Head Mounted Display Dynamic Optical Element for VR AR Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing head-mounted displays face challenges in seamlessly switching between Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) modes due to difficulties in blocking or transmitting external light, which affects the visual recognition of display images, particularly in Mixed Reality (MR) mode where both modes are used interchangeably.
Innovation Solution
A head-mounted display design featuring a dual optical element system with reflection and light-transmittance adjustment portions, utilizing liquid crystal layers and polarizers to control the transmittance and reflectance of external light based on electrical signals, allowing for dynamic switching between VR and AR modes by adjusting the alignment of liquid crystal molecules to manage light transmission and reflection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a mirror is used to reflect display element light to the viewer, then AR mode is enabled, but external light cannot be blocked for VR mode
Solution Approach 1:
The optical element is designed with dynamic switching capability between reflection and light transmission states. By applying or removing voltage, the optical element can switch between reflecting display light (AR mode) and transmitting external light (VR mode), enabling adaptable display mode switching while controlling external light interference in each mode
Solution Approach 2:
The optical element's optical parameters (reflectance and transmittance) are changed by applying voltage. In AR mode, the optical element has high reflectance to display element light; in VR mode, the voltage state changes to high transmittance for external light. This parameter change enables the same component to serve different display modes effectively
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a display panel is used to block external light for VR mode, then VR mode is enabled, but AR mode becomes difficult to implement
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of a static display panel that permanently blocks light, the invention uses a dynamic optical element that can switch between blocking and transmitting states. When voltage is applied, it blocks external light for VR mode; when voltage is removed, it transmits light for AR mode, enabling both modes with a single flexible component
Solution Approach 2:
The optical element serves multiple functions: it acts as a light blocker for VR mode and as a light reflector for AR mode. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate components for each display mode, providing adaptability while managing external light interference
3Adaptability or versatility
If a mirror transmits external light for AR mode, then AR mode is enabled, but visual recognition of display element light is reduced in VR mode
Solution Approach 1:
The optical element dynamically adjusts its optical properties based on the desired display mode. For AR mode, it transmits external light while maintaining display light reflection capability. For VR mode, it blocks external light to maximize display light visibility, eliminating the compromise of partial transmission
Solution Approach 2:
The transmittance parameter of the optical element is changed by voltage control. In AR mode, the transmittance is high for external light; in VR mode, the transmittance is low to block external light and enhance display light visibility. This parameter control resolves the contradiction between AR functionality and VR visibility
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 improved performance by allowing seamless switching between VR and AR modes, enhancing visual recognition of display images while minimizing external light interference, thus supporting a wide range of display applications including MR mode.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing liquid crystal layers and polarizers to control the transmittance and reflectance of external light based on electrical signals, allowing for dynamic switching between VR and AR modes by adjusting the alignment of liquid crystal molecules
Implementation Method 2
utilizing liquid crystal layers and polarizers to control the transmittance and reflectance of external light
Implementation Method 3
Each of the first optical element portion and the second optical element portion of the second portion includes a reflection portion that reflects light emitted from the first display element or the second display element
Data Source
AI summary
A head mounted display includes a first display element and a second display element that emit light to a second portion. A first portion includes a first opening and a second opening separating from the first opening. The second portion includes a first optical element portion facing the first opening in a first direction and a second optical element portion facing the second opening in the first direction. Each of the first optical element portion and the second optical element portion of the second portion includes a reflection portion reflecting light emitted from the first display element or the second display element and a light-transmittance adjustment portion controlling a transmittance of external light travelling from the second portion toward the first portion on the basis of a signal that is output from a light-transmittance control circuit. The reflection portion is arranged between the light-transmittance adjustment portion and the first portion.