VR Glasses Light Attenuating Filters for Ambient Contrast

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Solution Overview

Problem

Virtual reality glasses struggle to manage ambient light effectively in high brightness environments, leading to washed-out virtual images and potential ocular discomfort, with existing solutions either disturbing others or causing health concerns.

Innovation Solution

The integration of light attenuating filters, including photochromic and ultraviolet filters, and smart glass technology with adjustable shutters into virtual reality glasses, which automatically or manually adjust light transmission to maintain image contrast and prevent ultraviolet overexposure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If the brightness of the rendering equipment is increased to maintain image contrast in high brightness environments, then the image contrast is improved, but ocular discomfort occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage contrastVSAvoidocular discomfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces light attenuating filters and shutters as intermediary elements between the ambient environment and the user's eyes. These intermediaries selectively block harmful ambient light while allowing the virtual reality rendering to pass through, thereby maintaining image contrast without causing ocular discomfort by preventing direct exposure to bright ambient sources

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different light transmission properties to different parts of the optical system. The light attenuating filters and shutters are positioned to selectively attenuate ambient light in specific regions while maintaining transmission for the virtual reality content, creating localized quality differences that preserve image contrast without overwhelming the user's eyes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Illumination intensity

If ambient light is controlled by turning off or dimming lights, then the virtual image contrast is improved, but other occupants are annoyed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevirtual image contrastVSAvoidenvironmental disturbance

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service light management where the virtual reality glasses automatically adjust light transmission based on ambient conditions. The light attenuating filters and shutters respond autonomously to environmental light levels, maintaining optimal image contrast without requiring external intervention or affecting other occupants, as the system serves itself by adapting to changing lighting conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If light attenuating filters and shutters are added to manage ambient light, then image contrast and safety are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage contrast maintenance and UV protectionVSAvoidoptical system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple light management functions into integrated components. The light attenuating filters and shutters are combined with the lens assembly, and the control systems are integrated with the virtual reality rendering pipeline. This consolidation achieves reliable image contrast maintenance and UV protection while minimizing the increase in device complexity through functional integration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This solution enhances image contrast and safety by automatically adjusting light levels, reducing ambient light and ultraviolet exposure, thereby improving the virtual reality experience while minimizing health risks and environmental disturbances.

Implementation Method 1

Each of the light attenuating filters has one or more respective photochromic filters

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotochromism: Photochromism

Implementation Method 2

Each of the light attenuating filters has one or more respective ultraviolet filters

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical filtering: Filter (optical)

Data Source

PatentUS9733478B2Ambient light management for virtual reality glasses

Publication Date: 2017.08.15 INTERDIGITAL CE PATENT HOLDINGS SAS

AI summary

A virtual reality glasses assembly is provided. The assembly includes virtual reality glasses having lenses. The assembly further includes light attenuating filters at least one of applied to and incorporated into the lenses that automatically maintain or increase a contrast of a projected virtual reality image and prevent ultraviolet light overexposure by adjusting an amount of light passing through the lenses. Each of the light attenuating filters has one or more respective photochromic filters and one or more respective ultraviolet filters. The assembly also includes light attenuating shutters at least one of applied to and incorporated into the lenses that automatically or manually further maintain or increase the contrast of the projected virtual reality image by further adjusting the amount of light passing through the lenses.