Head-worn Computing Spatial Content Presentation via Nested Optical Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wearable computing systems face challenges in effectively presenting spatially relevant virtual content to users in a way that integrates seamlessly with their environment, requiring innovative optical and control technologies to provide high-resolution, context-aware displays while maintaining a lightweight and compact design.
Innovation Solution
The development of head-worn computing systems that incorporate advanced optical modules, such as DLP and TIR wedge configurations, combined with contextual control technologies, to deliver high-resolution digital content overlaid on the user's view of the environment, utilizing sensors and external interfaces for gesture recognition and network connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If advanced optical modules (DLP, TIR wedge) are incorporated to deliver high-resolution digital content, then display resolution and content quality are improved, but device weight and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple optical components (DLP chip, TIR wedge, combiner) into a nested configuration where the DLP chip is positioned within the optical module, the TIR wedge is integrated into the same housing, and the combiner is layered in the optical path. This nesting approach allows high-resolution display components to be compactly arranged, minimizing the overall device volume and weight while maintaining advanced display capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions into integrated components: the optical module merges the DLP display engine, TIR wedge for light redirection, and combiner for augmented reality overlay into a single unified assembly. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components, thereby decreasing overall device weight and complexity while delivering high-resolution spatially relevant content
2Manufacturing precision
If advanced optical modules (DLP, TIR wedge) are incorporated to deliver high-resolution digital content, then display resolution and content quality are improved, but device structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical system into distinct functional modules: a DLP-based display engine module, a TIR wedge module for light redirection, and a combiner module for AR overlay. Each module is independently optimized and can be manufactured separately, then assembled into the final head-worn device. This segmentation reduces manufacturing complexity while enabling high-resolution display performance
Solution Approach 2:
The optical module is designed as a multi-functional unit that simultaneously performs display generation (DLP), light redirection (TIR wedge), and augmented reality overlay (combiner). This universal design consolidates multiple optical functions into a single integrated component, reducing the overall system complexity compared to having separate components for each function
3Adaptability or versatility
If contextual control technologies and sensors are added for gesture recognition and network connectivity, then user interaction capability is improved, but device weight and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical control interfaces (buttons, switches) with gesture recognition technology that uses sensors to detect hand and body movements. This substitution eliminates the need for physical control components, reducing device weight and complexity while enhancing user interaction capability through contextual awareness of user gestures
4Adaptability or versatility
If contextual control technologies and sensors are added for gesture recognition and network connectivity, then user interaction capability is improved, but device structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces sensors as intermediary components that mediate between the user's physical gestures and the digital control system. These sensors capture gesture data and translate it into control commands, providing a bridge that simplifies the interaction architecture. This intermediary approach reduces control system complexity compared to direct mechanical interfaces while enhancing user interaction versatility
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 interact with spatially relevant virtual content in a context-aware manner, enhancing immersion and usability while maintaining a lightweight and compact form factor, allowing for efficient control through gestures and network interactions.
Implementation Method 1
TIR wedge configurations
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present invention relate presentation of digital content, in a see-through display, representing a known location in an environment proximate to a head worn computer.