Waterproof AR Goggle System with Optical Waveguide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing head-mounted augmented reality (AR) display systems for swimmers are bulky, causing drag and failing to provide seamless views of the surrounding environment without disrupting swimming motion, while also lacking integrated software for mental relief tasks like lap counting and distance estimation.
Innovation Solution
A waterproof AR goggle system with a flexible strap and near-eye display that uses optical waveguides to project virtual images, incorporating sensors and a computational processing unit for real-time data processing and image adjustment based on head movement, allowing for forward, rear, and side views without changing body position, and optionally providing audio feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If typical underwater AR systems are used, then augmented reality functionality is provided, but the systems become bulky and produce significant drag
Solution Approach 1:
The AR display system is integrated within the swimming goggle structure, with the waveguide display, sensors, and processing unit nested within the goggle frame and strap assembly, eliminating the need for separate bulky AR devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a thin waveguide display element and flexible circuit board that can be conformally integrated into the goggle structure, reducing overall system thickness and bulk while maintaining AR functionality
2Loss of information
If camera mounting arrangements are added to provide viewing capability, then environmental visibility is improved, but drag on the swimmer increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical camera mounting arrangements with an optical waveguide display system that uses optical principles to present environmental information directly in the swimmer's field of view, eliminating protruding mechanical structures that cause drag
Solution Approach 2:
The system presents environmental information in the optical dimension through waveguide optics rather than requiring physical cameras positioned in three-dimensional space, reducing mechanical complexity and drag
3Loss of information
If swimmers stop or change body movement to view surroundings, then environmental awareness is improved, but swimming motion and body control are disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide display system provides continuous environmental awareness throughout the swimming motion without requiring interruptions, allowing swimmers to maintain uninterrupted swimming technique while receiving visual information
4Extent of automation
If software for lap counting and distance estimation is added, then mental activity related to swimming mechanics is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the swimmer's own head movement data from inertial sensors to automatically perform lap counting and distance estimation without requiring additional external sensors or complex software infrastructure, allowing the device to serve itself
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
The system provides a compact, drag-reducing AR solution that allows swimmers to view environmental information without breaking their stride, enhancing focus on swimming and body control by integrating virtual displays and audio feedback with real-time data processing.
Implementation Method 1
an optical wave guide in optical communication with the micro display unit, and configured to route the image from the micro display into a field of view of a wearer of the item of eyewear
Data Source
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Figure 3A
AI summary
Swimming goggles have a left-eye covering and a right-eye covering, each having a corresponding transparent window that defines a field of view and each further having a seal extending between the transparent window and the swimmer's face and formed to exclude water. A near-eye display is in signal communication with an image processor and forms a virtual image in the left- or right-eye field of view.