Proximity Detection for See-Through HMDs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Head-mounted display (HMD) systems require users to physically touch sensors, which is cumbersome and interferes with the ability to recognize the real world, especially when trying to operate controls while maintaining awareness of the real space.
Innovation Solution
A display apparatus with a detection section that allows operation by approaching a region close to the display, enabling the control section to execute actions based on the detected motion, allowing for both normal action mode and proximity operation mode switching to prevent incorrect operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a touch sensor is disposed in front of the user's eyes to enable operation, then the user can operate the display apparatus, but the user must make a hand for touching operation available which is cumbersome and interferes with visual recognition of the real world
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical touch-based operation system with a proximity detection system. The detection section detects the approach of an instruction body (hand or object) to the display section without requiring physical contact. This substitution eliminates the need for the user to reach forward with their hand, thereby maintaining operation convenience while preventing interference with visual recognition of the real world.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a touch sensor is disposed in front of the user's eyes, then operation is enabled, but the touch sensor cannot be used with an HMD configured to allow visual recognition of the real space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the touch sensor mechanism with a proximity detection mechanism that is compatible with see-through HMD configurations. The detection section can sense the approach of objects without blocking the user's view of the real world, enabling the HMD to maintain both see-through functionality and operation capability simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a proximity detection system as an intermediary between the user and the display section. This intermediary detects the user's intent to operate through approach motion without requiring direct contact, thereby enabling operation in see-through HMD configurations where traditional touch sensors would be incompatible.
3Ease of operation
If proximity operation mode is enabled for convenient operation, then operation without touching is achieved, but wrong operation may occur without proper mode switching
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic mode switching between normal action mode and proximity operation mode. The control section switches modes based on detection results, ensuring that proximity operation is only activated when appropriate. This dynamic adjustment maintains operation accuracy while enabling touchless operation when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the control section monitors detection results and switches between operation modes accordingly. This feedback loop ensures that proximity operation mode is activated only when detection confirms user intent, preventing wrong operations while maintaining the benefits of touchless operation.
Data Source
AI summary
An HMD includes a right light guide and a left light guide as a display section that displays an image with the display section mounted on a user's head in such a way that the user is allowed to visually recognize a real object. The HMD further includes a right sensor section and a left sensor section that detect approach of an instruction body to the right light guide and the left light guide and touchpads that accept operation. A control section of the HMD relates contents displayed in the right light guide and the left light guide to operation corresponding to motion of the instruction body detected by the right sensor section and the left sensor section in response to the motion of the instruction body.