HMD Control via IMU Bone Conduction Nasal Vibration Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Head-Mounted Devices (HMDs) lack a standard, intuitive, low-effort, hands-free, and discreet input method.

Innovation Solution

Utilizing an inertial measurement unit (IMU) to detect voiced nasal consonants, which are then analyzed to distinguish them from other sounds, allowing for hands-free control of HMDs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If voice commands are used to control HMDs, then hands-free operation is achieved, but the input method lacks discretion and may be overheard by others

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehands-free operationVSAvoidlack of discretion

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the essential vibrational signature of voiced nasal consonants from the complete audio signal, using IMU sensors to detect bone conduction vibrations rather than capturing full audio. This allows hands-free control while maintaining discretion, as the IMU detects vibrations internally transmitted through the skull rather than airborne sound waves that could be overheard.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces bone conduction vibration as an intermediary medium between the user's voice and the HMD controller. Instead of directly capturing airborne sound waves through microphones, the system uses vibrations transmitted through the skull bone to the IMU sensors, creating a private communication channel that cannot be overheard by others nearby.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If standard voice commands are used, then input capability is provided, but the method requires physical interaction or is not intuitive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinput capabilityVSAvoidphysical interaction requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical system of airborne sound wave transmission with a direct bone conduction vibration mechanism. The IMU sensors detect vibrations transmitted through the skull bone, eliminating the need for airborne sound propagation and providing a more direct, intuitive input method that works even when the mouth is closed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the IMU sensor multi-functional by using it both for its traditional purpose (detecting head movements and orientation) and for detecting voiced nasal consonant vibrations. This eliminates the need for separate hardware components and provides intuitive voice control without adding device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If the IMU is used to detect voiced nasal consonants, then distinction from other sounds is improved, but the IMU is not traditionally used for voice command detection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesound distinction accuracyVSAvoidsensor utilization complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the IMU sensor multi-functional by using it both for detecting head movements/orientation and for detecting voiced nasal consonant vibrations. This eliminates the need for separate hardware components and provides intuitive voice control without adding device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the detection parameters of the IMU sensor to be sensitive to the specific frequency range and vibration patterns of voiced nasal consonants. By adjusting the detection thresholds and signal processing parameters, the system can distinguish nasal consonants from other sounds while using the existing IMU hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Provides an intuitive and discreet input method for controlling HMDs, allowing users to perform actions like selecting or navigating menus without physically interacting with the device.

Implementation Method 1

an inertial measurement unit (IMU) to detect voiced nasal consonants

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBone conduction:

Data Source

PatentUS20250140264A1Controlling head-mounted devices by voiced nasal consonants

Publication Date: 2025.05.01 GOOGLE LLC

AI summary

A system for controlling a head mounted device (HMD). The system includes a processor of a controller of the HMD connected to an Internal Measurement Unit (IMU) and a memory on which are stored machine-readable instructions that when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: receive Internal Measurement Unit (IMU) data generated in response to vibrations produced by voiced nasal consonant vocalizations produced by an HMD user, analyze the IMU data to determine whether the IMU data corresponds to an HMD control command, and responsive to a determination that the IMU data corresponds to the HMD control command, execute the HMD control command.