Elastomeric Input Device for 3D Motion Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current input devices for computing devices lack accuracy in tracking complex human hand motions and forces, often being intrusive, expensive, or providing low precision and tactile fidelity.
Innovation Solution
An elastomeric input device with a tracking structure that deforms correspondingly to user input, detectable by sensors, allowing for accurate recording and tracking of three-dimensional movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If exoskeleton or glove is placed on human hand to record and track finger movements, then tracking capability is provided, but weight increases and intrusiveness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the tracking function from a physical glove or exoskeleton and relocates it to a lightweight marker system that can be observed by external sensors. Only small markers are attached to the hand, while the heavy tracking electronics remain outside the body, eliminating weight and intrusiveness while maintaining tracking precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces markers as an intermediary element between the hand and the tracking system. These markers serve as mediators that reflect light or emit signals detectable by external sensors, enabling precise tracking without requiring direct physical contact or attachment of heavy equipment to the hand.
2Measurement precision
If exoskeleton or glove is placed on human hand to record and track finger movements, then tracking capability is provided, but tactile fidelity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The tracking function is extracted from contact-based devices (gloves/exoskeletons) that interfere with tactile sensation, and relocated to a non-contact optical or electromagnetic sensing system. This allows the hand to remain free of intrusive materials, preserving tactile fidelity while maintaining tracking precision through external observation of markers.
Solution Approach 2:
Markers serve as intermediaries that enable tracking without direct physical contact between the sensing system and the hand. These markers can be observed through light reflection or emission, providing accurate movement data while leaving the hand's tactile surfaces uncovered and responsive to environmental stimuli.
3Device complexity
If traditional input devices are used to control single point movements, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision of complex hand motions decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the hand into multiple trackable points using distributed markers on fingers, palm, and other regions. Each marker provides independent position data, enabling reconstruction of complex three-dimensional hand motions. This segmentation approach maintains relative simplicity of individual markers while achieving high precision through collective data from multiple points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional single-point tracking to three-dimensional multi-point spatial tracking. By placing markers in three-dimensional space and using multiple sensing cameras or sensors, the system captures full spatial hand gestures, adding dimensional information that enables precise tracking of complex motions without significantly increasing device complexity.
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 precise tracking and recording of human hand motions, suitable for various applications such as 3D modeling, robot control, and animation, providing high tactile feedback and versatility.
Implementation Method 1
as the elastomeric material is deformed (e.g., by a user or otherwise) the tracking structure will deform correspondingly
Data Source
AI summary
An input device for tracking three-dimensional movements. The input device includes a tracking structure and is in electronic communication with a computing device. The tracking structure is detectable by a tracking device. The tracking structure is configured so that as the input device is deformed, the tracking structure deforms correspondingly.