Particle Control in Head-Mountable Device Optical Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Head-mountable devices face issues with particles such as dust and debris accumulating along the optical pathway, which can obstruct and distort the user's view, especially in high-resolution displays, due to degradation, erosion, or wear of components within the sealed optical module.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an optical module with actuators that move the display and optical elements to dislodge particles from the viewing surface and a particle retention element to securely retain them outside the optical pathway, ensuring they do not interfere with the user's view, with movement patterns including vibrations and shear forces to effectively remove particles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the optical module is sealed to prevent particle ingress, then particle contamination from external environment is reduced, but particles generated internally through degradation and wear cannot be removed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the display element movable relative to the optical element. The display element can be positioned in first and second positions, allowing it to move away from the optical element to dislodge particles and then return to its original position for normal operation. This dynamic movement enables particle removal while maintaining the sealed optical module structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs mechanical vibration through the display element's movement to dislodge particles from the optical element surface. By vibrating or moving the display element, particles that have accumulated on the optical element are shaken loose and removed from the optical pathway, addressing the internal particle generation problem without compromising the sealed structure.
2Manufacturing precision
If high-resolution display elements are used, then visual quality and user experience are improved, but particle obstruction has a more pronounced negative impact on the display
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by proactively removing particles before they can significantly degrade the high-resolution display quality. The system periodically moves the display element to dislodge particles, preventing accumulation that would otherwise obstruct the optical pathway and degrade the visual quality of the high-resolution display.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service through the automated particle removal mechanism. The display element itself is used to remove particles from the optical element by moving relative to it. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external cleaning mechanisms, maintaining the high-resolution display quality through automatic particle management.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If particle retention structures are added to the optical module, then particle removal capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making the display element serve multiple functions: it acts as both the display component and the particle removal mechanism. By moving the display element relative to the optical element, it simultaneously performs display function and particle dislodgment, eliminating the need for separate particle retention structures and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the display element with the particle removal function. Instead of adding separate particle retention structures, the system combines the particle removal capability into the existing display element by enabling its relative movement with respect to the optical element. This merging approach maintains simplicity while achieving effective particle management.
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 solution maintains the clarity and quality of the user's visual experience by regularly removing particles from the optical pathway, enhancing the display's performance and user immersion in virtual or augmented reality environments.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator configured to vibrate the optical module in an attempt to dislodge the particles from the display element and the optical element
Implementation Method 2
a particle retention element configured to capture the dislodged particles and retain the dislodged particles outside of the optical pathway
Data Source
AI summary
A head-mountable device can provide an optical module that removes particles from an optical pathway and captures the particles so they do not interfere with the user's view of and/or through optical elements. For example, the display element and/or another optical element can be moved in a manner that releases particles on a viewing surface thereof. The optical module can include a particle retention element that securely retains the particles so that they remain outside of the optical pathway. Such particle removal and retention can improve and maintain the quality of a user's visual experience via the optical module.