HMD Head Orientation Tracking for Mixed Reality
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current head-mountable display (HMD) systems either obscure the user's view of the real world or require complex optical arrangements for see-through functionality, lacking in seamless integration of virtual and real-world environments for immersive experiences.
Innovation Solution
The HMD system incorporates a frame with display elements positioned in front of the eyes, using optical components to create a virtual image at a relaxed viewing distance, and optionally includes a camera for capturing real-world views, allowing for partial transparency or projection of external environments, along with motion sensing and image processing to track head movements and adjust the displayed viewpoint accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If display devices are positioned directly in front of the user's eyes to provide virtual reality content, then immersion in virtual environment is improved, but user's view of the real world is obscured
Solution Approach 1:
The display system is segmented into multiple display devices (e.g., left and right eye displays) that can be independently controlled. This allows different content to be presented to each eye, enabling selective presentation of virtual reality content while maintaining the ability to switch to real-world viewing when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The HMD system dynamically switches between displaying virtual reality content and allowing real-world view based on detected head movements or user interaction. The display elements can be selectively activated or deactivated, creating a dynamic viewing experience that adapts to user needs and resolves the contradiction between immersion and real-world awareness.
2Ease of operation
If optical components are used to create virtual image at relaxed viewing distance, then viewing comfort is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using complex optical components to create virtual images at distance, the system uses display elements that directly present images at comfortable viewing distances. The optical complexity is replaced by computational methods and direct-display technology, maintaining viewing comfort while reducing mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical optical systems (lenses, mirrors, waveguides) with electronically controlled display elements. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity while maintaining or improving viewing comfort through electronic adjustment of display parameters.
3Loss of information
If display devices are positioned away from user's eyes to allow real-world view, then real-world awareness is improved, but immersion in virtual content deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the position and activation state of display elements based on user behavior and context. When virtual immersion is needed, displays activate and position themselves optimally; when real-world awareness is needed, displays deactivate or reduce intensity, allowing seamless transition between immersion modes and real-world viewing.
Solution Approach 2:
The same display elements serve multiple functions: they can provide immersive virtual reality content when activated, and allow real-world view when deactivated or dimmed. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making a single system capable of both immersion and awareness rather than requiring separate systems.
4Adaptability or versatility
If motion sensing and image processing are implemented to track head movements, then seamless integration of virtual and real environments is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback loops where motion sensors detect head movements, the control system processes this information, and the display elements adjust accordingly in real-time. This feedback mechanism enables seamless integration of virtual and real environments by continuously adapting the displayed content to match user head position and orientation, creating a cohesive immersive experience.
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 a more immersive experience by seamlessly integrating virtual and real-world environments, allowing users to focus on virtual content while maintaining awareness of their surroundings, with improved comfort and reduced bulkiness through efficient placement of display components and motion tracking.
Implementation Method 1
a display element providing a virtual image of a video display
Implementation Method 2
a partially reflective mirror placed in front of the user's eyes so as to allow the user to see through the mirror but also to see a reflection of the output of the display devices
Implementation Method 3
a waveguide arrangement employing total internal reflection is used to convey a displayed image from a display device disposed to the side of the user's head
Data Source
AI summary
A virtual reality apparatus includes a head mountable display (HMD); a detector to detect a deviation of a current orientation of the HMD from a base orientation of the HMD; and a generator to generate content for presentation to the wearer of the HMD to prompt the wearer of the HMD to turn his head so as to change the orientation of the HMD towards the base orientation.