Head-Mounted Display Optical Component Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Head-mounted devices with forward-facing displays face challenges in protecting optical components such as cameras and light sources from external light, which can cause damage and visibility issues.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of shutter systems between the display cover layer and optical components, actuated by mechanisms to selectively block light, along with removable covers having different optical properties to protect both the display and optical components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a removable cover is used to protect the display cover layer, then the display is protected from damage, but the optical components remain exposed to external light causing damage and visibility issues
Solution Approach 1:
The protective cover is divided into multiple portions with different optical properties. The first portion (clear area) covers the active display area, while the second portion (opaque area) covers the optical components in the inactive border area. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function: the clear portion protects the display while maintaining visibility, and the opaque portion protects optical components from external light exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
Different areas of the protective cover have different optical properties tailored to their specific needs. The clear area portion allows light transmission for display visibility, while the opaque area portion blocks light to protect optical components. This local differentiation of properties ensures optimal protection for each component without compromising overall device functionality.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If shutter systems are provided to selectively block light from optical components, then optical components are protected from external light, but the device complexity increases due to additional actuators and moving parts
Solution Approach 1:
The light-blocking function is extracted from the complex shutter mechanism and integrated into the protective cover itself. The opaque area of the cover permanently blocks light from optical components when the device is not in use, eliminating the need for complex movable shutters and actuators. This extraction simplifies the device while maintaining protection of optical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective cover with opaque areas is positioned in advance to block light from optical components before the device is activated. When the device is not in use, the cover automatically provides protection without requiring any active shutter mechanism. This preliminary positioning of the protective structure eliminates the need for complex real-time light blocking mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If filters and ancillary lenses are moved into and out of place with actuators, then optical configurations are adjustable, but the device complexity and number of moving parts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The protective cover is combined with the display assembly structure, integrating the light-blocking function into an existing component rather than adding separate shutter mechanisms. The cover's opaque area works in conjunction with the display's inactive border area to provide automatic protection, merging multiple functions into a single integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective cover automatically provides light blocking functionality through its opaque area when the device is not in use, without requiring external actuators or control systems. The structural design itself provides the protection, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for additional complexity in actuator mechanisms.
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 solution effectively protects the optical components from external light, preventing damage and ensuring the components remain hidden from view when not in use, while also allowing for adjustable optical configurations.
Implementation Method 1
The removable cover may have a clear area that covers the active area of the forward-facing display and may have a visible-light-blocking-and-infrared-light-transmitting portion that covers the optical components under the border of the display cover layer
Data Source
AI summary
A head-mounted device may have a head-mounted housing. The head-mounted housing may have rear-facing displays that display images for a user. The images are viewable from eye boxes while the head-mounted device is being worn by the user. A publicly viewable front-facing display may be mounted on a front face of the head-mounted housing. A display cover layer may overlap a pixel array associated with the front-facing display. An inactive border area of the display cover layer may overlap optical components. Shutter systems may be provided between the display cover layer and the optical components to selectively block light. Actuators may move shutter members or other movable members to cover and uncover the optical components. A removable cover may be used to protect the display cover layer and may have portions in different areas that have different optical properties.