Eyeglasses Transceiver with Integrated Beam Splitter

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing eye tracking devices for wireless communication are bulky and conspicuous, making it difficult to discreetly receive and respond to text messages or capture and transmit images/video, which can lead to social awkwardness or missed opportunities.

Innovation Solution

A self-contained, head-mounted device resembling standard eyeglasses with integrated wireless transceivers, eye tracking sensors, and artificial vision software that allows users to inconspicuously view and send messages by eye movement, and capture images/video using outwardly-facing cameras, all powered without external batteries.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional beam splitter configurations are used to create virtual images, then optical display functionality is achieved, but the device becomes bulky and conspicuous

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical display functionalityVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The beam splitter is nested within the eyeglass lens structure itself, integrated into the lens rather than held separately in front of it. This nesting approach allows the optical display functionality to be achieved while minimizing the device's external dimensions and maintaining a conventional eyeglasses appearance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The beam splitter and eyeglass lens are merged into a single integrated component. By combining these optical elements, the patent eliminates the need for separate beam splitter housings and mounting structures, thereby reducing overall device volume while preserving the virtual image display capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If traditional beam splitter configurations are used to create virtual images, then optical display functionality is achieved, but the device becomes conspicuous and gives an artificial appearance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical display functionalityVSAvoiddevice appearance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The beam splitter is positioned and configured to affect only specific local areas of the lens where virtual images need to be displayed, while the rest of the eyeglass structure maintains its conventional appearance. This localized approach allows optical functionality without compromising overall aesthetic appearance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If eye tracking sensors and wireless transceivers are integrated into eyeglasses, then discreet communication is enabled, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediscreet communication capabilityVSAvoidintegration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The eyeglass device integrates multiple functions including wireless communication, eye tracking, and optical display within a single platform. By making the eyeglasses universal and multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for separate devices while managing complexity through integrated design architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The eye tracking system uses the user's own eye movements to automatically control communication functions without requiring manual input. This self-service approach simplifies the user interface and reduces the complexity of control mechanisms by leveraging natural human behavior.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Use of energy by moving object

If external battery packs are used to power the device, then power supply is sufficient, but the device loses portability and convenience

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply capacityVSAvoidportability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The battery is merged with the eyeglass structure itself, integrated into the frame or temple pieces. This combination eliminates the need for separate external battery packs while maintaining sufficient power capacity, thereby preserving portability and convenience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The battery is nested within the eyeglass structure, hidden inside the frame components. This nesting approach allows adequate power supply capacity to be incorporated without adding external bulk or compromising the wearable nature of the device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS8531394B2Unitized, vision-controlled, wireless eyeglasses transceiver

Publication Date: 2013.09.10 SNAP INC

AI summary

A device allowing a user to inconspicuously send and receive wireless messages, often short text messages, and transmit still images and/or video. The device may have an outward appearance resembling standard eyeglasses or sun glasses, and comprise a built in wireless transceiver, an optical display that enables the user to inconspicuously view incoming wireless text or e-mail messages, and an outwardly-facing image/video capturing device. The device allows the user to inconspicuously transmit outgoing messages, including still images and videos by a process in which the user simply moves his or her eyes and gazes at various display targets. The device's eye tracking systems and software track the motion and gaze of the user's eyes, and convert this gaze into message symbols and system control commands. The device is self-contained and operates, when placed on the user's head, without the need for external battery packs.