Wink Gesture Image Capture for Head-Mountable Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wearable computing technologies lack an intuitive and efficient method for users to capture images in real-time, particularly in augmented or virtual reality applications, where traditional input methods may be cumbersome or obstructive.
Innovation Solution
A head-mountable device (HMD) system that detects a wink gesture to trigger image capture, utilizing a wink-detection system and an image capture device, allowing users to capture images without the need for manual operation, thereby enhancing interaction in real-time applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional manual input methods are used for image capture in wearable computing, then users can control the capture function, but the operation becomes cumbersome and obstructive in real-time applications
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the user's own wink gesture as the trigger signal for image capture, eliminating the need for external manual control. The wink-detection system automatically detects the user's eye closure and triggers the image capture device without requiring separate manual operation, allowing the system to serve itself through biometric feedback
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical button presses or controls with an optical detection system that senses eye movements. The wink-detection system uses optical sensors to detect the user's wink gesture and converts this biological signal into an electronic trigger for the image capture device, substituting mechanical input with optical sensing
2Productivity
If manual control methods are used for image capture, then users have direct control, but the process is time-consuming and reduces operational efficiency in mission-critical fields
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the user's eye state through the wink-detection system, preparing to capture images at any moment. When a wink gesture is detected, the system is already positioned and ready to immediately trigger the image capture device, eliminating delays associated with manual activation
Solution Approach 2:
The user's natural wink gesture directly triggers the capture function without requiring separate manual actions. This self-service mechanism eliminates the time between intending to capture an image and actually triggering the capture, as the wink itself serves as both the intent signal and the activation trigger
3Ease of operation
If traditional input methods are used in augmented or virtual reality applications, then users can interact with the system, but the interaction becomes obstructive and less intuitive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical input mechanisms with a simple optical detection system that senses eye movements. The wink-detection system uses optical sensors to detect the user's wink gesture, providing a more intuitive and less obstructive interaction method that works naturally within AR/VR environments without requiring physical controls
Solution Approach 2:
The wink-detection system serves multiple functions: it detects user intent, triggers image capture, and can potentially control other HMD functions. This multi-functional approach simplifies the overall input mechanism by using a single natural gesture for multiple purposes, reducing the need for separate specialized controls
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates to winking to capture image data using an image capture device that is associated with a head-mountable device (HMD). An illustrative method includes detecting a wink gesture at an HMD. The method also includes causing an image capture device to capture image data, in response to detecting the wink gesture at the HMD.