Head-Mounted Device Radio Control Using Vision-Based Detection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems require manual configuration of radios, which is time-consuming and detrimental to user experience, and result in excessive power consumption due to unnecessary radio searches.

Innovation Solution

A head-mounted display device captures camera data to automatically adjust radio states, control connections, and minimize power consumption by preventing unnecessary searches, leveraging its optical capabilities to facilitate seamless and efficient wireless connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual configuration is used to establish wireless links, then connection reliability is improved, but user experience deteriorates due to time-consuming and tedious operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoiduser experience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automatic radio configuration where the head-mounted device autonomously performs radio state adjustments, connection establishment, and power management based on camera data detection, eliminating the need for manual user configuration while maintaining reliable connections

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical configuration operations with an automated vision-based system that uses camera data to detect devices and objects, then automatically controls radio states and connections through software processing, substituting user interaction with optical detection and automated control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If radio continuously searches for devices to maintain connectivity, then connection reliability is improved, but power consumption increases excessively

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts radio operational states based on real-time camera data detection. When devices or objects are detected visually, the radio transitions to active scanning or connection modes; when not detected, the radio enters low-power states, creating a dynamic adaptation between connectivity needs and power consumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback loop where camera data detection results directly control radio state transitions. The detection system provides continuous feedback about the presence of devices or objects, which feeds back to the radio control logic to adjust scanning and connection behaviors accordingly, optimizing power usage based on actual environmental conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If radio performs frequent scans and advertisement broadcasts to maintain connectivity, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity and power consumption worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidradio operation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements periodic camera-based detection cycles that trigger radio operations only when necessary. Instead of continuous radio scanning, the system uses periodic visual detection to determine when connection attempts are warranted, reducing the frequency and complexity of radio operations while maintaining reliable connections when devices are present

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS20250254506A1Electronic Devices with Vision-Assisted Radio Control
Publication Date: 2025.08.07 APPLE INC
  • US20250254506A1 patent drawing
  • US20250254506A1 patent drawing
  • US20250254506A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A communications system may include a head-mounted device (HMD) and at least one other device. The HMD may capture camera data from its surroundings. The devices may include radios for wirelessly communicating via corresponding communications links. The HMD may help to adjust one or more of the radios based on the camera data. The adjustments may include transitioning the radio(s) between radio states, controlling how the radio(s) search for other devices, controlling the radio(s) to initiate or end a particular connection, controlling the radio(s) to enter or exit a power-saving mode, disabling or powering off the radio(s), controlling the radio(s) to coordinate video streaming/playback, and/or controlling the radio(s) to coordinate reminders. Leveraging the optical capabilities of the HMD may allow the devices to wirelessly connect to each other in a seamless and efficient manner while also minimizing power consumption by the radios and user interaction with the devices.