3D Pointer Mapping for Cursor Resolution Consistency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current user interfaces for media systems, such as televisions and remote controls, have become increasingly complex due to the proliferation of channels and integrated devices, leading to cumbersome navigation and selection processes that hinder user experience and the adoption of new services.

Innovation Solution

A 3D pointing device with sensors and a processor that estimates linear and angular positions, using a combination of mapping algorithms to generate cursor locations, providing a more robust and consistent user experience by translating device motion into intuitive cursor control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If the number of channels and media content is increased, then the quantity of information available to users is improved, but the complexity of the user interface and selection process increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequantity of informationVSAvoiduser interface complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a 3D spatial dimension for cursor control, moving from traditional 2D screen-based navigation to 3D space-based navigation. The cursor position is determined by the intersection of the display plane with a line extending from the origin through the 3D pointer position, allowing users to navigate through content in three-dimensional space rather than being constrained to two-dimensional screen coordinates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs an intermediary mapping algorithm that transforms 3D pointer positions into 2D cursor positions on the display. This intermediary transformation layer decouples the complex 3D input space from the 2D display output space, simplifying the user interaction model while maintaining the benefits of 3D navigation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If traditional 2D pointer mapping is used, then the mapping from device position to cursor location is simple, but the cursor resolution varies with distance and position

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemapping complexityVSAvoidcursor resolution
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter space from 2D Cartesian coordinates to 3D spatial coordinates. By introducing a third dimension (depth or Z-axis), the system achieves uniform cursor resolution across the display area. The cursor position is determined by the intersection of the display plane with a line from the origin through the 3D pointer position, creating a perspective-projection-like mapping that maintains resolution consistency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10620726B23D pointer mapping
Publication Date: 2020.04.14 DRNC HOLDINGS INC
  • US10620726B2 patent drawing
  • US10620726B2 patent drawing
  • US10620726B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Systems, devices, methods and software are described for mapping movement or motion of a 3D pointing device into cursor position; e.g., for use in rendering the cursor on a display. Absolute and relative type mapping algorithms are described. Mapping algorithms can be combined to obtain beneficial characteristics from different types of mapping.