Eyecup Switched Optical Device Power Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical electronics consume unnecessary power and suffer from light leakage when not in use, with existing solutions either wasting power by not deactivating light generating components or being unresponsive due to delays in detecting user viewing intent.
Innovation Solution
An eyecup switched optical device that depresses to selectively generate light, featuring an eyecup with an optical transmission channel and a switch that instantly activates the imaging system when pressed against the user's face, ensuring immediate light production and minimizing power consumption and leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the optical device continuously generates light to ensure immediate availability, then the responsiveness is improved, but the power consumption increases unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs preliminary action by keeping the imaging system in a standby state with all components pre-positioned and ready. When the eyecup is depressed, the system immediately activates without delay because the light generating components were already prepared in advance, thus achieving instant responsiveness without continuous operation and excessive power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The device implements periodic action by alternating between active and standby states based on user need. The imaging system operates continuously only when the eyecup is depressed, and remains inactive during standby periods. This on-demand operation pattern eliminates unnecessary power consumption while maintaining immediate responsiveness when activated.
2Speed
If the optical device continuously generates light to ensure immediate availability, then the responsiveness is improved, but the light leakage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses preliminary action by pre-positioning the light generating components and optical path in readiness. When activated by depressing the eyecup, the system immediately directs light through the optical transmission channel to the user's eye without delay, eliminating the need for continuous light generation that would cause leakage during non-use periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The device applies periodic action by cycling the light generation on and off based on activation state. Light is generated only during periods when the eyecup is depressed and the user needs to view the image, and remains off during standby periods. This eliminates light leakage during non-use while ensuring immediate light availability when needed.
3Speed
If the switch detection is made more sensitive to detect user intent faster, then the responsiveness is improved, but the false activation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device implements feedback by using the mechanical depression of the eyecup as a reliable trigger signal. The switch detects the physical compression of the eyecup material, which provides clear feedback about user intent. This mechanical feedback mechanism is sufficiently sensitive to detect activation quickly but specific enough to avoid false activation, as it requires actual physical compression rather than mere proximity.
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses the eyecup material itself as an intermediary between the user's face and the switch. The eyecup compresses under user pressure and transmits this mechanical force to the switch, providing a reliable intermediate detection mechanism. This intermediary ensures that only deliberate compression activates the device, maintaining high detection speed while preventing false activation from accidental contact.
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
The solution allows for instantaneous light activation when needed, reducing power consumption and eliminating unwanted light leakage, thereby enhancing user experience and efficiency in optical devices like night vision systems.
Implementation Method 1
an eyecup (6) in slidable communication with a switch (14), the eyecup comprising an optical transmission channel
Data Source
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AI summary
An optical device is disclosed. The optical device may generate light for projection into a user's eye. The optical device may have a switch 14 connected to an eyecup 6. When the eyecup is pressed against the user's face, the switch may be actuated, signaling the optical device to generate light for projection into a user's eye. When the eyecup is not pressed against the user's face, the switch may be unactuated, signaling the optical device to cease to generate light for projection into a user's eye. Various electronics of the optical device may remain active, for example, a controller 16 may continue to generate an image for representation by the generated light, but the optical device may refrain from generating the light, such as by a display. In this manner, inadvertent light leakage may be ameliorated, and power consumption by the optical device lessened when the eyecup is not depressed.