HMD Thermal Sensor Layout for Comfortable Biometric Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for respiration and temperature detection in virtual reality and mixed reality systems, such as wearable bands and thermal imaging cameras, are not designed for long-term user comfort and integration in head-mounted devices, and are often large, expensive, or require constant skin contact.
Innovation Solution
Integration of thermal sensors, including contact and non-contact sensors, in head-mounted devices (HMDs) for estimating body temperature, such as thermistors, thermocouples, and passive IR sensors, along with motion sensors and cameras for respiration detection, allowing for biometric data collection while maintaining user comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional thermal imaging cameras are used for temperature detection, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the thermal detection function into multiple discrete thermal sensors (thermistors, thermocouples, passive IR sensors) positioned at specific locations on the HMD, rather than using a single complex thermal imaging camera. This segmentation allows temperature measurement at key points (nose, forehead, temple) without requiring a full thermal camera system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential temperature detection capability from complex thermal imaging cameras by using simpler thermal sensors that measure temperature at specific points. This extraction maintains sufficient measurement precision for biometric tracking while eliminating the need for expensive, complex thermal camera systems.
2Measurement precision
If contact-based thermal sensors are used, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to constant skin contact requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges contact-based thermal sensors (for high precision) and non-contact thermal sensors (for comfort) into a unified HMD system. The contact sensors are integrated into nose pads or headbands that naturally touch the user, while non-contact sensors provide backup or alternative measurement, combining the advantages of both approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The HMD system is designed to support multiple temperature detection methods (contact and non-contact) simultaneously, making the system universal and adaptable to different user preferences and situations. This multi-functionality ensures both measurement precision and user comfort are achieved.
3Measurement precision
If wearable bands are used for respiration detection, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to long-term wearability issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges respiration detection sensors with the HMD structure, integrating them into the headband or nose pad areas. This integration allows the sensors to be positioned optimally for accurate respiration measurement while being worn comfortably on the head for extended periods, unlike wristbands that may become uncomfortable during long use.
4Ease of operation
If thermal sensors are integrated in HMDs, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision may deteriorate due to small form factor constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning thermal sensors at specific locations on the HMD (nose pad, forehead, temple) where body temperature can be accurately measured. Each sensor location is carefully selected to maximize measurement precision while accommodating the small form factor of the HMD.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent nests multiple sensor types (thermal, motion, cameras) within the compact HMD structure. The thermal sensors are integrated into existing HMD components such as nose pads and headbands, effectively nesting the biometric detection functionality within the HMD's existing form factor without requiring additional external devices.
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 accurate and comfortable long-term biometric data collection, including respiration rate and body temperature, within HMDs, facilitating interactive user experiences and biometric tracking.
Implementation Method 1
Thermal non-contact sensors may include, but are not limited to, passive IR sensors that include one or more pixels
Implementation Method 2
Thermal contact sensors may include thermistor and/or thermocouple technology sensors
Implementation Method 3
Thermal contact sensors may include thermistor and/or thermocouple technology sensors
Implementation Method 4
Audio accelerometers have been used for contact-based extraction of speech through the physics of bone-conduction between the voice box and head
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for measuring biometric data including temperature in head-mounted devices (HMDs). Thermal sensors may also be integrated into the HMD and used to collect thermal data from the surface of the user's face. This thermal data may, for example, be processed to determine core body temperature of the user, or be processed to generate estimates of the user's respiration. The temperature data and/or respiration rate and changes to respiration rate derived from signals from the sensors may be used to generate and present biometric data to the user.