Wearable Optical Display Illumination Modulation for Distraction Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wearable computing devices with optical display systems face challenges in indicating received information without degrading the user experience when not in use, as existing solutions may cause unnecessary operation or distraction.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a head on/off detector and optical transport element to modulate illumination only when the device is in use, using a light source to provide a user-acceptable indication, such as strobing a green light, and enhancing the effect with electrochromics for diffused light through frosted glass.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the optical display system provides visual indication of received information, then the user is notified of new information, but the illumination may cause distraction or degrade user experience when the device is not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the illumination state changeable based on device usage status. The system transitions between illuminated and non-illuminated states dynamically, allowing the optical display system to provide visual indication when needed (device not in use) while remaining dark when the device is actively being used, thus preventing distraction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through a detector that monitors whether the wearable computing device is being worn or is in use. This feedback signal controls the illumination state of the optical display system, creating a closed-loop system that automatically adjusts illumination based on real-time detection of device usage status.
2Illumination intensity
If the light source provides strong illumination for visual indication, then the visibility of received information is enhanced, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using a strobing light source that emits light in periodic pulses rather than continuous illumination. This allows the optical display system to achieve effective visual indication through intermittent high-intensity illumination, significantly reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining visibility for notifying users of received information.
3Loss of information
If the optical display system is illuminated to indicate received information, then the user is alerted, but the device complexity increases with additional control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making the optical display system serve multiple functions: it acts as both the primary display for visual information when the device is in use and as a notification indicator when the device is not in use. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate indicator components, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining notification capability.
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
Ensures that information is indicated to the user without interfering with their experience when the device is not in use, maintaining user acceptance and enhancing visibility through increased light intensity and diffused effects.
Implementation Method 1
causing a light source coupled to the wearable computing device to modulate an illumination of the optical display system
Implementation Method 2
enhancing the effect with electrochromics for diffused light through frosted glass
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for use of an optical display system as an indicator of a wearable computing device are provided. In one example, a method includes receiving, by the wearable computing device, information for display by an optical display system coupled to the wearable computing device. The method includes in response, making a determination of whether the wearable computing device is in use. The method also includes based on the determination, causing a light source coupled to the wearable computing device to modulate an illumination of the optical display system.