Passthrough VR Display with Missed Pixels for Power-Off Safety

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing passthrough virtual reality displays do not allow users to see the outside world when the power is turned off, potentially leading to dangerous situations due to the blocking of real-world images.

Innovation Solution

A passthrough virtual reality display system that includes a camera, a display panel with missed pixels, and a direct view image transmission unit. The system allows a real-world direct view image to be transmitted to the display panel when power is off and blocks it when power is applied, using a combination of polarizers and a polarization switcher.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a passthrough virtual reality display uses a display panel to show real-world images, then users can interact with the real world, but when power is turned off the real-world image is blocked and users cannot identify outside situations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety when power is offVSAvoidreal-world direct view visibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The display panel is designed with a specific region where some pixels are intentionally missed or removed, creating a transparent window that allows direct viewing of the real world. This segmentation separates the display function from the direct view function, enabling users to see through the display when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A polarization switcher is introduced as an intermediary component between the display panel and the user's eye. This switcher controls the transmission of real-world direct view images based on power status, allowing light to pass through when power is off and blocking it when power is on, thus mediating between the display output and direct view requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Illumination intensity

If the display panel blocks external light to show clear images, then image quality is improved, but users cannot directly view the real world when power is off

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay image brightnessVSAvoidreal-world direct view

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The polarization switcher dynamically changes its optical properties based on power status. When power is applied, it blocks external light to allow clear display images; when power is off, it becomes transparent to allow direct viewing of the real world. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between image quality and direct view capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The optical parameters of the display system are changed based on power status. The polarization state of light transmitted through the display panel is controlled by the polarization switcher, which changes from blocking to transmitting state. This parameter change enables the system to switch between displaying clear images and allowing direct real-world viewing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If a polarization switcher is added to control light transmission, then real-world direct view is enabled when power is off, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptional real-world direct viewVSAvoidoptical component structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The polarization switcher serves multiple functions: it controls light transmission for direct viewing, maintains display image quality when powered, and integrates with the existing display panel structure. By making this single component multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 users to identify the outside situation even when the power supply is interrupted, preventing confusion and potential danger by displaying a real-world direct view image instead of a real-world image.

Implementation Method 1

a polarization switcher positioned between the first polarizer and a second polarizer, and configured to, when power is not applied, change the light of the first polarization entering from the first polarizer to a second polarization by rotating by 90 degrees

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPolarization rotation: Polarisation

Implementation Method 2

The polarization switcher may be an LC element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectro-optic effect: Electro-Optic Effects

Data Source

PatentUS20250191304A1Passthrough virtual reality display with optional real-world direct view

Publication Date: 2025.06.12 KOREA ELECTRONICS TECH INST

AI summary

There is provided a passthrough virtual reality display with an optional real-world direct view. According to an embodiment, a passthrough virtual reality display system includes: a camera configured to generate a real-world image by shooting a front; a display panel configured to display the real-world image generated by the camera, and having some pixel missed; and a direct view image transmission unit configured to transmit a real-world direct view image entering from the front to the display panel, or block the real-world direct view image. Accordingly, when power supply is interrupted due to discharge of a battery, a real-world direct view image rather than a real-world image is displayed, so that a user can identify an outside situation and can be prevented from being confused or being placed in a dangerous situation.