Head Mounted Display Using Optical Fiber for Weight Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current virtual reality head-mounted displays (HMDs) are hindered by the weight and discomfort caused by positioning display or projection hardware in front of the user's eyes, which distracts from the immersive experience.
Innovation Solution
A head-mounted display apparatus with a frame supporting a projection surface adjacent to the eye, using a non-fused optical fiber bundle to transmit images from a remote source, positioned near the temple with a light path forming an angle of less than or equal to 45 degrees, and incorporating a projection mapper and accelerometer to adjust images for undistortion and orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If display or projection hardware is positioned in front of the wearer's eyes, then the HMD can present images directly to the eyes, but the weight of the HMD increases and comfort decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the heavy projection hardware from the HMD by using optical fibers to transmit images remotely. The projection device is positioned away from the HMD, and images are transmitted through flexible optical fibers to a projection surface near the eye, eliminating the need for heavy components in front of the wearer's face.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical fibers as an intermediary medium to transmit images from a remote projection device to the projection surface near the eye. This intermediary allows the projection hardware to be positioned remotely while still achieving direct eye presentation, resolving the weight issue.
2Reliability
If display or projection hardware is positioned in front of the wearer's eyes, then the HMD can present images directly to the eyes, but the HMD becomes less comfortable for extended wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the uncomfortable projection hardware from the HMD structure by using optical fiber transmission. The heavy components are extracted and positioned remotely, leaving only lightweight optical elements and projection surface near the eye, significantly improving wearability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical projection system (lenses, light sources, and housing) with an optical fiber-based transmission system. This substitution eliminates bulky mechanical components from the HMD, making it more comfortable for extended wear while maintaining image presentation capability.
3Reliability
If traditional display systems are used in the HMD, then images can be presented to the eyes, but the bulk of the system distracts from the immersive virtual environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex projection hardware from the HMD by using optical fibers for image transmission. The projection device, light sources, and processing components are positioned remotely, leaving the HMD with only essential lightweight elements near the eye, reducing structural complexity and distraction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical fibers as an intermediary to simplify the HMD structure. Instead of integrating all projection components directly into the HMD, the optical fibers serve as a simple transmission medium that connects remote components to the eye, dramatically reducing device complexity.
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
Reduces the weight of the HMD by remotely positioning image generation components, enhancing user comfort and immersion by maintaining a realistic virtual environment without the bulk of traditional display systems.
Implementation Method 1
at least one non-fused optical fiber bundle coupled at a first end to the at least one projection device, the at least one optical fiber bundle configured to transmit an optical image to the projection device
Implementation Method 2
a light path from the at least one projection device extends in a first direction towards the projection surface, and reflects in a second direction towards an eye of the user
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and a system are disclosed for a head mounted display utilizing fiber optic cables to feed a projection device. The apparatus includes a head mounted display (HMD) that includes a frame supporting at least one projection surface, the frame configured to maintain the at least one projection surface in a position adjacent to and viewable by at least one eye of a user. The apparatus also includes at least one projection device coupled to the frame and configured to project an image onto the at least one projection surface. The fiber optic cable may be coupled at a first end to the at least one projection device, and at a second end to a remote image source.