Camera-equipped Stylus Pen Cap for Surface Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stylus solutions are limited in their application settings and often require complex and expensive circuitry, restricting user flexibility in using the stylus on various surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A stylus pen cap equipped with cameras and a light source for tracking the stylus, allowing captured images to be used as input, which can be connected to external devices for processing and data transmission, enabling flexible use on any surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If stylus includes considerable circuitry and programming for self-monitoring, then stylus can be self-monitoring and interact with sensors, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the monitoring and tracking functionality from the stylus itself and relocates it to the pen cap. The pen cap contains the camera and processing electronics, while the stylus becomes a simple passive pointer. This separation eliminates the need for complex circuitry within the stylus while maintaining self-monitoring capabilities through the external camera system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a camera as an intermediary device between the stylus and the computing system. Instead of the stylus directly communicating with sensors through complex circuitry, the camera captures images of the stylus tip and transmits this visual information to the computing system for processing, simplifying the stylus design while maintaining functionality.
2Reliability
If stylus is designed for specific scribing surface, then operational reliability on that surface is improved, but adaptability to other surfaces decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal tracking system that can identify and track the stylus tip across multiple different surface types. The camera-based system captures visual information from various surfaces (paper, whiteboards, glass, tablets) and uses image processing to determine stylus position regardless of the underlying surface material, making the system adaptable to diverse writing surfaces while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adapts to different surfaces by changing processing parameters and algorithms based on the detected surface type. The computing system analyzes image characteristics to identify the surface material and adjusts tracking parameters accordingly, enabling reliable operation across paper, whiteboards, glass, and electronic displays without requiring different hardware for each surface type.
3Measurement precision
If pen cap includes camera and light source, then stylus tracking capability is improved, but pen cap complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by integrating the camera and light source directly into the pen cap, which the user already carries and uses. This eliminates the need for separate external tracking devices or complex setup equipment. The pen cap itself becomes the tracking instrument, capturing images and providing feedback to the computing system without requiring additional external components.
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
The solution provides a simple, cost-effective, and versatile stylus tracking system that allows users to employ the stylus on any surface, enhancing user flexibility and satisfaction without the need for complex setup or training.
Implementation Method 1
at least one camera disposed at least partially within the stylus pen cap
Implementation Method 2
The pen cap can then be positioned to place the stylus within the field of view of the aforementioned camera
Data Source
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Figure 3~5
AI summary
A stylus pen cap has at least one camera disposed at least partially therein. The pen cap can further include a light source (such as an infrared light source) that directs light outwardly of the pen cap to the stylus. The pen cap can further include an electrical connector that operably couples to the camera(s) and conveys captured-image data to an outboard device of choice. The pen cap can include a pocket clip that comprises the electronic connector. The pocket clip can include a flexible joint (such as but not limited to a universal joint) to thereby permit the camera(s) to be oriented and aimed as desired even while electrically connected to an outboard device.