Wearable Computer With Angled Imaging for Forearm-Free Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wearable computers with integrated imaging devices require repeated forearm rotation to switch between display viewing and imaging operations, leading to strap loosening, reduced productivity, and increased fatigue.
Innovation Solution
The wearable computer is configured with an angled imaging device and display, offset by a predetermined angle, allowing simultaneous viewing and imaging without forearm rotation, ensuring secure attachment and balanced weight distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the imaging device and display are positioned orthogonally (90 degrees), then the device structure is simple and compact, but the user must repeatedly rotate the forearm to switch between viewing the display and using the imaging device, causing strap loosening and increased fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by positioning the imaging device at a specific angle (112 degrees) relative to the display normal, rather than using symmetric orthogonal placement. This asymmetric angular relationship allows the imaging device to be oriented in a direction that is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the display, enabling simultaneous accessibility without forearm rotation while maintaining a compact form factor.
2Productivity
If the imaging device is positioned at a non-orthogonal angle (112 degrees) relative to the display normal, then the user can view the display and use the imaging device simultaneously without forearm rotation, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the imaging device at a specific angle (112 degrees) relative to the display normal during manufacturing. This predetermined angular relationship is built into the device structure beforehand, so that when the user wears the device, the imaging device is already positioned to capture images in the direction the user is facing, eliminating the need for forearm rotation during operation.
3Reliability
If repeated forearm rotation is required to switch between display viewing and imaging operations, then the device can maintain simple positioning, but the strap attachment integrity deteriorates and user fatigue increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary angular relationship (112 degrees) between the display normal and imaging device direction. This intermediate angle acts as a mediator that resolves the conflict between maintaining simple device positioning and ensuring strap attachment integrity. By positioning the imaging device at this specific angle, the system allows simultaneous viewing and imaging operations without requiring forearm rotation, thereby maintaining strap attachment integrity while improving ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Wearable computers with angled imaging devices are disclosed herein. An example wearable computer with angled imaging device includes wearable computing device, including an imaging device, defining an imaging direction, wherein the imaging direction is a central axis of a field of view of the imaging device; a display, defining a normal direction of the display which is configured to face eyes of a user; and a wearable mounting apparatus, configured to interface with a forearm of a user; wherein the imaging direction and the normal direction, when projected onto a reference plane parallel to both the imaging direction and the normal direction, are offset by a first predetermined, non-orthogonal angle.