Combined Tap Sequence and Camera User Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional user interfaces using accelerometers cannot determine the location of taps on a device, limiting the effectiveness of tap sequences as a communication method.
Innovation Solution
A combined tap sequence and camera-based user interface system that uses an accelerometer and IR cameras with a plane of laser light to detect and locate tap events, enabling the device to ascertain both the occurrence and location of taps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If tap sequence detection is implemented using accelerometer, then input communication capability is improved, but location determination capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines accelerometer-based tap sequence detection with camera-based location detection into a unified input system. The accelerometer detects the temporal pattern of taps while the camera captures the spatial location, merging both capabilities to resolve the contradiction between communication capability and location precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a plane of laser light as an intermediary between the user input and the camera sensor. This laser plane serves as a reference medium that enables the camera to accurately determine the location of taps by detecting interruptions or interactions with the light plane, thereby mediating the location detection process.
2Adaptability or versatility
If accelerometer is used to detect tap sequences, then input functionality is improved, but spatial information capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges accelerometer-based temporal detection with camera-based spatial detection to create a complete input system that recovers the spatial information lost by using accelerometer alone. The combination ensures both input functionality and spatial information are preserved.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional temporal detection (accelerometer only) to two-dimensional detection by adding the camera dimension. This dimensional expansion allows simultaneous capture of both temporal tap sequences and spatial location information, preventing information loss.
3Measurement precision
If camera and laser light are added to detect tap location, then location precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the camera serve multiple functions: it detects both the location of taps and the interruptions of the laser plane. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby mitigating the increase in device complexity while maintaining high location precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser light plane serves itself as both the measurement reference and the detection target. By using the laser plane that is already present in the system, the patent avoids needing additional complex reference structures, thereby reducing overall device complexity while achieving high location precision.
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
Enhances user interface functionality by allowing devices to accurately determine tap sequences and their locations, expanding the usable interface area and improving communication capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a laser light generating module; wherein the laser light generating module provides a plane of laser light over a surface coupled to the accelerometer
Implementation Method 2
an accelerometer; ascertaining an occurrence of an input event utilizing inputs from the accelerometer
Data Source
AI summary
The invention includes a method, apparatus, and program storage device for providing a combined tap sequence and camera based user interface. The invention provides, among other features, an apparatus comprising: an accelerometer; a laser light generating module; wherein the laser light generating module provides a plane of laser light over a surface coupled to the accelerometer; at least one camera; at least one processor; and a memory; wherein the memory stores instructions, executable by the at least one processor, enabling the apparatus to ascertain an occurrence of an input event utilizing inputs from the accelerometer and a location of the input event utilizing inputs from the at least one camera.