Opacity Filter for Augmented Reality Virtual Image Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Augmented reality systems face challenges in effectively overlaying virtual objects on real objects, particularly in masking real objects or adding virtual images that appear to be part of the scene, while blocking the view of real objects behind them.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses sensors to scan and model the environment, allowing virtual images to be projected onto real objects using a head-mounted display device with an opacity filter to selectively block light, enabling the virtual image to appear as if it is part of the real scene, while allowing direct viewing of real objects through the display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If virtual images are projected onto real objects using a head-mounted display device, then the virtual images can be seen in the field of view, but the real objects behind them remain visible which reduces the realism of the augmented reality effect
Solution Approach 1:
The display device is segmented into multiple functional components: a display element for showing virtual images, and an opacity filter aligned with the display element to selectively block light. This segmentation allows independent control of virtual image projection and real object visibility, enabling the filter to darken specific areas where virtual images are projected while leaving other areas transparent for viewing real objects.
Solution Approach 2:
The opacity filter applies local quality control by selectively darkening only the specific areas of the field of view where virtual images are projected, while maintaining transparency in other areas. This localized light blocking enhances the realism of virtual objects at their projection locations without completely obscuring the real world environment, resolving the contradiction between virtual image visibility and real object visibility.
2Illumination intensity
If an opacity filter is used to darken areas where virtual images are projected, then the virtual images become more visible and real objects behind them are harder to see, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The opacity filter is merged with the display element in a coordinated arrangement where the filter is aligned with the display element. This merging allows the filter to be controlled in conjunction with the virtual image projection, darkening areas where virtual images are projected while maintaining overall system integration. The filter and display work together as a unified system to enhance virtual image visibility without requiring completely separate control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The opacity filter acts as an intermediary element between the display element and the user's eye. It selectively modulates the light from the display element and ambient light in the field of view, allowing control over the visibility of both virtual images and real objects. This intermediary component enables fine-tuned adjustment of illumination intensity without requiring complex control systems.
3Reliability
If the system projects virtual images to replace real objects, then the augmented reality effect is enhanced, but the ability to view the real world environment is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The opacity filter provides dynamic control over light blocking, allowing the system to adjust the degree of darkening in response to different viewing conditions and virtual image requirements. This dynamic adjustment enables the filter to enhance virtual image visibility when needed while maintaining sufficient transparency for real world viewing, creating a flexible system that can adapt to different augmented reality scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the optical parameters of the display path by introducing the opacity filter with variable light blocking properties. By adjusting the opacity level of the filter in different regions, the system can control the balance between virtual image enhancement and real world visibility, modifying the transmission characteristics without fundamentally changing the display architecture.
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 seamless integration of virtual content with real content, allowing virtual images to convincingly replace or augment real objects, enhancing the augmented reality experience by improving visibility and realism of virtual objects over real ones.
Implementation Method 1
a filter, in alignment with the display element, to selectively block light to the display element. This allows the system to darken the area where the virtual image is to be projected, thereby making it easier to see the virtual image and harder to see the real world object(s) behind the virtual image
Data Source
AI summary
A system that includes a head mounted display device and a processing unit connected to the head mounted display device is used to fuse virtual content into real content. In one embodiment, the processing unit is in communication with a hub computing device. The system creates a volumetric model of a space, segments the model into objects, identifies one or more of the objects including a first object, and displays a virtual image over the first object on a display (of the head mounted display) that allows actual direct viewing of at least a portion of the space through the display.