Spatial Light System Modular Flex Strip AR Projection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies lack an effective solution for seamlessly integrating augmented reality (AR) content into real-world environments, particularly in rooms, without causing distractions or discomfort through intense lighting and improper illumination.
Innovation Solution
A spatial light system utilizing LED projection units with active matrix arrays, light pipes, and condensing optics, connected via flexible strips for modular configurations, which includes sensors for depth and motion detection to adjust light projection dynamically, ensuring intelligent lighting and AR content integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If traditional projection methods are used to display AR content, then the AR content can be projected onto surfaces, but the intense lighting causes dazzling effects and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using sensors to detect the specific location and characteristics of objects in the room, then directing light projection units to target only those specific areas. This localized approach allows AR content to be projected precisely where needed without illuminating the entire room with intense light, thereby avoiding dazzling effects while maintaining projection visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts light projection based on real-time sensor input. The controller receives data from sensors detecting objects and their positions, then dynamically directs projection units to adjust their light output accordingly. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to respond to changing environmental conditions and object positions, projecting light only when and where necessary to avoid constant intense illumination and associated discomfort.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple projection units are used to cover larger areas, then AR content can be displayed on more surfaces, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the projection system into multiple independent projection units, each capable of operating autonomously. Each projection unit has its own light source and can be controlled independently, allowing the system to cover larger areas by activating only the necessary units. This segmentation enables scalable coverage without requiring all units to be complex interconnected systems, as each unit remains relatively simple and modular.
Solution Approach 2:
The projection units are designed with multi-functionality, serving both as AR content display devices and as ambient lighting sources. The same projection units that display AR content can also provide general illumination when AR content is not being projected, eliminating the need for separate lighting systems. This universal design reduces overall system complexity by consolidating multiple functions into a single integrated system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system projects light onto surfaces to display AR content, then immersive experience is enhanced, but improper illumination causes discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor the room environment and provide feedback to the controller. This feedback loop allows the system to detect objects, their positions, and their characteristics in real-time, then adjust light projection accordingly. The feedback mechanism ensures that light is projected only when objects are detected and in appropriate positions, preventing discomfort by avoiding unnecessary illumination while maintaining immersive AR content display.
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
The system effectively projects AR content onto room surfaces while avoiding dazzling effects and enhancing ambient lighting, providing a comfortable and immersive experience by dynamically adjusting light intensity and focus based on detected objects and motion.
Implementation Method 1
an active matrix LED array, and condensing optics (referred to as a condenser lens). The LED array may, for example, be an array of individually addressable LEDs
Implementation Method 2
a light pipe array comprising a plurality of light pipes; wherein the light pipes are configured to guide the light beams emitted by the LEDs
Implementation Method 3
a condenser lens; wherein the condenser lens is configured to affect the emitted light beams received from the light pipes and project the light beams onto a surface
Data Source
AI summary
A spatial light system that may, for example, be used to project image content onto surfaces of a room. The system may include two or more projection units for emitting light onto surfaces within a room. The system may include a controller and two or more projection units, each module including an LED array, an array of light pipes, and a condenser lens. Two or more projection units may be connected to a flexible strip that provides power and data (e.g., serial data) to the projection units. Two or more flex strips may be connected together. The flex strips provide a serially-connected, flexible modular architecture for spatial light systems that allow the projection units to be conformed to a variety of configurations and shapes.