Flush LED Recesses in VR Head-Mounted Displays

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Solution Overview

Problem

Virtual-reality head-mounted displays lack a seamless integration of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that are both functional for motion tracking and aesthetically flush with the surface, posing challenges in design and functionality.

Innovation Solution

The method involves forming recesses in the outer surfaces of the head-mounted display, installing LEDs within these recesses, and covering them with flush-fitting covers made of materials like urethane or mylar panels to maintain a smooth surface appearance while allowing light emission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If LEDs are installed on the outer surface of the head-mounted display, then motion tracking functionality is achieved, but the surface appearance becomes non-seamless and visually disruptive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotion tracking functionalityVSAvoidsurface appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The LED is nested within a recess formed in the outer surface of the head-mounted display. The recess has a depth that allows the LED to be positioned below the surface level, and a cover is placed over the recess to create a flush surface. This nesting approach embeds the functional LED component within the structural housing, maintaining external surface integrity while preserving internal functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

A cover is introduced as an intermediary element between the LED and the outer surface. The cover is positioned over the recess containing the LED, creating a transition that maintains the flush surface appearance while allowing light emission from the LED below. The cover acts as a mediator that reconciles the conflicting requirements of surface smoothness and light transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Shape

If LEDs are recessed into the head-mounted display surface, then a flush surface appearance is achieved, but light emission capability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurface appearanceVSAvoidlight emission
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The cover is made from a flexible or translucent material that allows light to pass through while maintaining the flush surface appearance. The thin film or shell structure of the cover permits light emission from the recessed LED to transmit through to the external environment, preserving both aesthetic appearance and functional light output.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Shape

If flush covers are added over recessed LEDs, then surface smoothness is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurface smoothnessVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The recess and cover are integrated as part of the overall housing structure of the head-mounted display. Rather than being separate additive components, the recess is formed during housing manufacturing and the cover is incorporated into the same assembly process, merging multiple functions into a unified structural solution that reduces overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This approach enables efficient motion tracking through infrared LEDs while providing a visually and tactually seamless integration of LEDs into the head-mounted display, enhancing the user experience with a clean and functional design.

Implementation Method 1

installing light-emitting diodes (LEDs) in the recesses

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight-emitting diode (LED): Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

efficient motion tracking through infrared LEDs

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInfrared radiation: Infrared Radiation

Data Source

PatentUS10007116B2Recessed light-emitting diodes in virtual-reality systems
Publication Date: 2018.06.26 META PLATFORMS TECHNOLOGIES LLC

AI summary

A head-mounted display for a virtual-reality system includes one or more outer surfaces having a plurality of recesses. Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are installed in respective recesses of the plurality of recesses. The recesses are covered with covers that are substantially flush with respective surfaces of the one or more outer surfaces of the head-mounted display.