Application (pre-grant publication)
VIRTUAL REALITY AND/OR AUGMENTED REALITY VIEWER HAVING VARIABLE TRANSPARENCY
- Number
- 20210041732
- Published
- 2021-02-11
- Filed
- 2020-10-27
- Assignee
- Disney Enterprises, Inc.
- Inventors
- Davis; Randall, Nocon; Nathan D.
- CPC
- G02B27/017; G02B27/0172; G02C7/101; G02C7/086; G02C7/102; G02F1/13318
- Verdict
- Low Hardware
- Source
- Google Patents · FreePatentsOnline
The keeper's note
VR/AR viewer eyewear with variable transparency.
Abstract
According to one implementation, a dual-mode augmented reality and virtual reality viewer (AR/VR viewer) includes a device configured to provide AR and VR effects, the device including a display screen, a VR shield, and a transparency control unit coupled to the VR shield. The AR/VR viewer also includes a computing platform for generating the AR and VR effects communicatively coupled to the device. The display screen has a user facing first surface for receiving the AR and VR effects, and a second surface opposite the user facing first surface. The display screen or a transmissive layer adjoining the display screen is configured to have a variable transparency. The VR shield is configured to be one of substantially transparent in an AR mode and substantially opaque in a VR mode under the control of the transparency control unit.
Background
BACKGROUND
Advances in computer technology and software have made possible the generation of richly featured and deeply immersive augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) experiences for users. AR and VR experiences may merge virtual objects or characters with real-world features in a way that can, in principle, provide a powerfully interactive experience. VR can augment a virtual rendition of the real world, where the view of the real world comes from a headset mounted camera that is projected into VR space. AR can augment real-world images, i.e., a user can see the real world through clear lenses with virtual projections on top. However, because AR virtual effects are overlaid on real-world images, conventional systems providing AR experiences tend to underperform in bright daylight conditions in which the AR effects typically appear washed out or become too faded to provide the desired user experience. SUMMARY
There are provided virtual reality (VR) and/or augmented reality (AR) viewers having variable transparency, substantially as shown in and/or described in connection with at least one of the figures, and as set forth more completely in the claims.