Modular AR System for Eyewear Using Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current augmented reality (AR) eyewear is bulky, heavy, and expensive, lacking fashion appeal and versatility in design to fit various eyewear frame styles and sizes, which limits consumer choice and increases cost.
Innovation Solution
A modular AR system that attaches to existing eyewear frames, featuring a flexible and adjustable design with a compressible material and optical combiner positioned above the pupil line, allowing for unobstructed vision and compatibility with multiple frame styles, reducing weight and cost through a detachable and rechargeable electronic module.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If AR electronics are built into the eyeglass frame, then AR functionality is achieved, but weight, cost, and thickness increase while fashion selection decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The AR system is divided into separate modular components: an optical module with light engine and waveguide, electronic modules with displays and processors, and mounting structures. These can be attached to or removed from the eyewear frame, allowing the base eyewear to remain lightweight while AR functionality is added only when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular AR system is designed to be compatible with multiple different eyewear frame styles and sizes through universal mounting mechanisms. The same AR module can be attached to various frames, providing AR functionality across different fashion options without requiring separate integrated designs for each frame style.
2Adaptability or versatility
If AR electronics are built into the eyeglass frame, then AR functionality is achieved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the AR system into separate modules (optical, electronic, mounting), each component can be manufactured independently using optimized processes and then assembled. This reduces tooling costs and allows for economies of scale in producing individual modules that can be attached to multiple frame styles.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal mounting mechanism allows a single AR module design to serve multiple eyewear frame styles, eliminating the need to manufacture separate integrated AR systems for each frame type. This significantly reduces development and manufacturing costs while expanding market appeal.
3Adaptability or versatility
If AR electronics are built into the eyeglass frame, then AR functionality is achieved, but fashion selection decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The separation of AR components from the eyewear frame allows consumers to choose their favorite frame styles independently from the AR technology. The modular AR unit can be attached to any frame, preserving the full range of fashion options while adding functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal mounting system enables the same AR module to be compatible with numerous different frame styles, sizes, and designs. This provides consumers with extensive fashion selection while ensuring AR functionality works across all options.
4Area of stationary object
If optical combiner is positioned to provide unobstructed vision, then field of view is improved, but AR display alignment becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The optical combiner is pre-aligned and fixed within the optical module housing during module assembly, ensuring proper alignment before attachment to the eyewear. This preliminary alignment simplifies the final assembly process and ensures consistent optical performance across different frame styles.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical module housing serves as an intermediary structure that maintains precise alignment between the waveguide, displays, and optical elements. This rigid housing acts as a reference frame that ensures proper optical alignment while allowing the entire module to be positioned to provide unobstructed vision.
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
The solution provides a lightweight, cost-effective, and fashionably versatile AR experience by fitting most eyewear frame styles, ensuring unobstructed vision and enhanced user comfort while maintaining the functionality of augmented reality features.
Implementation Method 1
a compressible material and optical combiner positioned above the pupil line
Data Source
AI summary
An Augmented Reality apparatus is provided, whereby the apparatus utilizes existing eyewear as an attachment platform, and the apparatus is attachable to and detachable from a plurality of different eyewear having different shapes and sizes, whereby a portion of the apparatus rests on the top of the eyewear, and whereby the apparatus provides fully or mostly unobstructed vision when the wearer is looking straight ahead.