VR Display Mode Switching for External Awareness

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Users wearing head-mounted virtual reality (VR) devices of the see-closed type face challenges in recognizing and responding to external elements that may pose a danger, as their limited visual field makes it difficult to detect approaching objects or changes in their surroundings.

Innovation Solution

A method and electronic device that detect user movement and external object approaches, switching from VR mode to see-through mode when movement exceeds a threshold or an object is detected, allowing the user to view their surroundings and guiding the direction of the approaching object through a display.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a see-closed type head mounted electronic device is used to provide VR operation, then immersion feeling is improved, but user awareness of external environment deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimmersion feelingVSAvoiduser awareness of external environment

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between see-closed VR mode and see-through mode based on detected user movement. When movement exceeds a threshold, the display transitions from blocking external light to transmitting external light, allowing the user to maintain immersion during stable viewing while becoming aware of external dangers during movement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses sensors to detect user movement and provides feedback by switching the display mode. The detection unit measures movement magnitude, and when it exceeds the threshold, the control unit switches from VR mode to see-through mode, creating a feedback loop that enhances user awareness based on actual movement behavior

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If see-closed type display is used to block external light, then VR content visibility is improved, but detection of approaching objects deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveVR content visibilityVSAvoiddetection of approaching objects

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of user movement using sensors before the user actually encounters danger. By detecting movement in advance and switching to see-through mode proactively, the system allows users to see approaching objects before they become a threat, preventing accidents before they occur

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The display serves as an intermediary that can operate in two modes: blocking external light for VR immersion or transmitting external light for safety awareness. This intermediary component mediates between the conflicting requirements of VR content visibility and external object detection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9946393B2Method of controlling display of electronic device and electronic device

Publication Date: 2018.04.17 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A method of controlling a display of an electronic device and the electronic device thereof are provided. The method includes measuring an amount of movement of a user, when the movement of the user is detected while a Virtual Reality (VR) operation is provided to the user; comparing the amount of the movement with a threshold value corresponding to a type of content being used by the user; and changing the VR operation into a see-through operation, when the amount of the movement is greater than the threshold value corresponding to the type of the content.