Electronic Lens Opacity Control for Smart Watch Dials
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional smart glass technologies lack efficient opacity control mechanisms that can dynamically adjust to user interactions and environmental stimuli, limiting their versatility in applications such as smart watches and display systems.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising a case with a dial, an indicator, a mechanism operatively coupled to the indicator, an electronic lens, and circuitry that controls the opacity of the electronic lens, allowing for transitions between transparent and opaque states in response to user inputs or environmental changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional smart glass is used without dynamic opacity control, then the structure is simpler, but the adaptability and user interaction capability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical or manual opacity control mechanisms with an electronic control system. The electronic lens (160) controlled by circuitry (180) allows for dynamic, programmable opacity adjustments without complex mechanical moving parts, thereby increasing adaptability while managing device complexity through electronic rather than mechanical means.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic opacity control where the electronic lens can transition between transparent and opaque states in real-time based on user interactions and environmental conditions. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to changing requirements, improving versatility while the electronic implementation keeps the control mechanism relatively simple compared to mechanical alternatives.
2Reliability
If the electronic lens is always opaque to protect the dial, then the dial protection is improved, but the visibility and aesthetic appeal are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic lens dynamically adjusts its opacity state based on detected conditions such as user proximity, ambient light levels, or interaction gestures. When a user approaches or interacts with the device, the lens transitions to a transparent state for optimal dial visibility; when idle or in protected modes, it transitions to opaque for protection, thus balancing protection and visibility requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that detect environmental conditions and user interactions, providing feedback to the control circuitry which then adjusts the electronic lens opacity accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures the lens provides appropriate protection while maintaining dial visibility when needed, resolving the contradiction between protection and visibility.
3Ease of operation
If the smart glass responds to environmental stimuli automatically, then the ease of operation is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous operation, the electronic lens transitions to opaque or transparent states periodically or event-driven based on detected user interactions or significant environmental changes. The system remains in stable states with minimal energy consumption and only activates transitions when necessary, thereby maintaining automatic response capability while reducing overall energy usage compared to continuous adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The smart glass system automatically detects environmental conditions and user presence through integrated sensors and autonomously adjusts the electronic lens opacity without requiring manual user input. This self-service capability improves ease of operation while the system is designed to minimize energy consumption by only activating adjustments when genuinely needed, rather than continuous operation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables dynamic opacity control, enhancing user interaction and versatility in smart watch and display systems by allowing the electronic lens to change states based on user input or environmental stimuli, improving functionality and user experience.
Implementation Method 1
An electronic lens (160) that covers at least a portion of the dial and circuitry (180) that controls opacity of the electronic lens (160)
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus can include a case that includes a dial and an indicator; a mechanism operatively coupled to the indicator and disposed at least in part in the case; an electronic lens that covers at least a portion of the dial; and circuitry that controls opacity of the electronic lens.