How an Augmented Reality Headset Shows a Stable Virtual Monitor
This patent describes an augmented reality headset that uses special liquid lenses and an occlusion matrix to display a stable virtual computer monitor, even as the user moves their head or body, while also preventing visual artifacts.
Original patent title: “Virtual monitor display technique for augmented reality environments”
This patent describes an augmented reality headset that uses special liquid lenses and an occlusion matrix to display a stable virtual computer monitor, even as the user moves their head or body, while also preventing visual artifacts. Granted to Individual in 2017 with 22 claims and 21 forward citations, and it is expected to expire in 2036.
Coverage
What does this patent actually cover?
This patent describes an augmented reality (AR) head-mountable device designed to replace a physical computer monitor with a virtual one. The device includes a micro display that shows the virtual image and a liquid lens placed in front of it (ClaimclaimA numbered sentence at the end of a patent that legally defines what the inventor owns. The most important section.Read more → 1). A liquid lens controller adjusts the tilt and focus of this lens to move the virtual image in any direction, making it appear anchored to a fixed spot in the real world even when the wearer moves their head or body (Claim 2, 9). For example, if you turn your head, the virtual screen stays in the same perceived spot. The system also uses a binocular occlusion matrix, which works with the liquid lens controller to make parts of the virtual screen opaque, preventing blurry 'ghosting' effects (Claim 1, 4). The virtual monitor can also automatically hide if the wearer moves their head past a certain angle or moves more than a set distance (Claim 12, 13, 14).
The gap
What does this patent NOT cover?
- Does not cover AR systems that display virtual content without using a liquid lens to adjust the projected image's position or focus.
- Does not cover AR systems that lack a binocular occlusion matrix to prevent 'ghosting' of the virtual display.
- Does not cover virtual monitors that are built directly into the head-mountable device and are not interfaced with an external video source (like a PC or TV).
- Does not cover systems where the virtual display does not appear to stay fixed in a real-world location when the user moves.
- Does not cover systems that do not automatically hide the virtual display in response to specific wearer movements, such as turning their head more than 15 degrees or moving more than 10 inches.
- Does not cover AR systems that use traditional mechanical lenses instead of liquid lenses for dynamic image manipulation.
These exclusions are unique to PatentBrief — derived from the actual claim language, not patent-office boilerplate.
Key facts
What made this novel
The clever part is the combination of liquid lenses with an occlusion matrix. Liquid lenses dynamically adjust the virtual image's position and focus in real-time as the user moves, making the virtual screen feel stable. The occlusion matrix then precisely blocks real-world light behind the virtual image, eliminating distracting ghosting and making the virtual display appear solid and clear.
The Patent Drawing
Schematic visualization of the patent's claim structure. Hand-drawn diagrams in progress for each landmark patent.
Where you've seen this
Real-world examples
Microsoft HoloLens 2 (for virtual display stability)
Magic Leap 2 (for virtual display stability)
Varjo XR-3 (for high-fidelity virtual content)
Future enterprise AR headsets for remote work
Why it matters
The bigger picture
This patent addresses key challenges in augmented reality, particularly in creating comfortable and usable virtual displays. By using liquid lenses and an occlusion matrix, it aims to reduce issues like simulator sickness, which can occur during prolonged AR use. The ability to anchor a virtual screen in a fixed real-world position allows users to interact with virtual content as if it were a physical monitor, enhancing productivity and immersion. This technology is foundational for AR applications that seek to replace or augment traditional screens in work and entertainment.
Filed
April 21, 2016
Granted
August 8, 2017
Market context
Who's building on this
Companies in this space
Companies like Microsoft, Magic Leap, and Varjo are actively developing augmented reality headsets that aim to provide stable and immersive virtual displays. These companies continuously innovate in optical systems, display technology, and spatial computing to improve the user experience of virtual monitors and other digital content in the real world. While specific implementations may vary, the core challenges addressed by this patent remain central to their product development.
Market impact
This patent contributes to the ongoing development of augmented reality as a viable platform for productivity and entertainment. By addressing issues like virtual image stability and ghosting, it helps pave the way for AR headsets to effectively replace physical monitors, potentially creating new categories of workplace tools and consumer devices. The focus on reducing simulator sickness also improves user comfort, which is crucial for wider adoption of AR technology.
Claim 1 — Plain English
What this patent covers
This patent describes an augmented reality (AR) head-mountable device designed to replace a physical computer monitor with a virtual one. The device includes a micro display that shows the virtual image and a liquid lens placed in front of it (Claim 1). A liquid lens controller adjusts the tilt and focus of this lens to move the virtual image in any direction, making it appear anchored to a fixed spot in the real world even when the wearer moves their head or body (Claim 2, 9). For example, if you turn your head, the virtual screen stays in the same perceived spot. The system also uses a binocular occlusion matrix, which works with the liquid lens controller to make parts of the virtual screen opaque, preventing blurry 'ghosting' effects (Claim 1, 4). The virtual monitor can also automatically hide if the wearer moves their head past a certain angle or moves more than a set distance (Claim 12, 13, 14).
The clever bit
The clever part is the combination of liquid lenses with an occlusion matrix. Liquid lenses dynamically adjust the virtual image's position and focus in real-time as the user moves, making the virtual screen feel stable. The occlusion matrix then precisely blocks real-world light behind the virtual image, eliminating distracting ghosting and making the virtual display appear solid and clear.
What it does not cover
- Does not cover AR systems that display virtual content without using a liquid lens to adjust the projected image's position or focus.
- Does not cover AR systems that lack a binocular occlusion matrix to prevent 'ghosting' of the virtual display.
- Does not cover virtual monitors that are built directly into the head-mountable device and are not interfaced with an external video source (like a PC or TV).
- Does not cover systems where the virtual display does not appear to stay fixed in a real-world location when the user moves.
- Does not cover systems that do not automatically hide the virtual display in response to specific wearer movements, such as turning their head more than 15 degrees or moving more than 10 inches.
- Does not cover AR systems that use traditional mechanical lenses instead of liquid lenses for dynamic image manipulation.
Patent timeline
Application submitted to the patent office
Application published, typically 18 months after filing
Patent officially issued
Patent enters public domain
PatentBrief Score
Impact Score
Moderate
Citation count
27/40
Moderately cited
Claim breadth
15/20
Broad claimsclaimsThe numbered statements at the end of a patent that legally define what the inventor owns.Read more →
Recency
10/20
Granted 5–10 years ago
Assignee scale
0/20
Independent or smaller assigneeassigneeThe entity that owns the patent — usually the inventor's employer or a company.Read more →
PatentBrief Impact Score — based on citation count, claim breadth, recency, and assignee scale. Not a legal assessment.
Heuristic Value Estimate
What this patent might be worth
$219K – $702K
Midpoint $439K · 9.5 yr remaining · industry ×1.5
Heuristic only — blends forward/backward citation counts, claim scope, time remaining, litigation history, and CPC-derived industry baseline. Real valuations need a professional appraisal.
Claim text not yet imported for this patent
The original legal language
Original claims
22 claims as filed with the patent office.
Concepts involved
Citations
Patent lineage
Cite this patent
Liechtenstein, M. R. P. V. U. Z. (2017). How an Augmented Reality Headset Shows a Stable Virtual Monitor (U.S. Patent No. 9,726,896). U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/9726896/virtual-monitor-display-technique-for-augmented-reality-environments
Auto-generated from the patent record. Double-check author order and the issue date against the official USPTO document before submitting.
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Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What does How an Augmented Reality Headset Shows a Stable Virtual Monitor cover?
This patent describes an augmented reality headset that uses special liquid lenses and an occlusion matrix to display a stable virtual computer monitor, even as the user moves their head or body, while also preventing visual artifacts.
Who owns patent US 9726896?
Individual owns this patent, granted in 2017.
When does this patent expire?
This patent is expected to expire on April 21, 2036, when the invention enters the public domain.
What is patent US 9726896 cited by?
This patent has been cited by 21 later patents that build on its ideas.
What problem does this patent solve?
This patent addresses key challenges in augmented reality, particularly in creating comfortable and usable virtual displays. By using liquid lenses and an occlusion matrix, it aims to reduce issues like simulator sickness, which can occur during prolonged AR use. The ability to anchor a virtual screen in a fixed real-world position allows users to interact with virtual content as if it were a physical monitor, enhancing productivity and immersion. This technology is foundational for AR applications that seek to replace or augment traditional screens in work and entertainment.
What does this patent NOT cover?
Does not cover AR systems that display virtual content without using a liquid lens to adjust the projected image's position or focus.
Same assignee
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