Modular AR Unit Attaching to Existing Eyewear Frames
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current augmented reality (AR) eyewear is bulky, heavy, expensive, and lacks fashion appeal, limiting consumer choice and acceptance due to increased cost and weight from integrating electronics into eyeglass frames.
Innovation Solution
A modular AR system that attaches to existing eyewear frames, using a flexible and adjustable design with a see-through OLED optical combiner positioned above the pupil line, allowing for unobstructed vision and compatibility with various frame styles, reducing the need for multiple AR Unit designs to fit most eyewear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electronics are integrated into the eyeglass frame, then augmented reality functionality is achieved, but weight increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The AR system is divided into separate modules that can be attached to or removed from the eyeglass frame. The electronic components (light engine, optical engine, battery) are housed in a detachable AR unit that couples to the frame via magnetic or mechanical interfaces, allowing the frame itself to remain lightweight while providing full AR functionality when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The heavy electronic components are extracted from the eyeglass frame structure and placed in a separate attachable unit. This allows the frame to maintain its original lightweight construction while the AR functionality is provided by an external module that can be coupled to the frame when needed.
2Reliability
If electronics are integrated into the eyeglass frame, then augmented reality functionality is achieved, but cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The AR unit is designed as a universal module that can be attached to multiple different eyeglass frame styles and sizes. A single AR unit design can interface with various frames through standardized magnetic or mechanical coupling mechanisms, allowing consumers to keep their existing frames and only purchase the AR module, thereby reducing overall system cost.
Solution Approach 2:
By separating the expensive electronic components into a modular AR unit, the system allows consumers to invest only in the AR module rather than purchasing an entirely new integrated eyeglass system. This segmentation enables cost-effective adoption where users can retain their existing frames.
3Reliability
If electronics are integrated into the eyeglass frame, then augmented reality functionality is achieved, but fashion selection is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The AR unit is designed to be compatible with a wide variety of eyeglass frame styles, sizes, and colors. Through universal magnetic or mechanical coupling interfaces, a single AR unit can be attached to numerous different frame configurations, allowing consumers to maintain their fashion preferences while adding AR functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachable AR unit can be dynamically coupled to or decoupled from different frames, allowing consumers to switch between fashion styles by changing frames while keeping the same AR unit, or to add AR functionality to any frame they choose without being locked into a specific design.
4Area of stationary object
If the optical combiner is positioned to provide unobstructed vision, then field of view is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical combiner is positioned in the vertical dimension above the pupil line rather than in the horizontal field of view path. This vertical placement allows the combiner to project AR images into the upper visual field while leaving the central horizontal field of view unobstructed, enabling natural vision and AR overlay simultaneously without complex optical routing.
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 multiple AR Unit designs to a wide range of eyewear frames, enhancing user acceptance and reducing production costs through modular design and efficient component placement.
Implementation Method 1
a see-through OLED optical combiner positioned above the pupil line
Data Source
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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.