Optical Waveguide Projector Housing for AR VR Mode Switching
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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 occlude or allow real-world view through an optical waveguide, enabling switching between virtual and augmented reality modes without additional components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the projector housing is made fixed relative to the optical waveguide, then the device structure is simplified, but the functionality is limited to either virtual reality or augmented reality mode only
Solution Approach 1:
The projector housing is made movable relative to the optical waveguide, allowing it to transition between different positions. This dynamic configuration enables the same hardware to support both virtual reality (occluded position) and augmented reality (unoccluded position) modes, resolving the contradiction between versatility and structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The movable projector housing serves multiple functions: it acts as a structural component, a positioning mechanism for the projector, and a shutter that controls light passage. By integrating these functions into a single movable component, the design achieves multi-functionality without significantly increasing overall device complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If a separate shutter mechanism is added to switch between virtual and augmented reality modes, then mode switching capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter function is merged with the projector housing structure itself. The housing moves to different positions to simultaneously perform its structural role and act as the shutter that blocks or allows real-world light passage. This integration eliminates the need for a separate shutter component, reducing device complexity while maintaining mode switching capability
Solution Approach 2:
The projector housing is designed to perform multiple functions: housing the projector components, positioning the projector relative to the waveguide, and serving as the occluding shutter. This multi-functional design achieves mode switching without adding dedicated shutter components, thereby avoiding increased device 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 using a simple mechanical shutter mechanism, enhancing user experience and security.
Implementation Method 1
light from the real-world can pass through the waveguide to the eye of a viewer
Implementation Method 2
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 is occluded and a relative position in which the real-world view through the optical waveguide 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.