Elastic Input Device with Optical Marker Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing input devices for virtual stereoscopic structures, such as 3D stereoscopic televisions and head-mounted displays, lack intuitive input capabilities, making it difficult for users to interact with virtual environments effectively.
Innovation Solution
An input device with an elastic layer that deforms upon user input, featuring markers detectable by cameras, allowing for intuitive input detection through deformation recognition, providing a sense of touch and enabling precise control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional input devices (mouse, keyboard, controller) are used for virtual stereoscopic structures, then basic input functions are available, but intuitive input capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an elastic layer as the input surface that can be deformed by user input. This flexible membrane replaces conventional rigid buttons or joysticks, enabling intuitive tactile interaction while maintaining a simple overall device structure. The elastic layer's deformation is detected to generate input signals, providing both tactile feedback and operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical input mechanisms with an optical detection system. Instead of using mechanical switches, encoders, or potentiometers, the system uses cameras to detect the deformation of the elastic layer and converts this visual information into input signals, thereby simplifying the mechanical structure while enhancing intuitive operation.
2Measurement precision
If an elastic layer with markers and detection cameras is implemented, then intuitive input detection is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses markers with distinct visual characteristics (color, pattern, or reflectivity) on the elastic layer to enable precise deformation detection. These markers serve as reference points that are easily distinguishable by the detection cameras, allowing accurate tracking of the elastic layer's deformation state without requiring complex sensor arrays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical imaging to create a visual copy of the elastic layer's deformation state. The cameras capture images of the markers on the elastic layer, and this visual information is processed to determine deformation characteristics. This optical copying approach replaces direct mechanical measurement, reducing the complexity of the detection system while maintaining high measurement precision.
3Ease of operation
If the elastic layer provides tactile repulsion for intuitive input, then user interaction quality improves, but the structure becomes more complex compared to flat input surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a simple elastic layer as the input surface that provides tactile repulsion through its inherent elasticity. This single-layer flexible membrane replaces complex multi-layer tactile feedback mechanisms, providing intuitive tactile feedback while maintaining structural simplicity. The elastic layer's natural rebound characteristic gives users tactile feedback without requiring additional actuators or mechanisms.
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 input interactions by detecting deformation of the elastic layer, enhancing user experience in virtual reality and augmented reality applications.
Implementation Method 1
the elastic layer is deformed when a user presses the elastic layer
Implementation Method 2
the detection portion detects this deformation. Particularly, since the user can be given a sense of touching something due to the repulsion of the elastic layer
Data Source
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AI summary
An input device 200 includes an elastic input portion 280 having an elastic layer 220 in which an outer circumferential surface 220a to which external force should be inputted and an inner circumferential surface 220b on an opposite side of the outer circumferential surface 220a are defined and a marker M which is disposed in the elastic layer 220 and displaced in association with deformation of the elastic layer 220; and a detection portion 230 which is positioned on the side of the inner circumferential surface 220b of the elastic layer 220 and detects the deformation of the elastic layer 220 on the basis of displacement of the marker M.