Head Pose and Touch Gesture Unlock for Wearable Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wearable computing devices with near-eye displays lack secure and intuitive methods for unlocking, particularly in scenarios where traditional input methods may be impractical or unsafe, such as in augmented or virtual reality applications.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a dual-modality unlock sequence that combines a predefined head pose and a sequence of touch gestures on a touchpad, allowing the device to switch from a locked mode to an unlocked mode only when both conditions are met, providing a secure and user-friendly interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional input methods (e.g., buttons, keyboards) are used for unlocking, then the device can be unlocked, but the method becomes impractical or unsafe in augmented or virtual reality scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical input methods (buttons, keyboards) with head pose detection using sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers) to detect the orientation and position of the head-mounted device, enabling unlocking through head movements rather than manual input
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary recognition system that translates head pose data into unlock commands, acting as a mediator between the user's natural head movements and the device's unlock function, making the interaction indirect yet intuitive
2Adaptability or versatility
If head pose alone is used for unlocking, then the operation becomes intuitive in VR/AR scenarios, but security is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple input modalities (head pose detection and touchpad gestures) into a single unlock mechanism, requiring both conditions to be satisfied simultaneously, thereby maintaining security while enabling intuitive VR/AR operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a temporal and spatial dimension to the unlock process by requiring a specific sequence of gestures performed while maintaining a particular head pose, creating a multi-dimensional authentication space that is harder to compromise
3Reliability
If dual-modality unlock sequence is implemented, then security is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the touchpad interface serve multiple functions: it can be used for both traditional gestures and head pose-locked gesture sequences, allowing the same hardware component to support both simple and secure unlock methods without adding dedicated hardware
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments described herein may help to provide a lock-screen for a computing device. An example method involves, while a computing device is in a locked mode, the computing device: (a) analyzing head-pose data to determine whether a head pose associated with the computing device matches a predetermined head pose, (b) analyzing touchpad data associated with the computing device to detect a predetermined sequence of touch gestures, (c) if both (i) the head pose matches the predetermined head pose and (ii) the predetermined sequence of touch gestures is detected, then the computing device switching to an unlocked mode, and (d) otherwise, refraining from causing computing device switch to the unlocked mode.