Head-Mounted Optical Module Sensing for Nose Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Head-mounted devices face challenges in accommodating varying interpupillary distances among users without causing uncomfortable nose pressure as the optical modules adjust, leading to potential discomfort and visual alignment issues.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating capacitive and switch-based sensor circuitry with electrodes to measure nose pressure and adjust the position of optical modules, ensuring they do not press too firmly against the user's nose, using a cover to hide internal structures and accommodate movement while maintaining user comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If actuators move optical modules closer together to accommodate smaller interpupillary distances, then visual alignment for users with smaller IPD is improved, but nose pressure increases causing discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor circuitry is positioned to detect nose contact before the optical modules exert excessive pressure. The system performs preliminary detection of the user's nose position and adjusts the optical module spacing accordingly, preventing harmful pressure before it occurs rather than reacting after contact is made
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor circuitry provides real-time feedback about nose contact status to the actuator control system. When the sensor detects that the optical modules are contacting the user's nose, it signals the actuators to halt movement or adjust positioning, creating a closed-loop control system that prevents excessive nose pressure while maintaining proper visual alignment
2Shape
If a cover is added to hide internal structures, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but sensor integration and movement accommodation become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor circuitry is integrated directly into the cosmetic cover structure rather than being separate components. The cover serves dual functions: maintaining aesthetic appearance by hiding internal structures and providing the sensing function through embedded electrodes or capacitive sensors in the nose bridge area
Solution Approach 2:
The cosmetic cover is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides aesthetic coverage for internal components, serves as a structural element of the device, and incorporates sensor circuitry for nose contact detection. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate sensor housings or additional aesthetic components
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
The solution effectively prevents excessive nose pressure and enhances visual comfort by adjusting the optical module spacing to match individual interpupillary distances, ensuring a comfortable fit and improved visual experience.
Implementation Method 1
Capacitive sensor circuitry and/or switch-based sensor circuitry may use electrodes to measure nose pressure arising from movement of the optical modules towards each other against the sides of a user's nose
Implementation Method 2
Capacitive sensor circuitry and/or switch-based sensor circuitry may use electrodes to measure nose pressure
Data Source
AI summary
Electronic devices such as head-mounted electronic devices may include displays for presenting images to users. To accommodate variations in the interpupillary distances associated with different users, a head-mounted device may have actuators that move left-eye and right-eye optical modules with respect to each other. To hide internal structures from view, the rear of a head-mounted device may be provided with a cover. Capacitance sensor circuitry and/or switch-based sensor circuitry may use electrodes to measure nose contact arising from movement of the optical modules towards each other against the sides of a user's nose. The actuators may be halted or may otherwise be moved in response to sensor measurements, thereby avoiding undesired nose pressure as the optical modules are moved towards each other to accommodate a user's interpupillary distance.