Head-Mounted Display Adjustable Opacity System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Head-mounted displays used for virtual and augmented reality struggle to provide clear computer-generated content over real-world objects due to low contrast and distractions from real-world objects, which can lead to viewer discomfort and difficulty in viewing displayed content.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an adjustable opacity system with a photochromic layer and a light source that emits ultraviolet light to control the opacity of the layer, allowing for improved contrast by blocking or dimming real-world light, while also using optical couplers to direct both display and light source components to enhance image visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a transparent display is used to overlay computer-generated images on real-world objects, then augmented reality content can be displayed, but the contrast between computer-generated images and real-world objects is reduced making content difficult to see
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the opacity of the optical coupler dynamically adjustable. The system transitions from a static transparent display to a dynamic system where the opacity can be changed in real-time based on environmental conditions such as ambient light levels, allowing the display to adapt between transparent and opaque states to optimize content visibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameter of the optical coupler from fixed transparency to variable opacity. By controlling the opacity value as a adjustable parameter, the system can optimize the balance between seeing real-world objects and viewing computer-generated content, directly addressing the contrast issue
2Illumination intensity
If the opacity of the optical coupler is increased to improve contrast, then computer-generated content becomes more visible, but real-world objects become blocked or dimmed reducing the augmented reality experience
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts opacity rather than maintaining a fixed high opacity state. This allows the display to switch between transparent and opaque modes as needed, preserving real-world object visibility when not displaying content while providing high contrast when content display is required
Solution Approach 2:
The opacity adjustment operates periodically or on-demand based on display requirements. The system alternates between transparent state (for viewing real-world objects) and opaque state (for displaying content), creating a periodic action that balances both needs
3Illumination intensity
If the optical coupler is made opaque to block real-world light, then contrast improves, but the device complexity increases due to additional control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The optical coupler incorporates self-service through photochromic or electrochromic materials that automatically adjust their opacity in response to environmental conditions or control signals. This self-adjusting capability reduces the need for complex external control mechanisms while achieving the desired contrast improvement
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 adjustable opacity system enhances the visibility of computer-generated content by dynamically controlling light transmission, reducing distractions from real-world objects and improving contrast, thereby providing a more effective augmented reality experience.
Implementation Method 1
The adjustable opacity system may include an adjustable opacity layer such as a photochromic layer that overlaps the optical coupler and a light source that selectively exposes the adjustable opacity layer to light to control the opacity of the adjustable opacity layer.
Implementation Method 2
A user may view real-world objects through the optical coupler while control circuitry directs the transparent display to display computer-generated content over selected portions of the real-world objects.
Implementation Method 3
Ultraviolet light absorbing material may also be included in the head-mounted device to prevent stray ultraviolet light from reaching the user's eyes.
Data Source
AI summary
A head-mounted device may have a transparent display. The transparent display may be formed from a display unit that provides images to a user through an optical coupler. A user may view real-world objects through the optical coupler while control circuitry directs the transparent display to display computer-generated content over selected portions of the real-world objects. The head-mounted display may also include an adjustable opacity system. The adjustable opacity system may include an adjustable opacity layer such as a photochromic layer that overlaps the optical coupler and a light source that selectively exposes the adjustable opacity layer to ultraviolet light to control the opacity of the adjustable opacity layer. The adjustable opacity layer may block or dim light from the real-world objects to allow improved contrast when displaying computer-generated content over the real-world objects.