Reality viewer
A reality viewer is disclosed. The reality viewer comprises a frame suitable for holding a portable electronic device and a viewing aperture. The reality viewer can interchange between a first viewing mode wherein the viewing aperture is closed and a second viewing mode wherein the viewing aperture is open. The first viewing mode is configured for virtual reality operation as a user only observes the screen of the electronic portable device located within the frame. By contrast, in the second viewing mode is configured for augmented reality operation as a user observes the real world through the viewing aperture which is augmented by images generated by the electronic portable device located within the frame. The reality viewer also has the advantage of being mobile; low cost; employs simple technology; produces an immersive, maximised field of view; and provides a real-world view in augmented reality mode of operation.
1. A reality viewer comprising:
a main body having a viewing aperture;
a viewing axis perpendicular to the viewing aperture, the main body having a screen aperture parallel to and vertically offset from the viewing aperture; and
a frame attached to the main body that provides a means for locating a portable electronic device comprising an electronic screen with the screen aperture,
wherein the viewing aperture comprises a mechanical shutter that provides a means for opening and closing the viewing aperture, and
further wherein:
in a first mode of operation in which the viewing aperture is closed by the mechanical shutter, the electronic screen is visible along the viewing axis, and
in a second mode of operation in which the mechanical shutter is retracted in order to open the viewing aperture, images generated by the electronic screen augment a view along the viewing axis through the open viewing aperture.
2. A reality viewer as claimed in claim 1 wherein the reality viewer further comprises an optical system housed within the main body.
3. A reality viewer as claimed in claim 2 wherein when the reality viewer is in the first mode of operation the electronic screen is visible through the optical system.
4. A reality viewer as claimed in claim 2 wherein when the reality viewer is in the second mode of operation the optical system provides a means for the images generated by the electronic screen to be augment with the view through the open viewing aperture.
5. A reality viewer as claimed in claim 2 wherein the optical system comprises one or more lenses.
6. A reality viewer as claimed in claim 5 wherein the one or more lenses comprise a doublet lens.
7. A reality viewer as claimed in claim 5 wherein, the optical system further comprises a lens adjuster that provides a means for varying the focal distance of the one or more lenses.
8. A reality viewer as claimed in claim 2 wherein the optical system comprises a first and a second reflective surface wherein the reflectivity of the first reflective surface is greater than the reflectivity of the second reflective surface.
9. A reality viewer as claimed in claim 8 wherein the first and or second reflective surfaces comprise a mirror.
10. A reality viewer as claimed in claim 8 wherein the first and or second reflective surface comprises a prism.
11. A reality viewer as claimed in claim 8 wherein the first reflective surface is parallel to the second reflective surface.
12. A reality viewer as claimed in claim 11 wherein when the reality viewer is in the second mode of operation the first and second reflective surfaces bisect the viewing axis at 45 degrees.
13. A reality viewer as claimed in claim 12 wherein the one or more lenses lie in a plane parallel to the viewing axis.
14. A reality viewer as claimed in claim 1 wherein the main body further comprises one or more eyeholes.
15. A reality viewer as claimed in claim 1 wherein the main body further comprises a nose cavity.
16. A reality viewer as claimed in claim 1 wherein the main body further comprises one or more fixtures that provide a means for attaching the reality viewer to a head strap.
17. A reality viewer as claimed in claim 1 wherein the reality viewer comprises a universal controller that provides a means for remotely controlling a portable electronic device mounted in the screen locator.
18. A method of configuring a reality viewer having a main body having a viewing aperture, a viewing axis perpendicular to the viewing aperture, the main body having a screen aperture parallel to and vertically offset from the viewing aperture, and a frame attached to the main body that provides a means for locating a portable electronic device comprising an electronic screen with the screen aperture, the method comprising closing or opening the viewing aperture which comprises closing or opening a mechanical shutter, wherein:
when the viewing aperture is closed by the mechanical shutter, the electronic screen is visible along the viewing axis, and
when the mechanical shutter is retracted in order to open the viewing aperture images generated by the electronic screen augment a view along the viewing axis through the open viewing aperture.
19. A method of configuring a reality viewer as claimed in claim 18 wherein the method further comprises adjusting a focal length of one or more lenses.
20. A method of configuring a reality viewer as claimed in claim 18 wherein the method further comprises remotely controlling a portable electronic device located within the frame.
21. A reality viewer comprising:
a main body having a viewing aperture;
an optical system housed within the main body, wherein the optical system comprises a first and a second reflective surface wherein the reflectivity of the first reflective surface is greater than the reflectivity of the second reflective surface;
a viewing axis perpendicular to the viewing aperture, the main body having a screen aperture offset from the viewing axis and parallel to the viewing aperture; and
a frame attached to the main body that provides a means for locating a portable electronic device comprising an electronic screen with the screen aperture,
wherein the viewing aperture comprises a mechanical shutter that provides a means for opening and closing the viewing aperture, and
further wherein:
in a first mode of operation in which the viewing aperture is closed by the mechanical shutter, the electronic screen is visible along the viewing axis, and
in a second mode of operation in which the mechanical shutter is retracted in order to open the viewing aperture, images generated by the electronic screen augment a view along the viewing axis through the open viewing aperture.