Hinge-Integrated Optical Remote Sensing for Slim Portable Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable devices with integrated eye-trackers face challenges due to bulkiness and power consumption, which limits their slim design and thermal dissipation capabilities, making them less efficient and less portable.
Innovation Solution
A compact portable device design that incorporates an optical remote sensing system within the hinge mechanism, allowing for adequate cooling and slim form factor, featuring a recess for the system when closed and a projection for the hinge, with sensors and illuminators optimized for efficient power use and eye/gaze tracking functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an optical remote sensing system is integrated into a portable device, then eye/gaze tracking and gesture detection functionality is improved, but the device becomes bulkier and thicker
Solution Approach 1:
The optical remote sensing system is nested within the hinge mechanism of the portable device. The hinge housing contains the optical sensor, illuminator, and associated electronics, effectively hiding these components within the existing structural volume of the hinge rather than adding them as separate external components. This allows the device to maintain a slim profile while still incorporating the eye-tracking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides the mechanical connection between lid and base, enables device opening and closing, and now also houses the optical remote sensing system for eye/gaze tracking. By making the hinge a multi-functional component, the patent avoids adding extra bulk to accommodate the optical system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an optical remote sensing system is integrated into a portable device, then eye/gaze tracking functionality is improved, but thermal dissipation capability deteriorates due to limited space
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism, being a metal structural component with inherent thermal conductivity, provides localized thermal management for the optical system. The hinge housing acts as a heat sink, conducting heat away from the optical sensor and illuminator. This local thermal management solution is integrated into the hinge structure itself, requiring no additional thermal dissipation components.
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
The solution enables a slim, thermally efficient, and power-efficient portable device that integrates eye/gaze tracking and gesture detection, maintaining a compact design while ensuring effective thermal dissipation and user interaction.
Implementation Method 1
an optical remote sensing system for eye/gaze tracking, gesture detection, facial feature tracking
Implementation Method 2
The second essentially flat inner surface includes an illuminator configured to illuminate a user
Data Source
AI summary
A portable computing device is disclosed which may include a base element, a lid element, a first motion sensor, a second motion sensor, a processor, and an eye tracking system. The first motion sensor may be disposed in the base element. The second motion sensor may be disposed in the lid element. The processor may be configured to control the first motion sensor to detect first motion information, control the second motion sensor to detect second motion information; and determine final motion information based at least in part on the first motion information and the second motion information. The eye tracking system may be configured to determine a gaze position of a user based at least in part on the final motion information, wherein the processor is further configured to execute one or more control processes based at least in part on the determined gaze position meeting a predetermined condition.