Bezel Optical Bands for Multi-Pointer Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current interactive input systems, such as touch systems, face limitations in distinguishing between various types of pointers, particularly requiring proper orientation to avoid confusion, and often require multiple processors or increased processor load to handle both active and passive pointers effectively.
Innovation Solution
An interactive input system featuring a bezel with bands of different optical properties, where imaging devices capture images of the bezel and process pixels to detect pointers regardless of type, using retro-reflective and infrared-absorbing bands to differentiate and triangulate pointer positions, allowing for efficient detection and processing of both passive and active pointers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple processors are used to handle both active and passive pointers, then pointer detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity and processor load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the detection of active and passive pointers into a single processing pipeline. The imaging device captures images of the bezel with optical bands, and a single processor analyzes these images to detect both pointer types simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate processing systems for each pointer type.
Solution Approach 2:
The bezel with its specific optical bands serves multiple functions: it provides structural framing, enables optical differentiation between pointer types, and facilitates single-image processing for both active and passive pointers. This multi-functional design reduces system complexity while maintaining detection accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If proper orientation is required to avoid confusion between pointer types, then detection accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The bezel incorporates local variations in optical properties through distinct bands (e.g., retro-reflective bands vs. infrared-absorbing bands) at different locations. This local differentiation allows the system to automatically distinguish between active and passive pointers based on their interaction with specific optical zones, eliminating the need for users to control orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical bands in the bezel automatically provide differentiation information without requiring user intervention or conscious control over pointer orientation. The system self-distinguishes between pointer types through the inherent optical properties of the bezel bands, making the input process more intuitive.
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 accurate detection and processing of multiple pointer types without the need for multiple processors, reducing processor load and improving intuitive input modalities by using a bezel with distinct optical bands to differentiate and locate pointers on a display surface.
Implementation Method 1
The bezel may have a retro-reflective band and an infrared-absorbing band
Implementation Method 2
The bezel may have a retro-reflective band and an infrared-absorbing band
Data Source
AI summary
An interactive input system comprises a bezel at least partially surrounding a region of interest. The bezel has a plurality of bands thereon with at least some adjacent bands having different optical properties. At least one imaging device looks into the region of interest and sees the at least one bezel so that acquired images comprise regions corresponding to the bands. Processing structure processes pixels of a plurality of the regions to detect the existence of a pointer in the region of interest.