Eyewear Hinge Power Control With Hall Sensors and Privacy Lockout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power control methods for head-worn devices, such as XR eyewear, face challenges in integration, intuitiveness, and reliability, particularly with mechanical switches and proximity sensors, which can lead to unintended power consumption and lack of hardware security.
Innovation Solution
A power and security control system that utilizes the natural motion of opening and closing the eyewear's hinges, employing Hall effect sensors to toggle power states and includes hardware logic circuitry to ensure both hinges are in the same position for reliable state transitions, with hardware security circuitry to disable sensitive components when inactive.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mechanical switches are used for power control, then power state control is achieved, but integration difficulty increases and reliability decreases due to unintended activation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical switches with Hall effect sensors that detect the magnetic field state of hinges to determine power state. This substitution eliminates mechanical contact issues and unintended activation while maintaining intuitive control through the natural opening/closing motion of the eyewear.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces hardware logic circuitry as an intermediary between the sensor inputs and power state control. This intermediary layer processes signals from multiple hinge sensors and implements state machine logic to ensure reliable power state transitions only when both hinges are in the appropriate position, preventing unintended activation.
2Extent of automation
If proximity sensors are used for power control, then automatic power control is achieved, but power consumption increases and hardware security is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces active proximity sensors with passive Hall effect sensors that detect the magnetic field state of hinges. This substitution dramatically reduces power consumption while maintaining automatic power control functionality based on the physical state of the eyewear hinges.
Solution Approach 2:
The hardware logic circuitry automatically monitors the state of both hinges and autonomously controls power state transitions without requiring software intervention or additional processing. This self-service approach minimizes power consumption while achieving reliable automatic power control.
3Device complexity
If single hinge sensing is used, then device control is simplified, but reliability decreases due to false state transitions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines signals from Hall effect sensors on both left and right hinges into a unified power state control system. The hardware logic circuitry merges these inputs and implements AND logic to ensure that power state transitions occur only when both hinges are in the appropriate position, eliminating false transitions caused by single hinge movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a state machine with feedback loops that continuously monitor the positions of both hinges and adjust power state accordingly. The hardware logic circuitry maintains an internal state representation and only transitions power state when the feedback from both sensors confirms the appropriate hinge configuration, ensuring reliable 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
Provides a robust, secure, and user-friendly power management solution that enhances user experience by ensuring intuitive operation and privacy through observable hardware-level deactivation of sensitive functions.
Implementation Method 1
employing Hall effect sensors to toggle power states
Data Source
AI summary
A head-worn device is presented, featuring an intuitive power control mechanism based on the device's physical hinge states. The device includes a pair of hinges, each connecting a temple piece to the frame, capable of transitioning between open and closed positions. Sensors, such as Hall effect sensors, detect these positions and output signals accordingly. A hardware logic circuit receives the signals, controlling the device's power state-activating when both hinges are open and deactivating when closed. The system also incorporates hardware security circuitry that forcibly disables hardware components like cameras and microphones in the inactive state, ensuring user privacy. This power control mechanism is designed to be robust against unintended activations and integrates seamlessly with the user's natural interactions with the eyewear, offering a secure, convenient, and user-friendly experience.