Air Pointing Device Dynamic Polling Rate Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing in-air pointing devices face challenges in precise clicking, battery conservation, and intuitive user interface interactions, as they often require cumbersome trigger buttons and suffer from parasitic motion and reduced battery life when used in relaxed positions or for extended periods.
Innovation Solution
A pointing device that dynamically adjusts cursor resolution based on user input, using smart buttons to reduce parasitic motion and conserve battery life by monitoring inclination and adjusting polling rates, and provides intuitive UI control through feedback pulses for volume and other media interactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the polling rate is continuously monitored in active mode, then cursor control precision is improved, but battery consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic polling rate adjustment where the system transitions between active and idle modes based on detected motion. In active mode, a high polling rate (e.g., 1000Hz) provides precise cursor control, while in idle mode, the polling rate drops to a low value (e.g., 100Hz or lower) to conserve battery. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by providing high precision only when motion is detected.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the polling rate parameter based on operational state. When motion is detected, the polling rate is set to a high value for precision; when no motion is detected for a threshold period, it switches to a low value for power savings. This parameter transformation allows the system to optimize between precision and energy consumption based on real-time conditions.
2Duration of action of moving object
If trigger buttons are used to activate in-air mode, then battery life is extended, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects whether it is in air or on a surface and activates the appropriate tracking mode without user intervention. The lift detection mechanism autonomously switches between 2D surface tracking and 3D in-air tracking, eliminating the need for trigger buttons while maintaining battery efficiency through intelligent mode selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from lift detection sensors to automatically determine the operational mode. When the sensor detects that the device is lifted off the surface, it automatically transitions to in-air tracking mode with appropriate polling rates, providing seamless operation without requiring manual activation by the user.
3Speed
If high polling rate is maintained during idle periods, then cursor responsiveness is improved, but battery life deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic motion detection to determine when to maintain high polling rates. Instead of continuously running at high speed, the polling rate is dynamically adjusted based on periodic detection of user interaction. When no motion is detected for a threshold period, the system enters idle mode with reduced polling, preserving battery while maintaining responsiveness when needed.
4Ease of operation
If in-air tracking is continuously active, then ease of operation is improved, but battery consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between 2D surface tracking mode and 3D in-air tracking mode based on detected motion. When motion consistent with in-air operation is detected, the system activates 3D tracking with appropriate polling rates. When the device is stationary or showing surface-tracking patterns, it switches to 2D mode or idle state, reducing power consumption while maintaining operational readiness.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables precise cursor control, reduces battery consumption, and enhances user interaction by minimizing unintended cursor movement and providing autonomous feedback, allowing seamless transitions between surface and in-air modes.
Implementation Method 1
an optical device to detect motion of the pointing device in three-dimensional space
Implementation Method 2
an inertial measurement unit to detect acceleration of the pointing device in three-dimensional space
Implementation Method 3
A Gyroscopic Mouse Device that includes a gyroscope that is configured to detect any movement of a mouse to control a cursor on a display
Data Source
AI summary
One aspect of the present invention is an apparatus and method for improved cursor control in a device which can operate both on a work surface and in air. Cursor resolution is reduced as the user engages with the device for clicking, leading to more precise movement closer to the target, as well as reduced parasitic and other unintentional motion of the cursor during clicking. Moreover, one aspect of the present invention is an apparatus and method for improved battery life in an in-air pointing device. In another aspect, the present invention is a method a system for improved user interface interaction, for UI controls such as sliders, pop-up boxes, menus, lists and button groups.