Pen-Shaped External Interface for Head-Worn Computing Gesture Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Wearable computing systems face challenges in providing effective external user interfaces that can efficiently interpret user gestures and control graphical user interfaces, particularly in contexts where conventional computer interfaces are not suitable.
Innovation Solution
A hand-held external user interface, resembling a pen, that incorporates technologies such as IMU, pressure monitoring, and lens configurations to predict gestures and control aspects of a head-worn computer's graphical user interface, allowing for intuitive operation through writing surface interactions and contextual mode selection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a hand-held external user interface is used to control head-worn computing, then gesture recognition accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the user interface functionality into two separate devices: a head-worn computer for display and processing, and a hand-held external user interface (resembling a pen) for gesture input and control. This segmentation allows each device to be optimized for its specific function, improving gesture recognition accuracy while distributing complexity across multiple components.
Solution Approach 2:
The hand-held external user interface acts as an intermediary between the user and the head-worn computing system. It captures gestures through its sensors (including piezoelectric devices for force detection and IMUs for motion tracking) and transmits this information to the head-worn device, which then interprets and executes the corresponding UI commands. This intermediary role enables precise gesture recognition while keeping the complex processing logic centralized in the head-worn device.
2Measurement precision
If force monitoring is implemented in the hand-held device, then user interface control precision is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical force sensing mechanisms with piezoelectric devices. These piezoelectric elements convert mechanical pressure directly into electrical signals, enabling precise force monitoring at the writing surface end of the hand-held device. This substitution simplifies manufacturing compared to traditional mechanical pressure sensors while maintaining high measurement precision for detecting discrete force events and force trends.
Solution Approach 2:
The system monitors changes in force parameters over time (force trends) rather than relying on static force measurements. By tracking how force parameters evolve during user interactions, the system achieves precise UI control through software-based analysis of parameter changes, reducing the need for complex hardware mechanisms.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensor technologies are integrated in the hand-held device, then gesture prediction accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hand-held external user interface merges multiple sensor technologies into a single integrated device: piezoelectric force sensors, IMUs (inertial measurement units) for motion tracking, and optical sensors. This consolidation enables comprehensive gesture capture by combining data from different sensor modalities, improving gesture prediction accuracy through multi-sensor fusion while maintaining a compact form factor.
Solution Approach 2:
The hand-held device is designed as a multi-functional tool that serves multiple purposes: it acts as a writing instrument, a gesture controller, and a remote UI interface. By integrating diverse sensor technologies into a single universal device, the system achieves accurate gesture prediction across various interaction scenarios without requiring multiple separate devices, thereby managing complexity through functional integration.
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 seamless gesture recognition and control of head-worn computing systems, enhancing user interaction by interpreting discrete force events and trends to execute specific user interface processes, thereby improving the usability of wearable computing devices.
Implementation Method 1
The force is identified using a piezo-electric device
Implementation Method 2
the hand-held device includes an IMU to determine motion of the hand-held device
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present disclosure relate to external user interfaces used in connection with head worn computers (HWC). Embodiments relate to an external user interface that has a physical form intended to be hand held. The hand held user interface may be in the form similar to that of a writing instrument, such as a pen. In embodiments, the hand held user interface includes technologies relating to writing surface tip pressure monitoring, lens configurations setting a predetermined imaging distance, user interface software mode selection, quick software application launching, and other interface technologies.