Modular Headphone VR Platform with Interchangeable Pucks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current VR/AR devices are limited by their monolithic design, leading to issues with size, weight, battery life, and upgradeability, as well as requiring users to replace the entire device for upgrades or changes in functionality.
Innovation Solution
A modular headphone-based platform with interchangeable 'pucks' that can include various components such as light field/image capturing elements, projectors, sensors, and processors, allowing users to customize and upgrade their VR/AR experience without replacing the entire device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If VR/AR devices include more functionality, then the quality of experience is improved, but the device becomes heavy and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The VR/AR device is divided into a base unit and separate functional modules (pucks) that can be attached or detached. Each puck provides specific functionality (e.g., positional tracking, head tracking, audio processing), allowing users to select only the modules they need for each use case, thereby reducing overall device weight while maintaining versatility.
2Reliability
If VR/AR devices are highly integrated, then system reliability is improved, but upgradeability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains reliable integrated communication through a standardized interface protocol between the base unit and pucks, while physically segmenting the device into upgradeable modules. Users can replace individual pucks to upgrade functionality without affecting the core system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
A universal mounting interface and communication protocol are designed to work across different puck types and generations. This allows the base unit to reliably interface with various functional modules, enabling upgrades while maintaining system coherence and reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the entire VR/AR device is replaced for upgrades, then functionality is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the device into a reusable base unit and replaceable pucks, users only need to invest in individual functional modules when upgrading, rather than replacing the entire expensive device. This significantly reduces the cost of functionality upgrades.
4Device complexity
If functionality is limited to components within the device, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The base unit incorporates a universal interface and processing capability that can work with multiple types of pucks and external devices. This allows the system to expand functionality through simple module attachment rather than requiring complex integrated components for each function.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a device comprising a headband portion configured to fit atop a user's head; an ear piece portion physically and communicatively coupled to one end of the headband portion; a modular processing device communicatively coupled to the ear piece portion wherein the modular processing device is configured to be physically detached and attached from ear piece portion; an arm portion connected to the ear piece portion and configured to facilitate data communications between the modular processing device and a virtual reality or augmented reality display portion.