Wireless Headset Microdisplay Using Head Tracking for Virtual Display Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current portable electronic devices with high resolution displays face limitations in replicating a high-quality, large format visual experience due to size constraints, and there is a need for a hands-free remote control solution that can efficiently manage peripheral devices and software applications using intuitive motion and voice commands.

Innovation Solution

A wireless computing headset equipped with microdisplays, sensors, and peripheral mounts that utilize head tracking, gyroscopes, GPS, digital compasses, cameras, and vocal commands to control the field of view, zoom, pan, and scale factors, allowing users to interact with virtual displays and software applications in a hands-free manner.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If high resolution displays are used in portable devices, then visual quality is improved, but device size and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisual qualityVSAvoiddevice weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The display system is segmented into a high-resolution microdisplay located in the headset and a larger virtual display rendered remotely. The microdisplay acts as a window to access the larger virtual display, allowing high visual quality without the weight of a large physical display in the portable device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The microdisplay serves as an intermediary device that provides access to the larger virtual display through head-tracking technology. Users interact with the large virtual display remotely through the small microdisplay, eliminating the need to physically carry the large display while maintaining visual quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If traditional remote controls are used, then device operation is controlled, but user hands must be occupied

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehands-free operationVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical remote control system is replaced with a head-tracking based control system. Head movements are detected by sensors in the headset and translated into navigation commands for the virtual display, enabling hands-free operation without requiring physical remote controls.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the user's natural head movements as input, eliminating the need for separate control devices. The head-tracking technology captures involuntary head motions and converts them into meaningful navigation commands, making the system self-serve through the user's own body movements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Area of moving object

If field of view is increased in microdisplay, then more virtual display area is visible, but resolution decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisible display areaVSAvoiddisplay resolution

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from a two-dimensional display constraint to a three-dimensional spatial solution using head-tracking. By detecting head movement in multiple dimensions (pitch, yaw, roll), the system navigates a larger virtual display area while maintaining high resolution on the microdisplay, effectively adding a spatial dimension to the display experience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 a high-quality, portable visual experience by allowing users to control virtual displays and software applications with head and hand movements, as well as voice commands, enhancing mobility and convenience while providing intuitive control over large format visual information.

Implementation Method 1

A wireless computing headset remote control microdisplay device uses input devices such as a head tracking accelerometer(s), gyro(s) and/or magnitometers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAccelerometer: Accelerometer

Implementation Method 2

A wireless computing headset remote control microdisplay device uses input devices such as a head tracking accelerometer(s), gyro(s) and/or magnitometers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGyroscope: Gyroscope

Implementation Method 3

A wireless computing headset remote control microdisplay device uses input devices such as a head tracking accelerometer(s), gyro(s) and/or magnitometers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetometer: Magnetometer

Data Source

PatentUS8855719B2Wireless hands-free computing headset with detachable accessories controllable by motion, body gesture and/or vocal commands

Publication Date: 2014.10.07 KOPIN CORP

AI summary

A remote control microdisplay device that uses hand movement, body gesture, head movement, head position and/or vocal commands to control the headset, a peripheral device, a remote system, network or software application, such as to control the parameters of a field of view for the microdisplay within a larger virtual display area associated with a host application, a peripheral device or host system. The movement and/or vocal commands are detected via the headset and/or detachable peripheral device connected to the headset microdisplay device via one or more peripheral ports.