# 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. - **Patent:** US 9726896 - **Original title:** Virtual monitor display technique for augmented reality environments - **Owner:** Individual - **Granted:** 2017 - **Status:** Active - **Times cited:** 21 - **Field:** consumer_electronics, software, telecommunications, augmented_reality ## What it does 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). ## 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. ## 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. ## Real-world examples 1. Microsoft HoloLens 2 (for virtual display stability) 2. Magic Leap 2 (for virtual display stability) 3. Varjo XR-3 (for high-fidelity virtual content) 4. Future enterprise AR headsets for remote work ## Why it matters 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. ## 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. **Full plain-English explainer:** https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/9726896/virtual-monitor-display-technique-for-augmented-reality-environments **Original patent:** https://patents.google.com/patent/US9726896 --- _Source: PatentBrief — https://patentbrief.org. Patent facts are from public records; the plain-English explanation is PatentBrief's._ ## Related patents Semantically similar inventions in the PatentBrief corpus: - [How AR Glasses Make Virtual Objects Look Solid](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/10573086/opacity-filter-for-display-device) — This patent describes how augmented reality glasses can make virtual objects appear more distinct by selectively blocking real-world light behind them using a special pixelated filter. - [How to Show Augmented Reality Effects Inside a Virtual Reality World](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/10078917/augmented-reality-simulation) — This patent describes a method for creating a virtual reality experience where a user wearing a VR headset sees a simulated augmented reality view, complete with virtual objects appearing as if displayed by AR glasses within that virtual world. - [How Disney's Compact AR Display Uses Special Mirrors](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/12386177/compact-augmented-reality-virtual-reality-display) — Disney's patent describes a compact augmented reality display that uses a clever arrangement of three special wavelength-splitting mirrors to efficiently show digital images layered over the real world. - [Managing Virtual Objects on Resizable Surfaces in 3D Digital Spaces](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/12737093/methods-for-displaying-objects-relative-to-virtual-surfaces) — This patent describes how a computer system can display and automatically resize digital surfaces that hold virtual items within a three-dimensional digital environment, offering feedback when items are added or removed. - [Augmented Reality Glasses for Guiding Surgeons](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/12069233/head-mounted-augmented-reality-near-eye-display-device) — This patent describes a head-mounted augmented reality display, like smart glasses, specifically designed to help surgeons by overlaying digital patient data and markers directly onto their view of the patient during medical procedures.