Virtual Shade Optical Element Gesture Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wearable computing devices lack efficient methods to control optical elements based on user gestures, limiting their ability to dynamically adjust transmittance and enhance user interaction with the environment.
Innovation Solution
A head-mountable device with a touch-sensitive surface and optical elements that can adjust transmittance based on user gestures, allowing for swipe interactions to control the optical properties, such as reducing transmittance in specific areas to improve visibility in bright environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the optical element transmits outside light to maintain visibility of the environment, then the user can see the environment clearly, but the user cannot effectively control the transmittance to adjust visibility in different lighting conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical control interfaces (buttons, switches) with gesture-based control through touch-sensitive surfaces. Users can swipe or tap on the optical element itself to control transmittance, eliminating the need for separate mechanical controls and enabling more intuitive interaction while maintaining environmental adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces touch-sensitive surfaces as an intermediary between the user and the optical element control. This intermediary layer allows users to interact with the optical properties through tactile gestures, bridging the gap between user intent and optical element response without requiring direct mechanical manipulation
2Adaptability or versatility
If the optical element uses fixed transmittance to simplify the device structure, then the device complexity is reduced, but the device cannot dynamically adjust to user needs or environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the optical element itself multi-functional by integrating touch-sensitive surfaces directly onto it. The optical element serves both its primary function of transmitting light and as a control interface for adjusting transmittance, eliminating the need for separate control mechanisms and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining dynamic adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the optical element and control interface into a single integrated component. The touch-sensitive surface is combined with the optical element, allowing users to control transmittance by interacting directly with the optical component itself, thereby simplifying the device structure while enabling dynamic adjustment
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the optical element allows full light transmission to maintain clear environmental visibility, then the user can see the environment without obstruction, but the user cannot shade bright areas to improve comfort in bright environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables different portions of the optical element to have different transmittance properties through localized gesture control. Users can swipe or tap on specific areas to adjust transmittance locally, allowing bright areas to be shaded while maintaining visibility in other regions, thus addressing brightness discomfort without completely obstructing the environment
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 dynamic control of optical elements based on user input, enhancing user interaction and improving visibility by shading bright areas, thus providing a more intuitive and efficient wearable computing experience.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one optical element is configured to transmit outside light from an environment of the head-mountable device
Implementation Method 2
causing at least one property of at least a portion of the at least one optical element to be controlled based on the gesture input. The at least one property includes a transmittance of the at least one optical element
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems disclosed herein relate to a shading function or device for use with a head-mountable device. An example method could include determining, from a touch-sensitive surface of the head-mountable device, a swipe interaction. The head-mountable device could include at least one optical element. The at least one optical element could be configured to transmit outside light from an environment of the head-mountable device. The method could further include causing at least one property of the at least one portion of the at least one optical element to be controlled based on the swipe interaction. The at least one property could include a transmittance of the at least one optical element. In one implementation, the optical element could be mounted a substantially distal surface of a see-through display.