See-through AR Lens for Flight Simulators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercial simulators, such as flight simulators, require substantial space and resources due to their dome structure, and domeless VR headgear lacks realism in depicting distance and movement within the simulated environment.
Innovation Solution
An optical see-through augmented reality system using a head-wearable frame with a lens and display apparatus that generates out-the-window imagery based on sensor data, allowing for a seamless combination of actual and virtual views without the need for a dome, utilizing a controller and inertial measurement unit to determine the user's scene and emit appropriate imagery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dome structure is used in commercial simulators, then the simulation experience is provided, but the space requirement increases substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the dome structure from the simulator system, replacing it with head-wearable optics that provide the same visual experience without requiring a large physical dome. The visual field is generated directly at the user's eyes through optical see-through technology, eliminating the need for the dome structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the external visual scene through image generators and projectors that display imagery onto the lens assembly. This optical copy replaces the need for a physical dome while maintaining the visual experience of looking out windows.
2Reliability
If multiple projectors and image generators are used, then the simulation quality is improved, but the cost and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the dome structure entirely, replacing it with a compact head-wearable optical system. This removes the need for multiple large-scale projectors and image generators that would be required to project onto a dome, significantly reducing power consumption while maintaining simulation quality through direct optical presentation at the user's eyes.
3Reliability
If a dome structure is used, then the visual field is provided, but the HUD focus adjustment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the dome structure and replaces it with a head-wearable optical system where the visual field is generated directly at the user's eyes. This eliminates the need for HUD apparatus to focus at the distance of a dome, as the optical see-through technology presents imagery at the correct focal plane without requiring special focus adjustments.
4Area of stationary object
If VR headgear is used to eliminate the dome, then the space requirement is reduced, but the realism in depicting distance and movement is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical see-through lens assembly as an intermediary between the user's eyes and the virtual imagery. This lens assembly with its reflective interior surface and mapped display apparatus creates realistic depth perception and accurate depiction of distances, allowing users to see both the real cockpit environment and virtual out-the-window scenery with proper spatial relationships.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical properties including reflectivity and transmissivity of the lens assembly to create realistic visual perception. The interior surface reflectivity and light transmission characteristics are optimized to maintain natural color and brightness relationships, enhancing the realism of the virtual imagery while preserving the actual visual field.
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 reduces space and cost requirements, enhances realism by providing accurate distance and movement depiction, and eliminates the need for complex dome-focused HUD adjustments, allowing for a more immersive and efficient simulation experience.
Implementation Method 1
The interior surface of the lens is configured to reflect the light toward an eye of the user
Implementation Method 2
the lens is configured to transmit light received from an exterior surface of the lens through the lens and out the interior surface of the lens
Data Source
AI summary
A see-through augmented reality system is disclosed. The system includes a head-wearable frame and a lens. The lens has at least one field-of-view (FOV). A sensor is configured to be coupled with respect to a head of a user. The sensor generates sensor data that changes responsive to movements of the head. A display apparatus is mapped to an interior surface of the lens. A controller is coupled to the sensor and to the display apparatus. The controller is configured to determine a current scene within the FOV based at least in part on the sensor data. The controller determines an out-the-window (OTW) scene portion of the current scene and a non-OTW scene portion of the current scene and generates OTW imagery that depicts the OTW scene portion. The controller causes the display apparatus to emit light in accordance with the OTW imagery toward the interior surface of the lens.