Neck-Mounted Computing Device for AR Headsets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing head-mounted devices, such as augmented reality headsets, face limitations due to their embedded computing systems, which restrict processing power and battery life due to size constraints for comfortable wear.
Innovation Solution
A computing device is designed to be mounted on a user's neck, separate from the head-mounted device, featuring a housing with processors and memory that processes data from the head-mounted device, allowing for improved processing power and reduced size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the computing system is embedded within the head mounted device itself, then the device structure is simplified, but the processing power and battery life are limited due to size constraints for comfortable wear
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two separate components: a head-mounted device and a neck-mounted computing device. The head-mounted device retains only essential components (sensors, displays, lightweight structure), while the computing system (processors, memory, batteries) is relocated to the neck-mounted device. This segmentation allows the head-mounted device to remain lightweight and comfortable while the neck-mounted device provides sufficient processing power and battery capacity.
2Device complexity
If the computing system is embedded within the head mounted device itself, then the device structure is simplified, but the battery life is limited due to size constraints for comfortable wear
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is separated from the head-mounted device and placed in the neck-mounted computing device. This allows the batteries to be larger and heavier without impacting the weight constraints of the head-mounted device, thereby extending battery life while maintaining comfortable wearability of the head-mounted portion.
3Weight of moving object
If a U-shaped neck piece with batteries, sensors, or processors is used, then the weight is spread onto the shoulders, but the device becomes very large, making it difficult to transport and very visible
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a symmetric U-shaped neck piece that encircles the entire neck, the computing device is designed with an asymmetric geometry that mounts only on the back of the neck. This asymmetric configuration spreads the weight onto the shoulders like the U-shaped design, but reduces the device volume and visibility by eliminating the need to surround the neck.
4Weight of moving object
If a U-shaped neck piece is used, then the weight is spread onto the shoulders, but the device is cumbersome and limits movement of the user
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric mounting configuration on the back of the neck, rather than encircling the neck, reduces the mechanical constraint on head and neck movement. This allows the weight to be distributed onto the shoulders while maintaining greater freedom of movement compared to the constraining U-shaped geometry.
5Reliability
If the neckpiece and head mounted device are connected to each other, then the computing components are essential to the functioning, but the neckpiece must be worn each time the user wears the head mounted device
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the neck-mounted computing device and the head-mounted device is made dynamic and flexible rather than rigid and permanent. The flexible cable connection allows the components to move independently while maintaining electrical connectivity, enabling the user to wear only the head-mounted device for brief periods while keeping the neck-mounted device available for extended use.
6Quantity of substance
If a U-shaped geometry is used for the neckpiece, then the computing components can be distributed, but the design of the motherboard and electronic components with standard dimensions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The computing device transitions from a two-dimensional U-shaped planar configuration to a three-dimensional box-like structure. This dimensional change provides ample internal volume for accommodating standard-dimension motherboards and electronic components, enabling conventional PCB layouts and component placements while still distributing the computing components effectively.
Data Source
AI summary
A computing device for mounting on a neck of a user, and a system comprising the computing device and a separate head mounted device. The computing device has a housing, one or more processors, one or more memories, and wherein the housing is configured to mount to the back of the user's neck and is shaped to occupy a volume that extends from the back of the user's neck away from the user's neck but that does not extend substantially around the sides of the user's neck. In use the computing device is in communication with a head mounted device.