Head-Tracking Pointer-Timer for HMD Hands-Free Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile computing devices face limitations in providing a hands-free, high-quality, portable, and large-format display solution due to their size constraints and hands-dependent user interfaces, which are inadequate for precise interactions.
Innovation Solution
A wireless computing headset with high-resolution micro-displays and head-tracking capabilities allows users to select objects on a screen without voice commands, using a pointer-timer that transitions visually to indicate selection, enabling hands-free interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If head-tracking capability is used for navigation and direct manipulation tasks, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates for tasks requiring precise interaction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the interaction task into two distinct phases: navigation phase (using head-tracking for ease of operation) and selection phase (using pointer-timer for measurement precision). This allows each phase to use the most appropriate input method without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different interaction modes based on the task requirements. The pointer-timer mechanism provides dynamic feedback that transitions from navigation to precise selection, adapting the interaction method in real-time based on the current task state.
2Ease of operation
If voice commands are used for selection, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates in quiet environments or for users with difficulty issuing voice commands
Solution Approach 1:
The pointer-timer acts as an intermediary mechanism between the user and the selection system. Instead of directly using voice commands, the user interacts with the pointer-timer visual interface, which then triggers the selection action. This intermediary provides a more reliable interaction method in environments where voice commands may fail.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the acoustic/voice-based selection mechanism with a visual pointer-timer mechanism. This substitution eliminates the reliability issues associated with voice recognition in quiet environments while maintaining ease of operation through intuitive visual feedback.
3Measurement precision
If hands-dependent interfaces are used, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to mobility constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces hands-dependent mechanical interfaces (keyboard, touch-screen) with head-tracking based visual interaction. The pointer-timer mechanism provides precise selection capability without requiring hand movements, thereby eliminating mobility constraints while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the interaction parameter from hand-based physical input to head-based spatial input. By tracking head movements and translating them into pointer-timer interactions, the system achieves both precision and mobility independence.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of performing a hands-free selection of an object on a display includes displaying various objects within a screen view on a display, and moving a pointer-timer, in response to movements of the headset computer, to a selectable object within the screen view. The method further includes selecting the selectable object if the pointer-timer overlaps the selectable object for a predetermined amount of time. The method may further include transitioning the pointer-timer from a first state to a second state over a predetermined period of time. The pointer-timer may include a collection of elements that sequentially transitions from the first state to the second state, such that the collection of elements gradually changes from all being in the first state to all being in the second state.