Optical Waveguide Projector Housing for Switchable AR and VR Viewing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing display devices cannot be user-selectable to operate as either a virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality (AR) 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 operation in VR mode when the housing blocks the view and AR mode when it does not, using a projector housing as a shutter mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the projector housing is made movable to switch between VR and AR modes, then the adaptability of the display device is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemode switching capabilityVSAvoidmovable housing mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The projector housing serves dual functions: it houses the projector components and acts as a shutter mechanism for mode switching. This multi-functionality allows the device to operate in both VR and AR modes without requiring separate components for each mode, thereby improving adaptability while controlling complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The projector housing is made movable relative to the optical waveguide, transitioning between fixed and movable states to enable dynamic switching between VR and AR modes. This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt its functionality based on operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Illumination intensity

If the projector housing occludes the real-world view in VR mode, then the security and contrast are improved, but the loss of real-world information increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage contrastVSAvoidreal-world view

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system periodically switches between VR mode (occluded view for high contrast) and AR mode (unoccluded view for real-world information) based on operational requirements. This periodic switching allows the user to access high-contrast VR content when needed while maintaining awareness of the real world when necessary.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Adaptability or versatility

If the projector housing is made movable between positions, then the versatility of the display device is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational mode flexibilityVSAvoidmovable housing assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The shutter function is merged with the projector housing structure itself, eliminating the need for separate shutter components. This integration simplifies the manufacturing process while maintaining the ability to switch between VR and AR modes, as the housing serves both structural and functional purposes.

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

Enables a hybrid VR/AR display device that can seamlessly switch between modes without additional components, improving security and contrast by blocking ambient light in VR mode and allowing real-world view augmentation in AR mode.

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

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTotal internal reflection: Total Internal Reflection

Implementation Method 2

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

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight blocking: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS20250347921A1Display device with optical waveguide and projector

Publication Date: 2025.11.13 SNAP INC

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.