efficiently managing external light, affecting user experience and power consumption.
Innovation Solution
An electronic eyeglass design incorporating a polarizing beam splitter (PBS) and liquid crystal plates within an eyeglass frame, allowing users to switch between immersive, see-through, and adaptive modes by controlling light transmittance and polarization, enabling isolation from external light or allowing real and virtual image co-viewing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a head-mounted display uses immersive type design to isolate user from external light, then user immersion in virtual environment is improved, but user cannot see external environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the optical system adjustable between different states. The liquid crystal variable retarder dynamically changes the polarization state of light, enabling the system to switch between immersive mode (blocking external light) and see-through mode (allowing external light passage). This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to adapt to different usage scenarios without requiring completely different optical designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by modifying the polarization characteristics of light through the liquid crystal variable retarder. By changing the retardation parameter of the liquid crystal layer, the system can control whether external light is transmitted or blocked, enabling seamless transition between immersive and see-through modes while managing the complexity through a single controllable parameter.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a head-mounted display uses see-through type design to allow user to see external environment, then user environmental awareness is improved, but user cannot be fully immersed in virtual environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the optical system adjustable between different states. The liquid crystal variable retarder dynamically changes the polarization state of light, enabling the system to switch between immersive mode (blocking external light) and see-through mode (allowing external light passage). This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to adapt to different usage scenarios without requiring completely different optical designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by modifying the polarization characteristics of light through the liquid crystal variable retarder. By changing the retardation parameter of the liquid crystal layer, the system can control whether external light is transmitted or blocked, enabling seamless transition between immersive and see-through modes while managing the complexity through a single controllable parameter.
3Adaptability or versatility
If head-mounted display continuously manages external light to enable mode switching, then user experience is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using the liquid crystal variable retarder which can be switched between states only when mode changes are required. The system maintains its current state (either immersive or see-through) until a mode switch is commanded, avoiding continuous power consumption for light management. This periodic switching reduces energy usage compared to systems that continuously adjust light parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by modifying the polarization characteristics of light through the liquid crystal variable retarder. By changing the retardation parameter of the liquid crystal layer, the system can control whether external light is transmitted or blocked, enabling seamless transition between immersive and see-through modes while managing the complexity through a single controllable parameter.
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
Enables users to switch between immersive and see-through modes while optimizing power usage, allowing for enhanced user interaction and environmental awareness, with the ability to adjust light intensity dynamically.
Implementation Method 1
When the polarization direction of a polarized light is identical to the polarization direction of the PBS, the polarized light passes through the PBS. Conversely, when the polarization direction of a polarized light is different from the polarization direction of the PBS, the PBS reflects the polarized light.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic eyeglass is disclosed. The electronic eyeglass includes a polarizing beam splitter (PBS) and an eyeglass frame. The eyeglass frame carries the PBS.