Pen-Like External Interface for Head-Worn Writing Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wearable computing systems face challenges in providing effective user interfaces that align and track writing patterns on a writing surface while maintaining a see-through view of the environment, requiring intuitive control mechanisms that adapt to contextual conditions.
Innovation Solution
A hand-held external user interface, resembling a pen, equipped with a camera, IMU, pressure sensors, and communication modules, allows for alignment and tracking of writing patterns, and adapts its operation based on contextual information and user gestures to control head-worn computing systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a hand-held external user interface is used to align and track writing patterns on a writing surface, then writing pattern recognition precision is improved, but the complexity of the system increases due to additional sensors and processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
A hand-held external user interface device serves as an intermediary between the user and the head-worn computer system. This device includes a camera to capture writing patterns on a writing surface, an IMU to track the device's orientation and movement, and a processor to align and recognize the writing patterns. The external device handles the complex tasks of pattern recognition and alignment, thereby improving measurement precision while isolating the head-worn system from excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical writing pattern recognition with optical and computational methods. Instead of relying on physical contact or mechanical means to detect writing, the system uses a camera to capture images of writing patterns on a surface and an IMU to track device orientation. The processor then computationally aligns and recognizes the patterns, substituting mechanical detection with optical sensing and digital processing.
2Ease of operation
If the head worn computer provides displayed content for alignment guidance, then ease of operation is improved, but the visual clarity of the see-through view may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The displayed content in the head-worn computer is localized to specific regions or layers that provide alignment guidance without obscuring the entire see-through view. The display presents graphical overlays, markers, or alignment indicators in targeted areas where they are most useful for guiding the user's writing or interaction, while maintaining the transparency and clarity of the surrounding environmental view.
Solution Approach 2:
The displayed content dynamically adjusts its properties such as brightness, opacity, size, and position based on the user's actions and environmental conditions. When alignment guidance is needed, the displayed content becomes more prominent; when the user needs an clear view of the environment, the displayed content diminishes or relocates. This dynamic adjustment balances ease of operation with visual clarity of the see-through view.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors (camera, IMU, pressure sensors) are integrated into the hand-held interface, then adaptability to contextual conditions is improved, but the weight of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hand-held external user interface is designed as a multi-functional device that integrates multiple sensors including a camera for capturing visual information, an IMU for tracking orientation and movement, and pressure sensors for detecting contact force. These sensors enable the device to adapt to various contextual conditions such as different writing surfaces, writing pressures, and user gestures. The processor analyzes data from all sensors to provide comprehensive contextual awareness and adaptive control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the sensing functions between the hand-held external device and the head-worn computer. The hand-held device contains the sensors (camera, IMU, pressure sensors) and performs local processing of sensor data. The head-worn computer receives processed information and performs higher-level processing. This segmentation allows the hand-held device to be optimized for sensing without requiring all processing capabilities, potentially reducing its weight while maintaining adaptability.
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 intuitive and adaptive control of head-worn computing systems, allowing for precise writing and gesture recognition while maintaining a see-through view, enhancing user interaction and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a camera, IMU, pressure sensors, and communication modules, allows for alignment and tracking of writing patterns
Implementation Method 2
a camera, IMU, pressure sensors, and communication modules, allows for alignment and tracking of writing patterns
Implementation Method 3
a camera, IMU, pressure sensors, and communication modules, allows for alignment and tracking of writing patterns
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present invention relate to external user interfaces used in connection with head worn computers (HWC).