Oral Sensing Interface With Integrated Barometer for Accessible Data Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing input/output techniques for interacting with processors are hindered by impairments such as visual, motor, and situational limitations, preventing users from accessing or using conventional devices like keyboards, mice, and trackpads in various environments or situations.

Innovation Solution

Intraoral data manipulation using remote augmented sensing with an integrated barometer, employing a wireless transceiver embedded in an oral sensing interface that detects tongue gestures and air pressure changes within the oral cavity, coupled with inertial measurement units and other sensors, to enable data manipulation in a processor.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional input/output techniques (keyboards, mice, trackpads) are used, then ease of operation is maintained for able-bodied users, but accessibility is lost for users with visual, motor, or situational impairments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessibility for impaired usersVSAvoidoperational simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical input devices (keyboards, mice, trackpads) with an oral sensing interface that detects tongue gestures and barometric pressure changes. This substitution eliminates the need for manual dexterity and visual attention, enabling users with motor and visual impairments to interact with processors through oral cavity movements alone.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an oral sensing interface as an intermediary between the user and the processor. This interface includes sensors that detect tongue gestures and barometric pressure changes, converting oral cavity movements into digital signals that the processor can interpret, thereby bridging the gap for users who cannot use conventional input devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If oral sensing interface with multiple sensors is implemented, then accessibility for impaired users is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessibility for impaired usersVSAvoidsensor integration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple sensor types (tongue gesture sensors, barometric pressure sensors, inertial measurement units) into a single integrated oral sensing interface. This merging approach allows the system to detect multiple parameters (tongue position, pressure changes, acceleration) simultaneously, improving accessibility while managing complexity through unified sensor integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The oral sensing interface is designed to perform multiple functions: detecting tongue gestures for input, measuring barometric pressure for environmental sensing, and capturing inertial data for motion detection. This multi-functionality increases adaptability for various user needs while consolidating capabilities into a single device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 users to interact with processors in situations where conventional input/output techniques are impossible, accommodating impairments and situational constraints through tongue-based data manipulation and feedback, allowing control of devices like computers and IoT devices.

Implementation Method 1

A barometric sensor is coupled to the wireless transceiver. The barometric sensor detects air pressure within an oral cavity containing the interface.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBarometric pressure detection: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

A tongue position sensor (TPS) is coupled to the wireless transceiver. The tongue position sensor is attached to the interface.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitive sensing: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS12373022B2Data manipulation using an oral sensing interface with integrated barometer

Publication Date: 2025.07.29 AUGMENTAL TECHNOLOGIES INC

AI summary

Data manipulation using remote augmented sensing with an integrated barometer is disclosed. Wireless connectivity is provided between a processor and a wireless transceiver. The wireless transceiver is embedded in an oral sensing interface. The oral sensing interface detects tongue gestures. A tongue position sensor (TPS) is coupled to the wireless transceiver. The tongue position sensor is attached to the interface. A barometric sensor is coupled to the wireless transceiver. The barometric sensor detects air pressure within an oral cavity containing the interface. The barometric sensor input air pressure is supplied by a barometric sensor diaphragm integrated with the TPS. Data manipulation is enabled in the processor, based on the wireless connectivity, barometric sensor, and TPS. Other sensors are coupled, including an inertial measurement unit, an ambient condition sensor, a microphone, and a sound generating device. The barometric sensor diaphragm is encapsulated with the tongue position sensor.