Variable Transparency Image Layer for Unified VR AR Headset
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current VR and AR/MR technologies require separate systems due to differences in display technologies, with VR using non-transparent displays and AR/MR using transparent smart glasses with specific optics, lacking a unified solution for both.
Innovation Solution
An optical device with a variable transparency image layer and a lens layer featuring adjustable refractive index pixels, controlled by a circuit to manage transparency and focus, enabling both VR and AR/MR capabilities in a single system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single optical device is designed to support both VR and AR/MR, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for variable transparency pixels and adjustable lens pixels
Solution Approach 1:
The optical device integrates both VR and AR/MR capabilities into a single system by incorporating variable transparency pixels in the image layer and adjustable lens pixels in the lens layer, allowing the device to function as both a VR headset and AR/MR smart glasses depending on the configuration of these elements
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses dynamically adjustable transparency levels and focal lengths through controllable pixels, enabling real-time switching between VR and AR/MR modes and adapting to different viewing requirements without requiring separate fixed-configuration devices
2Illumination intensity
If transparent displays are used for AR/MR, then visibility of real-world environment is improved, but image sharpness and focus control deteriorate compared to non-transparent VR displays
Solution Approach 1:
The lens layer incorporates adjustable lens pixels that can locally modify refractive index and focal length for different regions of the display, enabling precise focus control and image sharpness adjustment in specific areas while maintaining overall transparency for real-world visibility
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes optical parameters such as transparency level and focal length dynamically through electrical control of the pixels, allowing optimization of both real-world visibility and image sharpness by adjusting these parameters according to the desired viewing mode and conditions
3Adaptability or versatility
If variable transparency pixels are added to the image layer, then transition between VR and AR modes is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the transparency control function and display function into a single integrated image layer with variable transparency pixels, eliminating the need for separate components and simplifying the manufacturing process by combining multiple functions into one layer structure
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 transition between VR and AR/MR modes by dynamically adjusting transparency and focus, enhancing the viewing experience with sharper images and improved lighting contrast, while allowing for both virtual and augmented reality applications.
Implementation Method 1
an image layer including variable transparency pixels and display pixels
Implementation Method 2
a lens layer that includes variable lens pixels
Implementation Method 3
The control circuit configurable to provide signals to adjust a refractive index of at least a portion of the lens layer by at least 5 percent
Data Source
AI summary
An optical device comprising: an image layer including variable transparency pixels and display pixels and a lens layer including variable lens pixels.