Optical Base Station Rotation Plate for Stable VR Scanning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional optical base stations for virtual reality systems face challenges in scanning stability due to rotor misalignment and restricted scanning ranges, leading to increased volume and cost, as well as interference from circuitry and foreign particles.

Innovation Solution

The optical base station design fixes the input and output ends of the optical fiber on a rotation plate, ensuring the light beam is transmitted and output stably, with a rotation axis passing through the input end, allowing 360-degree scanning without vertical shifting and reducing volume by using a single rotation plate for dual light beams.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If two rotors and two light sources are used to scan space, then scanning coverage is improved, but device volume and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescanning coverageVSAvoiddevice volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines two separate rotors and two light sources into a single integrated optical system. A single rotor carries both light sources and performs scanning in two different directions, merging previously separate scanning functions into one unified structure, thereby reducing device volume while maintaining comprehensive scanning coverage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single rotor is designed to perform multiple scanning functions simultaneously by carrying two light sources that scan in different directions. This multi-functional design allows one component to replace what previously required two separate components, achieving both space saving and comprehensive scanning capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If rotors with reflectors are used for light beam scanning, then scanning capability is improved, but optical stability deteriorates due to misalignment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescanning capabilityVSAvoidoptical stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the reflector component from the optical system. By using a direct transmission path where light passes through the rotor without reflection, the system removes the source of misalignment errors and optical instability that plagued the reflector-based design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical reflection system with an optical transmission system. Instead of using mirrors and reflectors that require precise mechanical alignment, the design uses direct light transmission through the rotor, substituting a mechanically sensitive system with an optically robust one

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional optical base station design is used, then scanning function is achieved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescanning functionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple expensive components (two rotors, two light sources, multiple reflectors) into a single, simpler optical system. This consolidation reduces the bill of materials and assembly complexity, directly lowering manufacturing costs while preserving the essential scanning function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adopts a simpler, more cost-effective optical design that uses readily available components with straightforward assembly. The design prioritizes cost efficiency and ease of manufacture over complex, high-precision mechanical systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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

This design provides stable optical scanning with reduced volume and cost, preventing interference from circuitry and foreign particles, while maintaining scanning stability and accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

an optical fiber (140) disposed on the base (110), having an input end (142) and a first output end (144A)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTotal internal reflection: Total Internal Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3470907B1Virtual reality system including optical base stations
Publication Date: 2022.07.20 HTC CORP
  • EP3470907B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3470907B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3470907B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An optical base station including a base, a light source, a rotation plate and an optical fiber is provided. The light source is disposed on the base for providing a light beam. The rotation plate is disposed on the base. The optical fiber is disposed on the base and has an input end and a first output end. The rotation plate drives the optical fiber to rotate around a rotation axis. The rotation axis passes through the input end. The light beam enters the optical fiber from the input end and is output from the first output end after being transmitted in the optical fiber.