Resonant LC Surface Sensing for Occlusion-Resistant Facial Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wearable devices, such as head-mounted displays, face challenges in facial tracking due to the integration of cameras, which can be sensitive to occlusions like face masks, head bands, and facial hair, impacting visual design and functionality.
Innovation Solution
The use of one or more resonant LC sensors configured to output signals responsive to the position of a surface proximate to the sensor, where each sensor comprises an antenna for near-field electromagnetic detection, an amplifier, and an oscillator, generating an oscillating signal and detecting near-field responses at a selected frequency to sense surface positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If cameras are integrated into wearable devices for facial tracking, then facial gesture recognition capability is improved, but sensitivity to occlusions (face masks, head bands, facial hair) worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical cameras with resonant LC sensors that detect electromagnetic fields. This substitution eliminates dependence on visible light and optical paths, allowing the system to sense facial gestures through electromagnetic field changes caused by facial muscle movements, thereby overcoming occlusion issues while maintaining gesture recognition capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from optical intensity (camera-based) to electromagnetic resonance frequency and amplitude (LC sensor-based). By measuring changes in resonant frequency and signal amplitude caused by facial muscle movements, the system achieves occlusion-resistant facial tracking through a fundamentally different physical parameter
2Adaptability or versatility
If cameras are integrated into wearable devices for facial tracking, then facial gesture recognition capability is improved, but visual design is impacted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces bulky camera modules with compact resonant LC sensors, dramatically reducing the size and visual impact of the sensing components. This substitution enables minimalistic wearable designs while maintaining facial gesture recognition functionality through electromagnetic field detection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs thin-film resonant LC sensors that can be integrated into wearable devices with minimal visual profile. The sensors operate as thin electromagnetic structures that do not compromise the aesthetic design or form factor of the wearable device while providing accurate facial gesture tracking
3Reliability
If resonant LC sensors are used for surface position sensing, then robustness against occlusions is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs resonant LC sensors that serve multiple functions: detecting facial gestures, tracking surface positions, and monitoring proximity. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate sensor systems, thereby managing device complexity while achieving robust occlusion-resistant sensing across multiple applications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses electromagnetic fields as an intermediary medium that penetrates occlusions (masks, hair, head bands) to detect facial muscle movements and surface positions. This intermediary approach provides reliable sensing through occlusions without requiring complex sensor arrays or processing systems
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
This approach enables effective facial tracking and sensing of surface positions without the limitations of cameras, providing robustness against occlusions and enhancing the visual design and functionality of wearable devices.
Implementation Method 1
the capacitance of the antenna varies based on changes in a position of the surface proximate to the sensor
Implementation Method 2
a resonant frequency of the resonant LC sensor changes as a function of antenna proximity to a surface being sensed
Implementation Method 3
Each sensor is operated by generating an oscillating signal on the antenna and detecting a near-field response of the resonant LC sensor
Data Source
AI summary
Examples are disclosed that relate to sensing a position of a surface proximate to a resonant LC sensor. One example provides a method on a sensing device comprising one or more resonant LC sensors each configured to output a signal responsive to a position of a surface proximate to the resonant LC sensor. The method comprises, for each LC sensor, generating an oscillating signal on an antenna of the resonant LC sensor and detecting a near-field response of the resonant LC sensor at a selected frequency.