Dish Input Device with Movable Ball for Directional Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing input devices for data processing apparatus, such as computers and game consoles, lack an intuitive and balanced movement mechanism that effectively translates user balance and movement into directional inputs, limiting user interaction and control precision.
Innovation Solution
A dish-based input device with a convex lower surface and a concave upper surface that supports a movable member, such as a gym ball, equipped with a motion detector module and interface to detect and output movement signals, allowing users to apply forces and change their center of gravity to control directional tilting and impact events, simulating joystick-like functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed member is used in the dish, then the structure is simple and stable, but the user interaction and control precision are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The member is made movable within the dish, allowing it to move in response to user forces. This dynamic element enables the user to apply forces and change their center of gravity to control directional tilting, significantly enhancing user interaction and control precision while maintaining relatively simple device structure
2Measurement precision
If the dish is rigid and fixed, then manufacturing is simple, but movement detection precision is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The dish is designed to tilt in response to forces applied by the user through the movable member. This dynamic tilting capability, combined with motion detection technology, enables precise movement detection while maintaining a relatively simple dish structure without requiring complex mechanisms
3Measurement precision
If a concave upper surface is added to the dish, then the movable member is retained and control precision is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dish is given a concave upper surface curvature that naturally retains the movable member through its shape alone, without requiring additional mechanical retention structures. This curved geometry provides precise control while remaining relatively simple to manufacture using standard forming processes
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 interaction by providing precise directional control and intuitive movement recognition, enabling applications like game control and rehabilitation programs, with adjustable sensitivity and impact detection for varied functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a user can be supported on the movable member and by transferring weight and/or movement (for example of the feet if the user is standing) applies forces to the movable member and thus to the dish on which the movable member rests
Implementation Method 2
The dish tilts in various directions in response to such forces, and the motion detector module detects such movements and provides signals
Data Source
AI summary
An input device (1) for data processing apparatus (12) comprises a dish (2) having a convex lower surface (3) which rests on a base (10) and can tilt in a plurality of directions with respect to the base, and a concave upper surface (5) in which is positioned a movable member such as a ball (6) which can move with respect to the concave upper surface. A user is supported on the movable member, in a standing, sitting or kneeling position. The dish is provided with a motion detector module (8) which detects movement of the dish in response to forces applied to the dish as a result of actions performed by the user, and which produces signals in response to such movement. An interface (9) serves to output the signals to the data processing apparatus.