Optical Waveguide Projector Housing as a Movable AR/VR Shutter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display devices cannot be user-selectable to operate as either a virtual reality or augmented reality display, limiting their functionality.
Innovation Solution
A display device with a movable projector housing that can switch between positions to occlude or allow real-world view through an optical waveguide, enabling both virtual and augmented reality modes without additional components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the projector housing is made fixed to provide a stable structure, then structural stability is improved, but the ability to switch between virtual and augmented reality modes is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The projector housing is designed to be movable relative to the optical waveguide, allowing it to transition between different positions. This dynamic configuration enables the system to switch between virtual reality mode (when the housing occludes the waveguide) and augmented reality mode (when the housing is moved away), resolving the contradiction between structural stability and mode switching capability.
2Illumination intensity
If the projector housing occludes the real-world view to enhance security and contrast, then image quality is improved, but the device can only operate in virtual reality mode
Solution Approach 1:
The movable projector housing can be dynamically positioned to either occlude or clear the optical waveguide path. When occluding, it provides enhanced contrast and security for virtual reality mode; when moved away, it allows real-world light to pass through for augmented reality mode, thus resolving the contradiction between image quality and mode flexibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional components are added to enable mode switching, then functionality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The projector housing serves multiple functions: it houses the projector components, provides structural support, and acts as a movable shutter to control the optical path. By making the existing housing movable rather than adding separate switching components, the system achieves multi-mode functionality while minimizing additional complexity.
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 switching between virtual and augmented reality modes by using a projector housing as a shutter, enhancing security and contrast while maintaining image orientation.
Implementation Method 1
an optical waveguide having an input optical element for receiving an image and at least one output optical element for outputting the image
Implementation Method 2
a projector housing containing at least some components of the projector, the projector housing being relatively moveable with respect to the optical waveguide between a relative position in which a real-world view through the optical waveguide in the region of the at least one output optical element is occluded and a relative position in which the real-world view through the optical waveguide in the region of the at least one output optical element is not occluded
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A display device for use in displaying an augmented reality image of a real-world view or a virtual reality image to a user, the display device comprising an optical waveguide having an input optical element for receiving an image and at least one output optical element for outputting the image, a projector for generating the image, the projector being physically coupled to the optical waveguide, and a projector housing containing at least some components of the projector, the projector housing being relatively moveable with respect to the optical waveguide between a relative position in which a real-world view through the waveguide in the region of the at least one output optical element is occluded and a relative position in which the real-world view through the waveguide in the region of the at least one output optical element is not occluded.