Mixed Reality Headset Electro-Optical Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current head mount displays (HMDs) struggle to seamlessly switch between virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) modes, often blocking natural views or limiting field of view, and rely on mechanical flip mechanisms that are not user-friendly for great experiences.
Innovation Solution
A mixed reality (MR) HMD apparatus with an optical structure and display structure controlled by electrical signals, using variable wave plates to switch between transparent and magnifying glass modes for natural and virtual views, and between opaque and transparent display modes, allowing flexible switching between AR and VR modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a VR HMD uses high power magnifier-like optics to achieve wide field of view for virtual images, then the field of view is improved, but the natural views are distorted
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system dynamically switches between VR mode (magnifier-like optics for wide FOV) and AR mode (transparent glass optics for undistorted natural views) based on operational requirements, allowing the same device to optimize for different viewing conditions without permanent distortion
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the HMD by switching between different optical configurations - using high power magnifier-like optics when VR mode is needed and transparent glass optics when AR mode is needed, thereby adjusting the field of view and distortion characteristics according to the mode
2Adaptability or versatility
If a VR HMD blocks natural views to create immersive experience, then the immersive experience is improved, but the natural view access is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The HMD dynamically adjusts its optical configuration between VR mode (blocking natural views for immersion) and AR mode (allowing natural views for augmented reality), enabling the system to provide immersive experience when needed while restoring natural view access when AR functionality is required
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the HMD universal by integrating both VR and AR capabilities in a single device, allowing it to function as an immersive VR headset when needed and as an augmented reality viewer when needed, thereby providing both immersive experience and natural view access at different times
3Illumination intensity
If an AR HMD requires unblocked natural views, then the natural view access is improved, but the field of view for augmented views is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system dynamically switches between AR mode (transparent glass optics for unblocked natural views) and VR mode (magnifier-like optics for wide FOV), allowing the HMD to provide unblocked natural views when AR is active while achieving wide field of view for augmented views when VR is active
4Device complexity
If simple mechanical flip up/flip down mechanisms are used to switch between VR and AR modes, then the device complexity is reduced, but the user experience is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces simple mechanical flip mechanisms with an electro-optical switching system that uses electrical signals to control the optical configuration, providing smoother and more reliable mode transitions while maintaining ease of operation through electronic control interfaces
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 seamless and user-friendly experience by providing a wide field of view for both AR and VR modes without blocking natural views, using electrical signal control for flexible mode switching, enhancing user experience.
Implementation Method 1
The optical structure may include a first variable wave plate, the optical structure may be controlled by a first electrical signal to act as a transparent glass to present a natural view, or to act as a magnifying glass to present a virtual view
Implementation Method 2
The display structure may include a second variable wave plate, the display structure may be controlled by a second electrical signal to act as an opaque display or a transparent display
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus, systems, or methods for mixed reality are disclosed herein. An apparatus may include an optical structure, a display structure, and a controller coupled to the optical structure and the display structure. The optical structure may be controlled by a first electrical signal to act as a transparent glass to present a natural view, or to act as a magnifying glass to present a virtual view. The display structure may be controlled by a second electrical signal to act as an opaque display or a transparent display. In addition, the controller may control the apparatus to operate in at least an AR mode to interlace the natural view and the virtual view. Other embodiments may also be described and claimed.