Head-Mounted Display Mode Switching for Planar Video

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing video display apparatuses worn on the head do not adequately address the display of planar videos, failing to provide suitable viewing experiences compared to conventional displays.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus with first and second display control sections and a switching control section, which allows for the display of planar videos in two modes: one where the video remains fixed in the front direction regardless of head movement, and another where it changes with head position and orientation, switching between modes based on given conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the planar video is displayed in a manner that changes with head position and orientation (second display mode), then the virtual reality experience is enhanced, but the planar video viewing experience deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevirtual reality experienceVSAvoidplanar video viewing experience
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic display system that automatically switches between first display mode (planar video mode) and second display mode (virtual reality mode) based on detected head motion. The switching control section monitors head motion magnitude and orientation change, and dynamically adjusts the display mode accordingly, allowing the system to adapt its behavior based on real-time user actions rather than being fixed in one mode.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the display parameter (display mode) based on the magnitude of head motion and orientation change. When head motion exceeds a predetermined threshold or orientation change exceeds a predetermined angle, the system transitions from first display mode to second display mode, and vice versa. This parameter-based switching allows the system to optimize between planar video viewing and virtual reality experience based on quantifiable motion parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If the planar video is displayed fixed in front direction (first display mode), then the planar video viewing experience is maintained, but the virtual reality experience is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplanar video viewing experienceVSAvoidvirtual reality experience
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between display modes based on real-time head motion detection. When the user performs significant head movements indicative of virtual reality interaction, the system transitions to second display mode to provide immersive VR experience. When head motion is minimal, the system maintains first display mode for optimal planar video viewing, thus adapting to user needs in real-time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The switching control section uses predetermined thresholds for head motion magnitude and orientation change to determine when to switch between display modes. By monitoring these parameters and comparing them against thresholds, the system intelligently transitions between first display mode and second display mode, optimizing the viewing experience based on actual user behavior patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If a single display mode is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different viewing scenarios is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay control structureVSAvoidviewing scenario adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal display system that can perform multiple functions through a single apparatus. The video display apparatus is capable of operating in both first display mode (for planar video viewing) and second display mode (for virtual reality experience) using the same hardware components. The switching control section enables this multi-functionality by selecting appropriate display modes based on detected head motion, allowing one device to serve multiple viewing scenarios without requiring separate dedicated devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20240380971A1Image display apparatus having a plurality of display modes
Publication Date: 2024.11.14 SONY INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT LLC
  • US20240380971A1 patent drawing
  • US20240380971A1 patent drawing
  • US20240380971A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Methods and apparatus provide for controlling an image display apparatus worn on a head of a user, including: producing a planar image representing virtual objects in a virtual world, wherein the planar image includes characteristics that enable the image display apparatus to be see-through that permits the user to visually recognize real world objects located in a real space within which the user is located in the planar image of the virtual world; and displaying the planar image on the image display apparatus in a display mode that changes a shape of the planar image as a function of a change in position and/or orientation of the image display apparatus, wherein the change in the shape of the planar image includes presenting the planar image in an orientation other than a front direction of the user.