HMD Nose Pad Sensor Mode Switching

Solution Overview

Problem

Head-mounted displays (HMDs) face challenges in providing simple operation methods for voice and video calls due to their limited button layout, leading to low operability and the need for a method to activate or deactivate audio and display units based on usage modes.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating sensors at the nose pad and temple of the HMD to detect contact points, allowing the controller to switch between wearing, mute, and non-wearing modes, thereby activating or deactivating the audio input/output and display units accordingly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the HMD is equipped with various buttons on the surface, then the operability is improved, but the device complexity and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveoperabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The HMD automatically detects wearing state and activates/deactivates audio input/output units without user intervention. The sensor unit detects contact points (nose pad and temple) to determine whether the device is being worn, and the controller automatically adjusts operational modes accordingly, eliminating the need for manual buttons or switches

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Physical buttons and switches are replaced with a sensor-based detection system. The sensor unit uses contact detection (likely through capacitive or pressure sensors) to sense wearing state, and the controller processes this information to automatically control device functions, substituting mechanical control interfaces with an automated sensing and control system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If the HMD is equipped with various buttons on the surface, then the ease of operation is improved, but the weight of the device increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidweight

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The HMD automatically detects wearing state and activates/deactivates audio input/output units without user intervention. The sensor unit detects contact points (nose pad and temple) to determine whether the device is being worn, and the controller automatically adjusts operational modes accordingly, eliminating the need for manual buttons or switches

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Physical buttons and switches are replaced with a sensor-based detection system. The sensor unit uses contact detection (likely through capacitive or pressure sensors) to sense wearing state, and the controller processes this information to automatically control device functions, substituting mechanical control interfaces with an automated sensing and control system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If the audio input unit is always activated, then the voice call function is improved, but the power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoice call functionVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The operational state of the audio input unit dynamically changes based on detected wearing condition. The controller activates the audio input unit when the sensor detects the HMD is being worn (both nose pad and temple contacts detected), and deactivates it when not worn, creating a dynamic power management system that adapts to usage conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor unit provides continuous feedback about the wearing state to the controller. Based on this feedback signal indicating whether the HMD is properly worn (both contact points detected), the controller automatically adjusts the power state of the audio input unit, implementing a feedback-based power management strategy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS10664230B2Head mounted display and method of controlling therefor

Publication Date: 2020.05.26 LG ELECTRONICS INC

AI summary

A method of controlling a head mounted display (HMD) according to one embodiment of the present specification includes performing a first operation, receiving a first voice input through an audio input unit, processing the first voice input with respect to the first operation while a first contact is detected through a first sensor positioned at a nose pad of the HMD, detecting the first contact being released through the first sensor positioned at a nose pad of the HMD, receiving a second voice input through the audio input unit while the first contact is released, and performing a second operation according to the received second voice input.