Wearable Heads-Up Display With Transparent Capacitive Touch Input

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current heads-up display systems for aviation and automotive applications face limitations in user interaction due to the bulkiness and obstructive nature of traditional input devices, which hinder peripheral vision and reduce usability, especially in complex scenarios requiring multiple interactions.

Innovation Solution

A wearable heads-up display system featuring a processor, display elements, and finger-operable input devices secured to a wearable frame structure, allowing users to provide input through planar movements and gestures, with dual-input configurations for both hands and transparent or translucent input devices to minimize visual obstruction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional input devices (buttons, switches) are used in heads-up displays, then user interaction functionality is provided, but peripheral vision is obstructed and device bulk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser interaction functionalityVSAvoidperipheral vision obstruction

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical input devices (buttons, switches) with a capacitive touch-sensitive surface that detects finger movements through electrical field changes. This allows the input device to be made transparent or translucent, eliminating visual obstruction while maintaining full interaction functionality through gesture-based control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The input device utilizes transparent or translucent materials that allow light to pass through, making the input surface invisible or minimally visible to the user. This resolves the contradiction by providing tactile feedback and visual cues without blocking peripheral vision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

2Ease of operation

If traditional input devices are used in heads-up displays, then user interaction is enabled, but device bulk and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser interaction capabilityVSAvoiddevice weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs thin-film capacitive touch-sensitive surfaces that can be integrated directly into the heads-up display structure. These thin films provide full input functionality without adding significant weight or bulk to the device

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The input device is merged with the display structure itself, using the same transparent or translucent substrate for both display and input functions. This integration eliminates the need for separate mechanical input components, reducing overall device weight

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If traditional input devices are used in heads-up displays, then basic input functions are provided, but complex interactions and multi-handed operation are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinteraction complexityVSAvoidinput device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The capacitive touch-sensitive surface supports multiple input methods (tapping, swiping, pinching, rotating) and can be operated by either hand. The system provides contextual menus and adaptive interfaces that respond to various gesture types, enabling complex interactions without increasing structural complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides visual feedback through the transparent display showing available options and gestures, and tactile feedback through vibration motors. This feedback mechanism enables complex interactions by guiding users through multi-step procedures without requiring complex physical controls

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 user interaction by enabling intuitive and efficient control of heads-up display information without obstructing peripheral vision, allowing for complex interactions and compatibility with both right- and left-handed users through a gesture-based input system.

Implementation Method 1

a finger-operable input device secured to the wearable frame structure and configured to sense at least one of a position and movement of a user's finger along a planar direction relative to a surface of the input device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitive sensing: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS8203502B1Wearable heads-up display with integrated finger-tracking input sensor

Publication Date: 2012.06.19 GOOGLE LLC

AI summary

Disclosed are systems, methods, and devices for interfacing with a wearable heads-up display via a finger-operable input device. The wearable heads-up display may include a display element for receiving and displaying display information received from a processor, and may also include a wearable frame structure supporting the display element and having a projection extending away from the display element. The projection may be configured to secure the heads-up display to a user's body in a manner such that the display element is disposed within a field of view of the user. A finger-operable input device secured to the wearable frame structure is configured to sense at least one of a position and movement of a finger along a planar direction relative to a surface of the input device, and to provide corresponding input information to the processor.