Optical Waveguide Projector Housing for AR/VR Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display devices cannot switch between virtual reality and augmented reality modes without additional components, limiting their functionality.
Innovation Solution
A display device with a movable projector housing that can occlude or allow real-world view through an optical waveguide, enabling switching between virtual and augmented reality modes using a single device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the waveguide is provided within an occluded housing, then virtual reality display is achieved, but the device cannot operate as augmented reality display
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the housing structure movable rather than fixed. The housing can transition between occluding and non-occluding positions, allowing the same physical structure to support both virtual reality (occluded) and augmented reality (non-occluded) display modes. This dynamic adjustment enables mode switching without requiring multiple separate housings or complex additional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing the housing to serve multiple functions: it provides structural support, contains the projector, and acts as an occluding element that can be positioned in different states. The same housing structure enables both VR and AR modes, eliminating the need for separate dedicated housings for each display mode and reducing overall device complexity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the projector housing occludes the real-world view, then virtual reality mode is enabled, but ambient light blocking and image leakage prevention are improved
Solution Approach 1:
The housing's ability to move between occluding and non-occluding positions dynamically controls the level of ambient light blocking. In VR mode, the housing is positioned to fully occlude and block ambient light, creating immersive virtual reality experience. In AR mode, the housing is repositioned to allow ambient light through, enabling augmented reality display. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction between light blocking and display flexibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the waveguide is provided in an un-occluded housing, then augmented reality display is achieved, but the device cannot operate as virtual reality display
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is designed as a universal structure that can accommodate both AR and VR display modes. It serves as both a support structure for the projector and an adjustable occluding element. The same housing that allows ambient light through for AR mode can be repositioned to occlude for VR mode, providing multi-functionality without requiring separate dedicated housings for each display type.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the projector housing is relatively moveable with respect to the optical waveguide, then switching between VR and AR modes is enabled, but mechanical complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic mechanical structure where the housing can be repositioned relative to the waveguide. This movable design allows the system to switch between VR (occluded) and AR (non-occluded) modes by adjusting the housing position. The mechanical complexity is managed by using a single movable housing rather than multiple fixed structures, and the movement mechanism can be integrated into the existing device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the occluding function, projector housing, and structural support into a single integrated component. Rather than having separate occluding elements and housing structures, the housing itself performs the occluding function when positioned appropriately. This consolidation reduces the number of separate mechanical components and simplifies the overall structure while enabling mode switching capability.
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 switching between virtual and augmented reality modes without additional components, improving user experience and security by blocking ambient light and preventing image leakage.
Implementation Method 1
an optical waveguide having an input optical element for receiving an image and at least one output optical element for outputting the image
Data Source
AI summary
A display device for use in displaying an augmented reality image of a real-world view or a virtual reality image. The display device comprises an optical waveguide having an input optical element for receiving an image and at least one output optical element for outputting the image, a projector for generating the image, the projector being physically coupled to the optical waveguide, and a projector housing containing at least some components of the projector. The projector housing is moveable with respect to the optical waveguide. The projector housing contains the at least some components of the projector so that the image generated by the projector is fixed relative to the projector housing. The projector includes an image processor to correct the image generated by the projector and received by the input optical element of the optical waveguide dependent on a position of the projector housing relative to the optical waveguide.