Optical Headset User Interface for Compact Wearables

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Solution Overview

Problem

Headset user interfaces are limited by their small form factor, making it difficult to access complex features and functionalities, as traditional keypads and displays are not well-suited for these devices, and existing multifunction buttons and visual indicators are non-intuitive and awkward to use, especially when worn.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of an optical line scanner on a headset that detects finger movements, such as tapping and sliding, to translate them into user interface inputs like volume control and menu scrolling, using a light source, optical guide, and imaging sensor to process successive images of the finger pad, with optional secondary mechanisms like capacitance sensors to reduce false triggers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional keypads and displays are used in headsets, then user interface functionality is comprehensive, but the headset housing size becomes too large and complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser interface functionalityVSAvoidheadset housing size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical buttons and displays with an optical scanning system that uses light to detect finger movements and capture fingerprint images. This optical system provides comprehensive input functionality without requiring physical buttons or large display surfaces, thereby maintaining versatility while reducing device complexity and housing size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates an optical copy of the user's fingerprint and uses image processing to determine input commands. Instead of requiring physical contact with buttons, the system captures and analyzes the fingerprint pattern to translate it into user interface inputs, providing a contactless alternative that reduces mechanical complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Device complexity

If multifunction buttons are used in headsets, then the number of interface mechanisms is reduced, but usability becomes non-intuitive and awkward when worn

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of interface mechanismsVSAvoidusability when worn

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The optical scanning system automatically captures and processes fingerprint images without requiring the user to manually press buttons or navigate complex interfaces. The system self-regulates by continuously scanning for fingerprint patterns and automatically translating them into appropriate input commands, making the interaction more intuitive and easier to use while maintaining minimal hardware complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If visual indicators are used in headsets, then feedback is provided to users, but effectiveness is limited when the headset is being worn

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser feedback capabilityVSAvoideffectiveness when worn

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the fingerprint scan as an intermediary mechanism that provides feedback through image analysis rather than traditional visual indicators. By processing the fingerprint pattern and providing feedback about the scan status and detected inputs, the system maintains reliable user feedback capability without relying on visual indicators that are difficult to perceive when the headset is worn.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This solution provides a more intuitive and effective user interface for headsets, allowing complex inputs with minimal hardware, enhancing usability and accessibility of advanced features while minimizing the number of user interface mechanisms required.

Implementation Method 1

an optical line scanner which scans the finger pad and outputs a series of successive images of the finger placed on the finger pad

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical scanning:

Implementation Method 2

an optical guide for forming a line of light from the light source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight guidance: Waveguide (optics)

Implementation Method 3

a lens for directing the line of light reflected from the finger pad onto the imaging sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight refraction and focusing: Lens

Implementation Method 4

an imaging sensor, and a lens for directing the line of light reflected from the finger pad onto the imaging sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric conversion: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS7631811B1Optical headset user interface

Publication Date: 2009.12.15 HEWLETT PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LP

AI summary

A headset includes a finger pad on an exterior of the headset on which a finger of a headset wearer is placed. The headset includes an optical line scanner which scans the finger pad and outputs a series of successive images of the finger placed on the finger pad. A headset processor processes the output of the optical line scanner to detect relative motion of the finger on the finger pad or detect tapping of the finger on the finger pad.