3D Touch Controller for Portable Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current portable computing devices lack effective methods for controlling three-dimensional virtual objects, limiting user interaction and application functionality, especially in gaming and menu navigation.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a 3D touch controller and haptic feedback system, combined with sensors like touch/pressure sensors and gyroscopes, allows for precise control of 3D virtual objects through various gestures and movements, simulating real-world interactions on a touch screen interface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional touch screen interface is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but control precision and interaction capability for 3D objects is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The touch controller is segmented into multiple independent sensor arrays arranged in a grid pattern, with each sensor detecting touch events independently. This segmentation enables precise localization of touch events in three-dimensional space while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from traditional two-dimensional touch detection to three-dimensional touch detection by adding a vertical dimension with multiple sensor layers or stacked sensor arrays. This dimensional expansion enables precise control of 3D virtual objects while the underlying sensor technology remains based on conventional touch screen principles.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple sensor arrays are implemented, then control capability is enhanced, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple sensor arrays are merged into a single integrated touch controller unit with unified processing logic. The sensor arrays share common circuitry and control mechanisms, reducing manufacturing steps and assembly complexity while maintaining enhanced control capability through the combined sensor network.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor arrays are designed with universal functionality to detect various types of touch events (single touch, multi-touch, pressure, gesture) using the same hardware infrastructure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized components for different control scenarios, simplifying manufacturing while enhancing control versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If 3D touch control is added, then user interaction quality is improved, but device cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser interaction qualityVSAvoiddevice cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The touch sensor arrays utilize the device's existing processing unit and memory to handle touch event detection and processing. By leveraging existing computational resources rather than adding dedicated processing hardware, the system achieves enhanced 3D touch control capability while minimizing additional device cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS8922583B2System and method of controlling three dimensional virtual objects on a portable computing device
Publication Date: 2014.12.30 QUALCOMM INC
  • US8922583B2 patent drawing
  • US8922583B2 patent drawing
  • US8922583B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method of manipulating a three-dimensional (3D) virtual objects at a wireless device is disclosed and includes detecting a press on a 3D sensor array and moving the 3D virtual object in response to the press. Further, the method includes detecting a release of the press on the 3D sensor array and stopping the 3D virtual object.