Head Movement Threshold Control for HMD Interface Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing head-mounted display (HMD) devices, such as Google Glass, require awkward hand-based control methods, which are inadequate for scenarios needing hand-free operation.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for controlling an HMD device using head movement, where a user interface element is projected on the display and its position changes based on head speed thresholds, allowing selection through head movement and maintaining stability at lower speeds, enabling hand-free operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a touchpad is used for controlling HMD device, then the device can be controlled, but the control method becomes awkward and not hand-free
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical touchpad control system with a head movement-based control system. The sensor detects head movements and the processor translates these movements into navigation commands, eliminating the need for manual touchpad operation and enabling hand-free control of the HMD device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces head movement as an intermediary between the user and the HMD control system. Instead of direct hand-to-device interaction via touchpad, the user's head movements serve as the mediating input mechanism, allowing natural hand-free operation while maintaining precise control capability.
2Ease of operation
If user interface element position changes with head movement, then hand-free navigation is enabled, but accidental selections may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic responsiveness to head movement speed. The system adjusts its behavior based on the detected speed of head movement, creating different operational modes: at normal speeds, the interface elements move naturally with head movement for smooth navigation; when speed exceeds the threshold, the system transitions to tracking mode where elements stabilize relative to the user's view, preventing accidental selections during rapid movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the system's response parameter based on head movement speed threshold. When the speed parameter exceeds the threshold, the system switches from moving interface elements with head movement to tracking mode where elements remain stable. This parameter-based state change allows the system to adapt its behavior to user intent, maintaining reliability during rapid movements while enabling smooth navigation during controlled movements.
3Reliability
If user interface element position remains fixed, then selection stability is maintained, but hand-free navigation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the interface element positioning dynamic rather than static. The system continuously monitors head movement speed and adjusts the positioning behavior accordingly: at normal speeds, elements move with the user's head for natural navigation; when speed exceeds the threshold, elements switch to tracking mode for stability. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between fixed stability and flexible navigation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling a display of a head mounted display (HMD) device, the method may include projecting on a display of the HMD device a given user interface element; sensing, by a sensor, a head movement of a user of the HMD device; unchanging a position of the projection of the given user interface element when a speed of the head movement is below a first speed threshold; and changing the position of the given user interface element when the speed of the head movement exceeds the first speed threshold.