Individual Viewing in Shared Mixed Reality With Multi-Plane Focus
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing VR, AR, and MR technologies face challenges in providing realistic depth perception and comfortable viewing experiences due to mismatches between accommodation and vergence, leading to eye strain and discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A wearable system that tracks user eye vergence and accommodation to dynamically adjust the focus of projected virtual content, using multi-plane or variable focus systems to ensure images are in focus at the correct depth, reducing eye strain and enhancing 3D perception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional fixed-focus display systems are used, then device complexity is reduced, but depth perception accuracy deteriorates due to accommodation-vergence mismatch
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a variable focus optical system that dynamically adjusts the focal plane based on the depth of virtual content being displayed. The optical engine can shift focus between multiple depth planes (e.g., near, intermediate, far) to match the vergence demand of different virtual objects, resolving the accommodation-vergence mismatch while maintaining manageable complexity through controlled dynamic adjustment rather than continuous variable focus
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the visual field into multiple discrete depth planes, each with a dedicated focal setting. Instead of attempting continuous focus adjustment, the system segments the depth space into distinct layers (e.g., 0.5m, 1m, 2m, 4m) and assigns appropriate focus settings to each, simplifying the optical control while improving depth perception accuracy for virtual content at different distances
2Object-affected harmful factors
If multi-plane focus systems are implemented, then eye strain is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates eye tracking feedback to determine the user's vergence state and automatically adjusts the focal plane accordingly. The system monitors where the user is looking and shifts focus to match the depth of the fixated virtual object, reducing eye strain through adaptive focus control while using straightforward feedback loops that are relatively easy to manufacture and integrate
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameter of focal length dynamically to match the depth of displayed content. By adjusting the focus parameter in response to content depth and user gaze, the system reduces accommodation-vergence conflict and eye strain while using well-established optical adjustment mechanisms that are manufacturable with current technology
3Ease of operation
If variable focus optical systems are used, then viewing comfort is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a variable focus optical system that dynamically adjusts the focal plane based on the depth of virtual content being displayed. The optical engine can shift focus between multiple depth planes (e.g., near, intermediate, far) to match the vergence demand of different virtual objects, resolving the accommodation-vergence mismatch while maintaining manageable complexity through controlled dynamic adjustment rather than continuous variable focus
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single optical engine that can handle both display and focus adjustment operations. The same optical components used to project virtual images are also used to adjust the focal plane, eliminating the need for separate focus adjustment mechanisms and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining viewing comfort
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A mixed reality virtual environment is sharable among multiple users through the use of multiple view modes that are selectable by a presenter. Multiple users may wish to view a common virtual object, such as one that is used for educational purposes, such as a piece of art in a museum, automobile, biological specimen, chemical compound, etc. The virtual object may be presented in a virtual room to any number of users. A presentation may be controlled by a presenter (e.g., a teacher of a class of students) that leads multiple participants (e.g., students) through information associated with the virtual object. Use of different viewing modes allows individual users to see different virtual content despite being in a shared viewing space or alternatively, to see the same virtual content in different locations within a shared space.