Predictive Dimming Control for Optical Passthrough Displays

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical passthrough displays in head-mounted devices struggle to adjust dimming levels effectively in response to sudden changes in ambient light conditions, leading to undesirable results such as abrupt changes in transmitted light levels or inadequate adaptation to changing environments.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a method to control the dimming level of a dimmable optical element based on predicted changes in ambient light levels or eye measurements, allowing for anticipatory adjustments to maintain optimal viewing conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the dimming level of optical passthrough displays is adjusted based on current ambient light levels, then the display adapts to lighting conditions, but abrupt changes in transmitted light levels occur when ambient light changes suddenly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptation to lighting conditionsVSAvoidtransmitted light level stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by predicting future ambient light levels based on historical data and current trends, then proactively adjusts the dimming level before the actual light change occurs. This anticipatory adjustment prevents abrupt transitions by preparing the display in advance for upcoming lighting conditions, thereby maintaining both adaptability and stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Speed

If the dimming level responds immediately to ambient light changes, then the display reacts quickly to environment, but eye strain increases due to rapid adaptation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresponse speed to light changesVSAvoideye strain

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system predicts upcoming light changes and begins adjusting the dimming level in advance, allowing the user's eyes to adapt gradually rather than experiencing sudden transitions. This preliminary adjustment reduces eye strain by smoothing out the adaptation process while maintaining quick overall response to environmental changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the dimming level based on predicted light changes, using variable adjustment rates that are gentler during transitions and more aggressive when stable. This dynamic approach balances quick response with comfort by adapting the speed of adjustment to the specific situation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If a dimmable optical element is added to control light transmission, then light adaptation improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight adaptation capabilityVSAvoidoptical system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the optical parameters of the dimmable element (such as liquid crystal orientation or electrochromic properties) to control light transmission. By adjusting these physical parameters electrically, the system achieves sophisticated light adaptation without mechanical moving parts, thereby improving adaptability while limiting complexity growth.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Illumination intensity

If the transmission coefficient is adjusted frequently to match ambient light, then viewing conditions optimize, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveviewing condition qualityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses prediction algorithms to anticipate light changes and only adjusts the transmission coefficient when necessary, rather than continuously adapting to every fluctuation. This selective adjustment based on predicted significant changes optimizes viewing conditions while reducing unnecessary power consumption from frequent adjustments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 approach enables smoother transitions in light adaptation, reducing eye strain and providing more natural viewing experiences by anticipating changes in ambient light levels and adjusting the dimming accordingly.

Implementation Method 1

controlling a transmission coefficient of a dimmable optical element positioned in a path of light directed to a user's eye

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight transmission: Light

Data Source

PatentUS12222506B1Dimming of optical passthrough displays

Publication Date: 2025.02.11 APPLE INC

AI summary

In one implementation, a method of controlling a dimming level of dimmable optical element based on a predicted ambient light level is performed at a device including one or more processors, non-transitory memory, and a dimmable optical element. The method includes predicting a change, in a first direction, in an ambient light level at a future time. The method includes changing, at a first time in advance of the future time and in the first direction, a transmission coefficient of the dimmable optical element based on the predicted change in the ambient light level. The method includes changing, at a second time after the first time and in a second direction opposite the first direction, the transmission coefficient of the dimmable optical element based on the ambient light level at the second time.