Dual Image Sensor Finger Motion Mouse for Virtual Object Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional mice for portable devices lack efficient finger motion detection capabilities, limiting user interaction with virtual objects on small screens, and often require physical buttons for navigation and selection.

Innovation Solution

A finger motion detection mouse with dual image sensors that captures and analyzes finger motion to control virtual objects on a display, using CMOS or CCD sensors to drive cursors, scrolling, and execute specific functions without physical buttons, and can be integrated into devices or used as a standalone device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional mice with physical buttons are used, then user interaction is possible, but the interface is not intuitive and precise control on small screens is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser interaction intuitivenessVSAvoidphysical button requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical button system with an optical sensing system. Dual image sensors (CCD or CMOS) capture finger position and motion on a transparent surface, eliminating the need for physical buttons while enabling intuitive gestures for cursor control and object selection on small screens

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary layer - a transparent surface with optical sensors that mediates between the user's finger gestures and the display system. This intermediary captures motion information and translates it into control signals, enabling precise control without direct physical contact with buttons

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If dual image sensors are used for finger motion detection, then precise control of virtual objects is enabled, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefinger motion detection precisionVSAvoidsensor system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the sensing function into two separate image sensors positioned at different locations. Each sensor captures motion information independently, and the controller integrates these signals to determine precise finger position and gesture direction, improving measurement precision while keeping each individual sensor simple

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The dual image sensors serve multiple functions: tracking finger position, detecting motion direction, identifying gestures (click, drag, scroll), and determining pressure applied. This multi-functionality is achieved through a single optical sensing mechanism, avoiding the need for separate sensors for each function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Volume of moving object

If optical sensors are used instead of mechanical buttons, then the device becomes more compact, but detection sensitivity and reliability may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidmotion detection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The optical sensors continuously capture image data as the finger moves across the transparent surface, providing continuous feedback on position and motion. This continuous detection maintains reliable tracking even when the finger pauses or changes direction, ensuring consistent control without the mechanical limitations of buttons

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs feedback by continuously monitoring the position of the finger relative to the sensors and adjusting the cursor position accordingly. The controller processes sensor signals in real-time, providing immediate feedback to the user through visual response on the display, which enhances detection reliability through active correction and validation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 intuitive and precise control of virtual objects on small screens with gestures, enhancing user experience by eliminating the need for physical buttons and allowing remote control of virtual objects through wireless communication.

Implementation Method 1

The dual image sensors include CMOS, or CCD sensors

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric Effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS8878796B2Finger motion virtual object indicator with dual image sensor for electronic device

Publication Date: 2014.11.04 TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO LTD

AI summary

The virtual object indicator having dual image sensors for an electronic device comprises a housing to receive component therein. A user finger motion detecting device having the dual image sensors is attached on an upper surface of the housing for detection the motion of user finger. A controller is received in the housing for generating a control signal in responsive to the user finger motion detection, wherein the images captured by at least one of the dual image sensors is analyzed to drive a virtual object on a display of the electronic device, a communication interface is coupled to the controller for communication with the electronic device.