3D Input Glove Angle Encoding for Precise Virtual Keystrokes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing angle encoders face limitations in angular resolution, accuracy, and miniaturization due to factors such as limited reading apparatus capability, difficulty in manufacturing small-size segments, and mechanical fragility, which restrict improvements in resolution and precision.
Innovation Solution
A position sensing apparatus is developed, comprising sensors around the wrist and fingers to detect joint angles, a controller for processing these data, and a communication interface to calculate fingertip positions in 3D space, allowing for gesture recognition and virtual keyboard interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional angle encoders with physical discs and contacts are used, then angular position can be detected, but the angular resolution and measurement precision are limited by the number of segments that can be manufactured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical angle encoder system (physical disc with segmented patterns and sliding contacts) with an optical system using LEDs, photodetectors, and code discs. This substitution eliminates the mechanical limitations of contact-based detection and enables higher angular resolution through optical reading of finer segment patterns without the wear and friction constraints of mechanical contacts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from electrical contact resistance to optical light transmission. By using photodetectors to read optical patterns through transparent and opaque segments, the system achieves higher precision angular measurement without being constrained by the mechanical manufacturing limits of electrical contacts and conductive patterns.
2Measurement precision
If the number of segments in the encoder disc is increased to improve angular resolution, then measurement precision improves, but the device becomes more fragile and difficult to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical angle encoder system (physical disc with segmented patterns and sliding contacts) with an optical system using LEDs, photodetectors, and code discs. This substitution eliminates the mechanical limitations of contact-based detection and enables higher angular resolution through optical reading of finer segment patterns without the wear and friction constraints of mechanical contacts.
3Measurement precision
If physical keyboards are used to provide adequate text input experience, then input accuracy is improved, but the device size becomes too large for compact mobile devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from 2D physical keyboard surfaces to 3D finger position tracking in space. By using optical sensors to detect the three-dimensional positions of finger joints and calculating fingertip locations in 3D space, the system provides full keyboard functionality without requiring a physical keyboard surface, enabling compact device design while maintaining accurate text input capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual representation of the physical keyboard interaction by detecting finger positions and mapping them to corresponding keyboard key locations. Instead of requiring physical keys, the system copies the functional behavior of a physical keyboard through optical tracking and computational mapping, allowing full keyboard input on compact mobile devices.
4Volume of moving object
If software keyboards are used to reduce device size, then device compactness is improved, but text input experience deteriorates for intensive tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from 2D physical keyboard surfaces to 3D finger position tracking in space. By using optical sensors to detect the three-dimensional positions of finger joints and calculating fingertip locations in 3D space, the system provides full keyboard functionality without requiring a physical keyboard surface, enabling compact device design while maintaining accurate text input capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual representation of the physical keyboard interaction by detecting finger positions and mapping them to corresponding keyboard key locations. Instead of requiring physical keys, the system copies the functional behavior of a physical keyboard through optical tracking and computational mapping, allowing full keyboard input on compact mobile devices.
Data Source
AI summary
A 3D input system and an angle encoder are disclosed. The 3D input system comprises a computing device and one or more position sensing gloves. The position sensing glove comprises a plurality of angle encoders each installed thereon at a location about a finger joint. An inertial measurement unit (IMU) is installed on the glove. A firmware uses data from the angle encoders and IMU to calculate fingertip positions in a 3D space. The firmware generates keystrokes on a virtual keyboard based on the fingertip positions. The angle encoder comprises a first and a second components rotatable with respect to each other, and an encoder pattern comprising codewords for indicating the angle between the first and second components. The encoder pattern comprises a set of base encoder channels coded with a conventional Gray code, and a set of Booster channels for improving the resolution of angle measurement.