3D Input Glove Angle Encoding for Precise Virtual Typing
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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, enabling the generation of commands and gestures, including keystrokes on a virtual keyboard using statistical estimation methods like Neyman Pearson and Bayesian Filters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional angle encoders are used to detect joint angles, then the reading apparatus can obtain angular position data, but the angular resolution and measurement precision are limited due to the finite number of segments and mechanical fragility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical angle encoder system with an optical-based motion capture system. Instead of using physical encoders attached to joints, the system uses multiple cameras to optically track reflective markers placed on the hand and fingers. This substitution eliminates mechanical fragility while achieving higher angular resolution through optical measurement capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the physical hand in 3D space by tracking marker positions and reconstructing hand geometry. This virtual hand model allows for precise calculation of joint angles and fingertip positions without the mechanical limitations of physical encoders, achieving high measurement precision through computational geometry.
2Ease of operation
If physical keyboards are designed for ergonomic effectiveness with proper finger/key spacing, then typing comfort is improved, but the keyboard size becomes large and unsuitable for compact mobile devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the physical keyboard with a motion-based input system. Instead of requiring physical key presses, the system uses optical tracking to detect fingertip positions and gestures in 3D space, converting hand movements directly into keyboard inputs. This eliminates the need for a physical keyboard structure while maintaining ergonomic typing capabilities through virtual key mapping.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from 2D keyboard surfaces to 3D space for input. By capturing hand movements in three dimensions and mapping them to virtual keyboard positions, the system provides full keyboard functionality without the physical constraints of a flat surface, enabling compact device integration while preserving typing comfort.
3Area of stationary object
If software keyboards are used to reduce device size, then the device footprint is reduced, but the text input experience becomes inadequate for intensive or complex tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the touch-based software keyboard interaction with motion-based input. Instead of requiring users to visually locate and tap virtual keys, the system uses optical tracking to automatically detect fingertip positions and gestures, converting natural hand movements into text input. This provides a superior text input experience for intensive tasks while maintaining the compact footprint of 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.