Camera Mouse with Laser and Reticle for Absolute Location
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current pointing devices, such as mice and lasers, are limited in their ability to determine absolute locations on screens or in the real world, as they can only provide relative motion and lack the capability to point directly at distant locations on TV or computer screens or in real-world environments.
Innovation Solution
A camera mouse with wireless communication capabilities, incorporating a laser pointer and/or reticle, allows users to point directly at objects and determine their absolute location by using frame IDs, image processing, and context-sensitive options, enabling precise location identification on screens and in real-world settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a traditional mouse is used for pointing, then relative motion detection is achieved, but absolute location determination on screens or in the real world is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The pointing device integrates multiple functions including laser projection, camera capture, and GPS capability into a single device. The laser projects a dot onto targets, the camera captures images of the target and surrounding context, and the GPS provides location data. This multi-functional integration allows the device to determine absolute locations on screens, in real-world environments, and in three-dimensional space, resolving the limitation of traditional mice that could only detect relative motion on a two-dimensional surface.
2Ease of operation
If a laser pointer is used for pointing, then direct pointing capability is achieved, but the ability to process and identify target information in real-time is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges the laser pointer with a camera and image processing capabilities. When the user points the laser at a target, the camera simultaneously captures an image of the target and its surrounding context. The embedded processor then rapidly analyzes the captured image to identify the target object and retrieve relevant information, enabling real-time information processing and delivery that a simple laser pointer cannot achieve alone.
3Measurement precision
If a camera-based system is used for identification, then target recognition capability is improved, but real-time processing capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-loads information about various target objects into its database before the user needs to identify them. When the camera captures an image of a target, the processor quickly compares the image against the pre-loaded database entries to identify the target and retrieve associated information. This preliminary preparation of data eliminates the need for complex real-time analysis, significantly reducing processing time while maintaining high identification accuracy.
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 users to accurately and naturally point at and identify distant locations on screens or in the real world, providing context-sensitive options and precise location determination, enhancing usability in various settings like TV shows, computer screens, and real-world environments.
Implementation Method 1
The pointing device includes a laser for projecting a dot onto an object to be pointed to
Implementation Method 2
The pointing device includes a camera for taking pictures of the pointed-to location and its context
Data Source
AI summary
A pointing and identification device (PID) allows the user to point at objects in the real world, on television or movie screens, or otherwise not on the computer screen. The PID includes a digital camera and one or both of a laser and a reticle for aiming the digital camera. An image taken with the digital camera is transmitted to a computer or the like.