Switchable HMD Screen for Surgical AR and VR Modes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Head-Mounted Displays (HMDs) for surgical applications face challenges such as distance-dependent depth impressions, viewing-angle-dependent color reproductions, large surface area requirements, cable hazards, and hygiene issues with traditional monitors, and existing HMDs that can switch between Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) do not fully exploit the possibilities for surgical use.
Innovation Solution
A screen for HMDs featuring a layer with switchable transparency and at least one further switchable layer that can assume different physical states to influence optical properties like wavelength, polarization, or wavefront, allowing flexible switching between AR, VR, and undisturbed viewing of surroundings, with pixel-level control for precise manipulation of image and environment perception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional monitors are used as primary image sources, then large surface area requirements and cable hazards occur, but image display functionality is provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical cable connections with wireless communication technology. The HMD device transmits image data wirelessly to external devices, eliminating physical cables and associated hazards while maintaining data transmission functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the image display function from traditional monitor systems and integrates it directly into the HMD device. By incorporating display screens and imaging optics within the head-mounted device, the system eliminates the need for external monitors and their associated cables.
2Adaptability or versatility
If HMDs with switchable transparency layers are used, then switching between AR and VR modes is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic switchable layers that can change their optical properties in real-time. These layers transition between transparent and opaque states, and between different refractive indices, allowing the device to adapt its functionality between AR and VR modes through controlled material property changes rather than mechanical reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes materials whose optical parameters (transparency, refractive index) can be changed on demand. By controlling the physical state of switchable layers, the system achieves mode switching between AR and VR through parameter modulation, simplifying the overall device architecture compared to mechanical switching mechanisms.
3Manufacturing precision
If switchable layers with pixel-level control are implemented, then precise manipulation of image perception is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the switchable layers into discrete pixel elements that can be independently controlled. Each pixel contains or controls switchable material that can change state individually, enabling precise localized manipulation of light transmission and refraction properties across the display surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material structures combining switchable materials with pixel electrode patterns and transparent conductive layers. These composite structures integrate multiple functions (switching, addressing, light transmission) into unified material systems that can be manufactured using established display fabrication techniques.
4Adaptability or versatility
If spectral filtering capabilities are added for fluorescence applications, then surgical imaging functionality is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates spectral filtering capabilities into the existing switchable layer architecture. The same switchable materials and control mechanisms used for AR/VR mode switching also provide spectral filtering functions, allowing a single device structure to serve multiple purposes including fluorescence imaging, standard display, and mode switching.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines spectral filtering layers with the AR/VR switchable transparency layers into a unified multi-layer structure. By merging these functions into a single integrated assembly rather than separate components, the system achieves enhanced functionality while minimizing the increase in overall 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 enhanced functionality for HMDs in surgical settings by allowing seamless switching between AR and VR modes, reducing the need for imaging optics, minimizing reflections, and providing spectral filtering capabilities for fluorescence applications, while indicating the user's concentration state to others.
Implementation Method 1
a layer 19 of a material with a switchable degree of transparency
Implementation Method 2
which in each case at least partially blocks different wavelengths... differently influencing the wavefront of light passing through the layer 17
Implementation Method 3
a layer 21 of a material with a switchable degree of polarization, which has at least two switching states, in which the layer 21 has different physical states, the physical states of the layer 21 differently influencing the polarization of light passing through the layer 21
Implementation Method 4
a layer 23 for influencing the wavelength of passing light... in another switching state it at least partially blocks at least one wavelength or a wavelength band
Implementation Method 5
a light source 25 for emitting excitation light with an excitation wavelength range that causes excitation of a fluorescence
Data Source
AI summary
A screen (3) for an HMD (1) is provided, and may be designed as a display screen or as a projection screen. The screen (3) comprises a layer (19) of a material with a switchable degree of transparency and at least one further switchable layer (17, 21, 23) which, in dependence on the switching state, can assume at least two physical states, the physical states differently influencing at least one optical property of light passing through the switchable layer or reflected by it.