Wearable Computer Near-Object Detection and Display Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wearable head-mounted displays (HMDs) can obstruct the wearer's view of real-world objects, making it difficult to detect potential hazards in real-time, especially in mission-critical or safety-critical environments like public safety or aviation settings.
Innovation Solution
A wearable computer system equipped with sensors and a processor that detects nearby objects using cameras, acoustic sensors, or laser-based systems, and modifies the displayed content to de-emphasize virtual objects, providing an unobstructed view of physical objects by activating collision-avoidance actions, such as removing or moving virtual objects, making them transparent, or adding new virtual objects to highlight the detected object.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If virtual objects are displayed on the HMD to provide information to the wearer, then information delivery is improved, but the wearer's view of real-world objects is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the display of virtual objects based on the detected state of real-world objects. When a real-world object is detected (particularly potential hazards), the system modifies or removes virtual objects that would obstruct the view, allowing the display configuration to adapt in real-time between information-rich and safety-priority states
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes display parameters (such as transparency, position, or presence of virtual objects) based on detected conditions. When potential hazards are detected, the system modifies display parameters to reduce obstruction, while maintaining information delivery when the environment is safe
2Loss of information
If the HMD displays content continuously to maintain situational awareness, then awareness is improved, but the ability to detect physical hazards is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses sensors (cameras, acoustic sensors, laser-based systems) to continuously monitor the real-world environment and provides feedback to the display system. When hazards are detected through sensor feedback, the system adjusts the display to prioritize hazard visibility, creating a closed-loop system that balances information delivery with safety
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of potential hazards using sensors before they become critical threats. By detecting objects in advance and preemptively adjusting the display to reduce obstruction, the system prepares the wearer for potential hazards while maintaining normal information delivery
Data Source
AI summary
Exemplary methods and systems relate to detecting physical objects near a substantially transparent head-mounted display (HMD) system and activating a collision-avoidance action to alert a user of the detected objects. Detection techniques may include receiving data from distance and/or relative movement sensors and using this data as a basis for determining an appropriate collision-avoidance action. Exemplary collision-avoidance actions may include de-emphasizing virtual objects displayed on the HMD to provide a less cluttered view of the physical objects through the substantially transparent display and/or presenting new virtual objects.