See-Through HMD Selective Optical Filtering for Confidentiality
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Solution Overview
Problem
See-through head-mounted devices (HMDs) face challenges in maintaining confidentiality of displayed information and aesthetics, as the display system is often visible to outside observers, compromising both confidentiality and appearance.
Innovation Solution
The integration of selective optical filtering means, such as a high-reflection coating, into the see-through element of HMDs, which at least partially hides the display system from outside observers while retaining transparency for the wearer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the display system is made visible for the wearer, then information content can be viewed, but confidentiality is compromised as outside observers can also view it
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies selective optical filtering means with different properties at different locations and for different directions. The filtering means allows the wearer to see the display content clearly while blocking outside observers from viewing the same content, creating location-specific and direction-specific optical properties that resolve the confidentiality contradiction
Solution Approach 2:
The selective optical filtering means acts as an intermediary between the display system and external observers. This intermediary selectively transmits or blocks light based on its optical properties, allowing the wearer to view information while preventing outside observers from seeing the display content, thus protecting confidentiality without affecting wearer access
2Loss of information
If the display system is made visible, then information can be displayed, but aesthetic appeal deteriorates as the system becomes visible to outside observers
Solution Approach 1:
The selective optical filtering means creates different visual appearances for different observers. For the wearer, the display is clearly visible, while for outside observers, the filtering means makes the display system aesthetically pleasing or invisible, thus achieving both information display and aesthetic appeal simultaneously through location-specific optical properties
3Loss of information
If selective optical filtering means is added to hide the display system, then confidentiality and aesthetics improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The selective optical filtering means serves multiple functions simultaneously: it protects confidentiality by blocking outside observers, maintains aesthetic appeal, and allows the wearer to view display content clearly. This multi-functional component resolves the contradiction by achieving multiple goals with a single integrated solution rather than separate systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in optical parameters such as wavelength selectivity, polarization properties, or refractive index variations in the selective optical filtering means. By changing these physical parameters, the system achieves direction-dependent or observer-dependent optical properties that provide confidentiality without requiring complex mechanical or electronic systems
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
This solution effectively enhances the confidentiality and aesthetic appeal of HMDs by concealing the display system from external view while maintaining clear visibility of the real world for the wearer.
Implementation Method 1
the selective optical filtering means comprise a high-reflection coating provided at the front of the ophthalmic corrective lens... R1: reflection rate of incident light stemming from the wearer's environment, on the front side (F) of the high-reflection coating
Implementation Method 2
the optical filter that blocks at least one wavelength of the emission spectrum of the light source, to at least partially hide the information content displayed by said display system
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to methods and systems for augmented reality. The invention more particularly provides head-mounted devices for the display and visualization of computer-generated information content by a wearer. The invention further provides related methods and uses.