Reality Viewer Aperture Switching for Immersive AR and VR
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current virtual and augmented reality viewers have limitations in interaction and field of view, making it unsafe to walk while using them and providing a non-immersive experience due to limited horizontal field of view and lack of depth perception.
Innovation Solution
A reality viewer with a configurable optical system that allows switching between virtual and augmented reality modes by opening or closing a viewing aperture, using lenses and reflective surfaces to provide a direct or augmented view, and optionally incorporating a universal controller for interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a viewing aperture is closed to provide virtual reality immersion, then field of view and immersion are improved, but user safety and real-world awareness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The viewing aperture is made dynamically controllable, allowing it to open and close based on operational mode. In VR mode, the aperture closes to provide full immersion; in AR mode, the aperture opens to maintain real-world awareness and safety. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by making the system adaptive to different usage contexts.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed to perform multiple functions by switching between VR and AR modes. The same optical system and viewing aperture serve dual purposes: providing immersive VR when closed and enabling safe AR navigation when open. This multi-functionality allows the device to address both immersion and safety requirements.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a viewing aperture is opened to maintain real-world awareness, then user safety is improved, but virtual reality immersion deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The viewing aperture transitions between open and closed states dynamically based on the selected mode. When AR mode is selected, the aperture opens to maintain real-world awareness for safety. When VR mode is selected, the aperture closes to maximize immersion. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction.
Solution Approach 2:
The viewing experience is segmented into distinct modes (VR and AR) with the viewing aperture serving as the segmentation mechanism. Each mode has its own optimal aperture state, allowing the system to provide specialized experiences for each function while maintaining overall versatility.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If camera-based augmented reality is used to provide real-world view, then real-world awareness is improved, but depth perception deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a partially reflective surface as an intermediary optical element. This surface allows direct optical paths from the real world to reach the user's eyes while also permitting virtual imagery to be superimposed. The partial reflectivity creates a beam splitter effect that preserves depth cues from the real world while adding AR elements, resolving the depth perception issue inherent in camera-based AR.
4Adaptability or versatility
If electronic screen size is increased to expand field of view, then virtual reality immersion is improved, but device complexity and cost deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs optical elements (lenses and reflective surfaces) to manipulate the dimensional characteristics of light paths. By using a partially reflective surface and strategic lens placement, the system expands the effective field of view without proportionally increasing screen size or optical complexity. The optical design creates multiple light paths that effectively enlarge the viewing experience.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical system creates virtual images that are optical copies of the screen content, projected through the partially reflective surface. This allows the user to perceive a larger field of view through optical manipulation rather than requiring a physically larger screen, thereby reducing device complexity and cost.
5Measurement precision
If optical elements are added to provide direct view in augmented reality mode, then depth perception is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the VR and AR optical paths into a single integrated system. The same lenses and partially reflective surface serve dual functions: directing virtual imagery in VR mode and allowing direct real-world views in AR mode. This merging eliminates the need for separate optical systems for each mode, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining depth perception capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical elements (lenses and partially reflective surface) are designed as multi-functional components that operate effectively in both VR and AR modes. The partially reflective surface, for example, serves as both a beam splitter for AR and a virtual image projector for VR. This universality reduces the number of specialized components needed, thereby reducing device complexity.
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 safe mobility and immersive experiences in both virtual and augmented reality with an expanded field of view, providing depth perception in augmented reality mode and compatibility with various portable devices, while minimizing additional electronic and optical technology for cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
The optical system may comprise one or more lenses
Implementation Method 2
The optical system may comprise a reflective surface, such as a mirror or a prism
Data Source
AI summary
A reality viewer is disclosed. The reality viewer comprises a frame suitable for holding a portable electronic device and a viewing aperture. The reality viewer can interchange between a first viewing mode wherein the viewing aperture is closed and a second viewing mode wherein the viewing aperture is open. The first viewing mode is configured for virtual reality operation as a user only observes the screen of the electronic portable device located within the frame. By contrast, in the second viewing mode is configured for augmented reality operation as a user observes the real world through the viewing aperture which is augmented by images generated by the electronic portable device located within the frame. The reality viewer also has the advantage of being mobile; low cost; employs simple technology; produces an immersive, maximised field of view; and provides a real-world view in augmented reality mode of operation.