Wearable Device LED Array for AR Power Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Virtual and augmented reality headsets and eyewear that rely on projectors consume excessive power, limiting usage time and often require tethering to a power source.
Innovation Solution
The use of arrays of light emitting diodes (LEDs) integrated into the eyewear's lenses, eliminating the need for projectors and waveguides, thereby reducing power consumption and enabling longer battery life while providing an augmented reality experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If projectors are used for virtual or augmented reality display, then the display capability is achieved, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of light generation from high-power projector-based illumination to low-power LED illumination. By transitioning to LEDs with appropriate color temperatures (2000K-10000K) and integrating them directly into the optical path, the system achieves AR display functionality while reducing power consumption by an order of magnitude, directly resolving the contradiction between power consumption and usage time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the projector component from the AR system, replacing it with a simpler LED-based illumination approach. By removing the complex projector mechanism and its associated high power requirements, the system achieves the same display function with dramatically reduced energy consumption, thereby extending usage time without tethering
2Use of energy by moving object
If projectors are used for augmented reality display, then the display function is provided, but the device requires tethering to a power source
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the illumination source parameter from high-power projector to low-power LED, the system reduces energy consumption to levels that can be sustained by small battery packs integrated into the eyewear. This enables wireless operation and true portability, eliminating the need for tethering while maintaining AR display functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-contained power management by integrating small battery packs directly into the eyewear frame, alongside the LED array and optical elements. This self-service power system eliminates dependency on external power sources, enabling wireless operation and improving ease of operation through true portability
3Use of energy by moving object
If arrays of LEDs are used instead of projectors, then power consumption is reduced, but the optical system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the LED array directly with the optical elements (lenses or waveguides) by integrating them into the same physical structure. The LEDs are positioned at specific locations on the optical elements, combining the illumination source and optical path into a unified component, which simplifies the overall system architecture despite the addition of LED components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical diffusers or scattering layers as intermediary elements between the LEDs and the final display path. These intermediaries transform the point-source LED emission into the appropriate illumination pattern for AR display, managing the optical complexity through well-understood intermediary components rather than complex optical trains
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 significantly reduces power consumption, allowing for extended usage without the need for a power cable while maintaining an effective augmented reality experience through aesthetically pleasing and functional LED configurations.
Implementation Method 1
an array having a plurality of light emitting diodes coupled to the one or more optical elements
Data Source
AI summary
The present application discloses examples of various apparatuses and systems that can be utilized for augmented reality. According to one example, a wearable device that can optionally comprise: a frame configured for wearing by a user; one or more optical elements mounted on the frame; an array having a plurality of light emitting diodes coupled to the one or more optical elements, wherein the one or more optical elements and the array are mounted within a field of view of the user when the frame is worn by the user; and additional onboard electronic components carried by the frame including at least a battery that is configured to provide for electrically powered operation of the array.