Switchable AR VR MR Device with Polarization Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current artificial reality devices lack the ability to seamlessly switch between augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and mixed reality (MR) modes, particularly in terms of adjusting transmittance to accommodate varying light conditions and user immersion.

Innovation Solution

The device incorporates a reflective polarizer, a display element, a polarization switch, and an active dimming device to selectively reflect or transmit polarized light, allowing for adjustable transmittance and mode switching between AR, VR, and MR modes by controlling the polarization of image light and real-world light.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the artificial reality device is made opaque for VR applications, then user immersion in virtual imagery is improved, but the ability to view the real world environment is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemode switching capabilityVSAvoidoptical component configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic switching between AR and VR modes using controllable optical components. A liquid crystal variable attenuator (LCVA) dynamically adjusts the transmittance of real-world light, while a polarization switch dynamically changes the polarization state of virtual image light. These dynamic adjustments enable seamless transition between transparent (AR) and opaque (VR) states, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes optical parameters (transmittance and polarization state) to achieve mode switching. By adjusting the transmittance parameter of the LCVA and the polarization angle parameter of the polarization switch, the device can transition between AR and VR modes. This parameter-based control resolves the contradiction by providing versatile functionality through controlled parameter variations rather than fixed structural configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Illumination intensity

If the device transmits more real-world light for AR applications, then visibility of the surrounding environment is improved, but user immersion in virtual content is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereal-world light transmittanceVSAvoidimmersion control capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by differentially controlling the intensity of real-world light and virtual image light. The LCVA selectively attenuates real-world light while the polarization switch and reflective polarizer control virtual image light. This localized control of light quality enables independent adjustment of AR transparency and VR immersion, resolving the contradiction between environmental visibility and immersion control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If the device uses fixed transmittance for AR mode, then simplicity of operation is improved, but adaptability to varying light conditions is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation simplicityVSAvoidlight condition adaptation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service through automatic exposure control that senses ambient light conditions and automatically adjusts the LCVA transmittance accordingly. The system self-regulates the balance between real-world and virtual image light without requiring manual user intervention. This automated adaptation resolves the contradiction by providing both operational simplicity (automatic control) and adaptability (dynamic adjustment to varying light conditions).

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 seamless switching between AR, VR, and MR modes by dynamically adjusting transmittance, enhancing user immersion and visibility in different environments.

Implementation Method 1

a reflective polarizer configured to selectively reflect or transmit a polarized light based on a polarization of the polarized light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPolarization: Polarisation

Implementation Method 2

an active dimming device disposed at a second side of the reflective polarizer, and configured to provide an adjustable transmittance of an input light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS11852827B2Switchable artificial reality device

Publication Date: 2023.12.26 META PLATFORMS TECHNOLOGIES LLC

AI summary

A device is provided. The device includes a reflective polarizer configured to selectively reflect or transmit a polarized light based on a polarization of the polarized light. The device also includes a display element disposed at a first side of the reflective polarizer, and configured to output a first image light representing a virtual image. The device also includes a polarization switch disposed between the display element and the reflective polarizer, and configured to switch or maintain a polarization of the first image light. The device further includes an active dimming device disposed at a second side of the reflective polarizer, and configured to provide an adjustable transmittance of an input light.