Spectacle-Type Electronic Device for Hands-Free Industrial Information Reporting

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Wearable devices used for job assistance and information reporting in industrial settings face challenges due to increased weight and size, which compromise their wearability and lead to higher manufacturing costs and system complexity.

Innovation Solution

A spectacle-type electronic device with an image display, light source, signal processor, and communication processor that projects virtual information within the wearer's line of sight, using a dimming-type white LED light source and reflection liquid crystal display, allowing for hands-free operation and efficient data transfer via short-range wireless communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If the wearable device increases weight and size to report information more concretely, then the information reporting capability is improved, but the wearing property deteriorates and the device may be separated from the wearer

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation reporting capabilityVSAvoidweight of wearable device
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical display systems with a projection-based optical system. The wearable device uses an image display unit that projects images onto a screen positioned in the extension of the wearer's line of sight, eliminating the need for heavy conventional displays while maintaining information delivery capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from two-dimensional screen displays to three-dimensional virtual image projection in the wearer's visual field. The screen is positioned at a specific location within the extension of the wearer's line of sight, creating a virtual display that appears to float in space without adding physical bulk to the device

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Loss of information

If the wearable device increases weight and size to report information more concretely, then the information reporting capability is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation reporting capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The wearable device integrates multiple functions into a single compact unit: the image display unit serves both as a display device and as part of the projection system, while the communication unit handles both data transmission and reception. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity compared to separate specialized components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses optical projection to create a virtual copy of the display content in the wearer's visual field. Instead of physically transporting heavy display components, the system projects light patterns that replicate the visual information, effectively copying the display function into the wearer's line of sight

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Loss of information

If traditional display methods are used, then information can be displayed, but eye strain increases and work efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation deliveryVSAvoideye strain
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent positions the display screen in the extension of the wearer's line of sight, creating a virtual image that appears to float in the wearer's visual field rather than requiring the wearer to look down at a conventional display. This spatial repositioning reduces neck strain and eye fatigue by aligning the display with the natural line of sight

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a projection screen as an intermediary between the image display unit and the wearer's eyes. The screen is positioned at a specific location within the extension of the wearer's line of sight, acting as a mediator that presents information in a visually comfortable position without requiring the wearer to change their natural viewing posture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enhances wearability and reduces manufacturing costs by providing effective job assistance and information reporting while minimizing eye strain and improving work efficiency in industrial settings.

Implementation Method 1

a light source which applies illumination light to the image produced by the image display to illuminate the image

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight: Light

Implementation Method 2

a signal processor which modulates the illumination light from the light source to form a signal including individual identification information

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight modulation:

Implementation Method 3

a screen positioned at a particular location within an extension of a wearer's line of sight to display the image produced by the image display and illuminated by the light source

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVirtual image projection:

Data Source

PatentUS9897810B2Spectacle-type electronic device and assisting method
Publication Date: 2018.02.20 KK TOSHIBA
  • US9897810B2 patent drawing
  • US9897810B2 patent drawing
  • US9897810B2 patent drawing

AI summary

According to one embodiment, a spectacle-type electronic device includes a signal processor, a screen and a communication module. The signal processor which modulates the illumination light from the light source to form a signal including individual identification information. The screen positioned at a particular location within an extension of a wearer's line of sight to display the image produced by the image display and illuminated by the light source. The communication processor which communicates with a corresponding electronic device to enable information of a target represented by the image displayed on the screen to be shared by the communication processor and the corresponding electronic device.