Modular Head-Mounted Display with Interchangeable Optical Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wearable personal display systems lack modularity and versatility in presenting 3D images, with limited options for interacting real and virtual content effectively, and have constraints in lifespan and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A modular personal display system comprising a head-wearable frame with interchangeable side and front pieces, incorporating active emissive elements and transmissive portions for 3D effects, along with modular design and detachable OLED displays for extended functionality and easy maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed integrated design is used for personal display systems, then manufacturing and initial setup are simplified, but the system lacks versatility and cannot be easily updated or maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The personal display system is divided into separate modular components including interchangeable side pieces, front pieces, and detachable OLED displays. Each module can be independently selected, replaced, or updated to provide different functionality (e.g., different 3D viewing modes, display types) without affecting the entire system, thus achieving versatility while managing complexity through standardized interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame structure is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple types of side pieces and front pieces with different optical characteristics and display technologies. This allows a single base system to support various 3D presentation modes (polarized, spectral separation, active shutter) and display types (OLED, LCD, transparent displays) through interchangeable modules.
2Ease of repair
If components are made detachable and modular, then ease of maintenance and updates is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The display system is segmented into independently replaceable modules (side pieces, front pieces, OLED displays) that can be detached and replaced without specialized tools or complex procedures. Each module is designed with standardized connection interfaces that simplify assembly and disassembly, making maintenance and updates accessible to end users while the modular architecture manages overall system complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If modular components are introduced for extended functionality, then adaptability and lifespan are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Manufacturing is simplified by producing individual modular components (side pieces, front pieces, displays) separately using optimized processes for each module type, rather than assembling a complex integrated unit. This allows parallel production of modules and simplifies quality control, while standardized interfaces ensure compatibility across different module combinations.
Solution Approach 2:
A universal frame structure and standardized connection interfaces are manufactured once and reused across multiple module configurations, reducing overall manufacturing complexity. The modular design allows the same base components to support various display technologies and 3D viewing modes, extending functionality without proportionally increasing manufacturing complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If interchangeable optical pieces are used for 3D effects, then versatility in user experience is improved, but alignment precision and optical quality may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is segmented into modular components with built-in alignment features such as mechanical guides, registration marks, and precision-machined mounting surfaces. These features ensure consistent optical alignment when modules are assembled or replaced, maintaining optical quality while allowing users to interchange different optical pieces for varied 3D viewing experiences.
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
Enables a wide range of user experiences with immersive 3D digital cinema, high-definition video, and interactive real-world and virtual content, with modular design allowing for easy updates and extended lifespan through detachable components.
Implementation Method 1
leveraging polarization effects, spectral separation effects
Implementation Method 2
leveraging polarization effects, spectral separation effects
Implementation Method 3
active emissive elements; detachable OLED displays
Data Source
AI summary
Several embodiments of a personal display systems that comprises modular and extensible features to affect a range of user/wearer/viewer experiences. In one embodiment, the personal display system comprises a frame, said frame formed to fit and mount the head of a viewer; at least one optical piece, said at least one optical piece comprising at least a portion of a plurality of active emissive elements; at least one side piece, said side piece capable of being mated to said frame; and further wherein at least one said side piece comprising components sufficient to interact with images intended to comprise a view of said viewer. In another embodiment, a front piece may be mated to the frame of the personal display system wherein such front piece may comprise a transmissive portion affecting some form of modulation of the light being transmitted there through.