Removable Input Controller for Immersive Experience Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current AR/VR control mechanisms, such as bulky joystick-type controllers tethered to head-mounted displays, are inconvenient for users, distracting from the immersive experience due to their bulkiness and tethered nature.
Innovation Solution
An HMD apparatus with integrated or removable input controllers, such as touch-based controllers within the earpieces, allowing users to navigate immersive experiences through touch inputs or capacitive touch screens, with optional removable controllers that can be ejected for use outside the HMD, providing a more intuitive and unencumbered interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If joystick-type controllers are used to navigate VR/AR experiences, then navigation functionality is provided, but the controllers become bulky and cumbersome for users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the control functionality from traditional bulky joystick controllers and integrates it directly into the HMD device. The HMD includes input mechanisms such as touch-sensitive surfaces, buttons, or dials embedded in the head-mounted display structure, allowing users to navigate VR/AR experiences without holding separate controllers. This extraction eliminates the need for external bulky controllers while maintaining navigation capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the control functions with the HMD structure itself. The HMD integrates display elements and input mechanisms into a unified device that adheres to the user's head. The control interfaces are combined with the head-mounted display structure, creating a single integrated system that provides both visual output and input capabilities without requiring separate controller devices.
2Reliability
If joystick-type controllers are tethered to HMD via cables, then connection stability is improved, but user movement becomes restricted and awkward
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the tethered cable connection from the control system. By integrating input mechanisms directly into the HMD structure, the system eliminates the need for cables connecting external controllers to the head-mounted display. This extraction of the cable connection resolves the contradiction by providing both reliable input functionality and complete user mobility without physical restrictions.
3Ease of operation
If traditional controllers are used for navigation, then control functionality is provided, but user enjoyment is reduced due to distraction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines navigation controls with the HMD structure, integrating input mechanisms such as touch-sensitive surfaces, buttons, or dials directly into the head-mounted display. This merging eliminates the need for separate handheld controllers that would distract users. The controls become an inherent part of the HMD, allowing users to navigate immersive experiences without the distraction of holding or managing external controller devices.
Data Source
AI summary
A head-mounted display apparatus has a frame with a left member, a right member, and a centralized member. The centralized member is positioned in between the left member and the right member. Further, the left member adheres to a left side of a head of a user. Moreover, the right member adheres to a right side of the head of the user. Additionally, the head-mounted display apparatus has a display area operably attached to the centralized member. Further, the head-mounted display apparatus has a processor integrated within the frame. The processor generates an immersive experience for display on the display area. Finally, the head-mounted display apparatus has a removable input controller positioned within the left member or the right member. The removable input controller navigates the immersive experience based on one or more inputs received from the user at the removable input controller after the removable input controller is removed from the left member or the right member.