Head-Mounted Input Device Using Head Movement Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing input methods for computers, such as keyboards and mice, restrict user mobility and comfort, especially during tasks like presentations, and are impractical for complex inputs or in noisy environments, while movement-based headsets are costly and limited in movement patterns.
Innovation Solution
A head-mounted device with position and/or movement sensors that detects specific head movements to issue inputs to a computer, allowing greater flexibility and mobility, and can be used alone or with traditional input devices, with a library of movement patterns associated with various inputs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional input devices (keyboard and mouse) are used, then input precision is improved, but user mobility is restricted and health problems arise from prolonged sitting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical input devices (keyboard and mouse) with a head-mounted device that uses sensor-based detection (accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers) to capture head movements and convert them into input signals. This substitution eliminates the need for physical contact with traditional input devices, thereby improving user mobility while maintaining input functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of the head-mounted device with sensors that acts as a mediator between the user's head movements and the computer input system. The device captures movement data through sensors, processes it to identify patterns, and translates these patterns into corresponding input commands, thus enabling mobility-free input without sacrificing precision.
2Ease of operation
If movement-based input methods (virtual reality headset, track-hat) are used, then user mobility is improved, but device complexity increases and movement pattern variety is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the input function into separate components: the head-mounted device handles movement detection and pattern recognition, while the computer receives processed input signals. This segmentation allows the head-mounted device to remain relatively simple (using standard sensors) while the computer handles the complex input translation, reducing overall device complexity compared to integrated VR headsets.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the head-mounted device universal by enabling it to work with any computer without requiring integral screens or specialized hardware. The device can detect various head movement patterns and translate them into different input types (keyboard commands, mouse movements, etc.), providing multi-functionality that reduces the need for complex dedicated systems.
3Measurement precision
If track-hat with camera is used, then head movement tracking is improved, but movement freedom is restricted to camera window and input variety is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional camera-based tracking to three-dimensional sensor-based movement detection. By using accelerometers, gyroscopes, and magnetometers, the system can detect head movements in all spatial dimensions (translation and rotation along multiple axes), freeing the user from the two-dimensional field of view limitation of camera-based systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameters from optical (camera image processing) to physical (acceleration, rotation, magnetic field measurements). This parameter change enables detection of head movements regardless of their direction or position in 3D space, significantly increasing movement freedom and the variety of distinguishable input patterns.
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 hands-free, practical, and flexible input methods, allowing for complex combinations of key presses or mouse interactions, enhancing user mobility and reducing health risks associated with prolonged sitting.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one position and/or movement sensor may comprise at least one accelerometer
Implementation Method 2
the at least one position and/or movement sensor may comprise at least one gyroscope
Implementation Method 3
the at least one position and/or movement sensor may comprise at least one magnetometer
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for issuing an input to a computer from a head-mounted device, the head-mounted device comprising a processing unit and a memory as well as at least one position and/or movement sensor, the head-mounted device being in communication with the computer, the method being implemented while the head-mounted device is worn on a wearer's head.The method comprises steps of:acquisition of position and/or movement data representative of the movement of the wearer's head by the position and/or movement sensor,detection of a specific movement pattern based on said position and/or movement data, the specific movement pattern being taken from a library of movement patterns,determination of a specific input associated with the specific movement pattern in the library, andissuance of the specific input to the computer.