Head-Mounted System Gesture Control and Sensor Fusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing head-mounted information systems for athletes, such as skiers and snowboarders, are inconvenient and prone to errors due to the need to stop and remove gloves to access information, and they often suffer from atmospheric delays, signal interference, and cumbersome designs that obstruct the user's view and interaction during activities.
Innovation Solution
A head-mounted system with a sensor unit, processor, and display integrated into goggles, helmets, or masks, allowing users to view performance metrics like speed and altitude in real-time without needing to stop, using IMU sensors and GPS for accurate positioning, and enabling gesture control for easy interaction while keeping hands free.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS-based position measurement is used, then position information can be obtained, but atmospheric delay errors and signal loss occur when satellites are geometrically inaccessible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple positioning technologies (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS) and multiple sensing systems (IMU, barometric pressure sensors, optical flow sensors) into an integrated head-mounted system. This multi-sensor fusion approach ensures that when GPS signals are unavailable or inaccurate, alternative sensors can compensate, thereby improving both measurement precision and reliability of position information.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts measurement parameters and sensor weighting based on environmental conditions. When GPS signals are weak or unavailable, the system shifts reliance to other sensors like barometric pressure sensors for altitude measurement or IMU data for position tracking, changing the operational parameters to maintain accuracy under varying conditions.
2Measurement precision
If bulky sensor modules are mounted at various parts of the user's body, then performance measurement capability is improved, but the device becomes inconvenient to use and prone to data errors due to wireless communication interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates all sensor modules (accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers, GPS receivers, barometric pressure sensors) and processing units into a single compact head-mounted device. This consolidation eliminates the need for multiple separate sensor modules distributed across the body, reducing wireless communication requirements and improving user convenience while maintaining comprehensive performance measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The head-mounted device performs multiple functions including position tracking, speed measurement, altitude measurement, and performance analysis within a single unit. This multi-functional design replaces the need for multiple specialized sensor modules, improving ease of operation while maintaining comprehensive measurement capabilities.
3Ease of operation
If the device is located in a pocket, backpack or under the clothing, then it is less obtrusive, but interaction with the device while engaging in athletic activity is not practical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical button presses and manual controls with contactless interaction methods including voice commands, gesture recognition, and automatic sensor-based control. Users can interact with the device through voice instructions or by simply wearing it, eliminating the need to physically access or manipulate controls during athletic activities.
Solution Approach 2:
The device automatically tracks and records performance data without requiring user intervention. Sensors continuously monitor position, speed, and other metrics, and the system automatically processes and stores this information, allowing the device to serve itself and eliminating the need for manual interaction during activities.
4Productivity
If head-mounted display is used, then real-time information is provided without needing to stop, but the display may obstruct the user's view and interaction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses localized augmented reality displays that present information only in specific portions of the user's field of view. Critical information is displayed in peripheral or non-critical areas, ensuring that the display provides real-time feedback without obstructing the user's central vision or interaction with the environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs transparent or holographic display technologies that present information in an additional visual dimension rather than blocking the user's view. This allows simultaneous viewing of real-world surroundings and digital information overlays, maintaining productivity while avoiding view obstruction.
Data Source
AI summary
A head-mounted information system is provided, the head-mounted information system comprising a frame configured to be mounted on a head of a user, a display unit coupled to the frame, a sensor unit coupled to the frame comprising one or more motion sensors, and, a processor unit coupled to the frame and connected to receive signals from the motion sensors. The processor unit comprises a processor and a memory accessible by the processor. The processor unit is configured to monitor the received signals and enter a gesture control mode upon detection of a gesture control enable signal. In the gesture control mode the processor is configured to convert signals received from the motion sensors into menu navigation commands.