Head-Mounted Display With External Controls for Off-Head Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face challenges interacting with head-mounted electronic devices when they are not being worn, as the internal display is not viewable, hindering input capabilities.
Innovation Solution
The electronic device incorporates external input-output components such as buttons, touch sensors, and projectors on its surfaces, allowing user input when not worn, and can communicate wirelessly with external equipment for controlling both the device and external electronics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the electronic device uses an inner display for user interaction, then the display can present images to users when worn, but the user cannot view or interact with the display when the device is not being worn
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements externally accessible input-output devices that serve dual purposes: they enable user interaction when the device is worn on the head, and provide alternative interaction methods when the device is not being worn. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making the input-output system adaptable to different usage states without requiring separate interaction mechanisms for each mode.
2Device complexity
If the electronic device relies solely on on-screen options for user input, then the interaction interface is simple, but the device cannot be effectively controlled when not being worn
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the input-output functionality by providing both on-screen options for when the device is worn and external physical input devices for when it is not worn. This segmentation allows each interaction method to be optimized for its specific usage context, maintaining simplicity where applicable while ensuring controllability is available in all operational states.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the electronic device is designed for head-mounted operation only, then the display functionality is optimized, but the device lacks standalone operational capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the device architecture to support both head-mounted and standalone operations through externally accessible input-output devices. These external interfaces allow the device to function effectively in both modes without requiring fundamentally different architectural configurations, thus achieving operational flexibility while managing device complexity.
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 seamless interaction with the device and external equipment even when not worn, enhancing usability and versatility by providing accessible input methods and maintaining functionality beyond on-head operations.
Implementation Method 1
The inner display may output light that passes through lenses to eye boxes
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device may have an inner display mounted in a housing so that an image on the inner display is presented to an eye box through a lens for viewing by a user while the electronic device is being worn on a head of the user. The electronic device may have input-output devices that are operable on external surfaces of the electronic device. The input-output devices may be used to gather user input for controlling an external device while the electronic device is not being worn on the user's head. The input-output devices may include a touch screen display, buttons, and other input-output components. An input-output component may be formed on a movable member that can be moved between a stored position and a deployed position. A projector may project images onto nearby surfaces. A removable electronic device may be coupled to head-mounted support structures or other housing structures.