XR Processor Power-State Switching for Battery Life and Heat

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing VR/AR/MR technologies face challenges in providing a comfortable, natural-feeling presentation of virtual image elements, addressing optical distortions, and improving system size, portability, and battery life, while overcoming issues like overheating and power management.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of wearable display systems with stacked light guiding optical elements, eye-tracking subsystems, and synchronized projection of images at multiple depth planes using high frame rates, along with efficient power management and data processing techniques to enhance immersion and reduce system heat and power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If the system operates in normal processor mode to provide high performance computing and graphics processing, then processing capability is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between low power mode and normal processor mode based on operational requirements. The processor can transition from a first state (low power) to a second state (normal performance), allowing the system to adapt its processing capability and power consumption levels to match actual workload demands, thereby resolving the contradiction between performance and energy use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters by switching processor modes. By adjusting the processor state between low power and normal performance modes, the system can optimize the balance between processing capability and power consumption, selecting appropriate parameter settings based on real-time conditions such as battery charge level and application requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Duration of action of moving object

If the system operates in low power mode to extend battery life, then duration of action is improved, but processing capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery lifeVSAvoidprocessing capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts processor operational states based on battery charge conditions. When battery charge is sufficient, the system operates in low power mode to extend duration. When applications require higher performance or battery charge is low, the system transitions to normal processor mode, creating a dynamic balance between battery life and processing capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary assessment of battery charge level and application requirements before switching processor modes. By evaluating conditions in advance and pre-planning mode transitions, the system can extend battery life through low power operation while ensuring processing capability is available when needed, based on predicted or required workload characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If the system frequently switches between power modes to optimize performance and power consumption, then adaptability is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower mode adaptabilityVSAvoidmode switching complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system manages complexity by implementing structured parameter changes between defined processor states. Rather than continuous adjustment, the system transitions between discrete low power and normal performance modes based on clear criteria (battery charge level, application requirements), making the adaptability manageable while avoiding excessive complexity through standardized state transitions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4235391B1Virtual, augmented, and mixed reality systems and methods
Publication Date: 2026.05.06 MAGIC LEAP INC
  • EP4235391B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4235391B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP4235391B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

A method in a virtual, augmented, or mixed reality system includes the system operating in a low power mode. The method also includes the system receiving a request for a normal processor mode. The method further includes the system switching to a normal power mode from the low power mode in response to receiving the request for the normal processor mode. Moreover, the method includes the system receiving an indicator of acceptability of a low processor mode. Moreover, the method includes the system switching to the lower power mode from the normal power mode in response to receiving the indicator of acceptability of the low processor mode.