Handheld Device Mouse Functionality via Optical Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile professionals carry multiple devices for efficient computer-related tasks, leading to unnecessary device burden and a need to integrate pointing device functionality into handheld communication or data organization devices to reduce the number of items carried.
Innovation Solution
Integration of pointing device functionality into cellular telephones or other handheld devices using existing optics, touch-sensitive pads, or laser pointers, enabling navigation and control of graphical user interfaces via Bluetooth or other connection protocols, allowing these devices to function as mice or trackballs while retaining their primary functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mobile professionals carry multiple devices (cellular telephone, PDA, laptop, external mouse) to perform computer-related tasks efficiently, then task functionality is improved, but device burden and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functionality of a cellular telephone with that of a pointing device (mouse). The telephone device integrates an optical sensor, light source, and processor that enable it to function as both a communication device and a pointing device, allowing users to control computer displays with their phone instead of carrying a separate mouse
Solution Approach 2:
The telephone device is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both a traditional cellular communication device and as a pointing device for computer control. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated devices, reducing overall device burden while maintaining task capability
2Measurement precision
If external pointing devices (mouse) are used for navigating graphical user interfaces, then navigation precision is improved, but portability and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The telephone device uses its own built-in optical sensor and light source to detect surface patterns and calculate movement vectors, eliminating the need for external tracking surfaces or additional equipment. The device serves itself by using its existing camera components for both photography and pointing device functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The same optical sensor and processing capabilities that enable the telephone to take pictures are also used to detect surface patterns for pointing device operation, allowing the device to maintain navigation precision while improving portability through integration
3Adaptability or versatility
If optical sensing technologies are integrated into handheld devices for pointing device functionality, then adaptability to different surfaces is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the existing camera system in the telephone, which already contains an optical sensor and light source designed for capturing images. This same imaging system is repurposed to detect surface patterns for pointing device operation, eliminating the need for separate optical tracking components and reducing manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces traditional mechanical pointing device mechanisms (such as balls, rollers, or dedicated optical tracking components) with the telephone's existing digital imaging system. The processor analyzes images from the camera sensor to determine movement vectors, substituting mechanical detection with digital image processing
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 mobile professionals to navigate graphical user interfaces on computers using handheld devices, reducing the need for external pointing devices and enhancing ergonomic functionality by allowing simultaneous use for navigation and communication.
Implementation Method 1
a mobile device can employ existing optics from an integrated image capture device (e.g., camera) as the optics to effect navigation
Implementation Method 2
In other aspects, an LED or laser diode can be added as a light source to enable the device
Implementation Method 3
Other technological developments employ laser diodes in the place of an LED source
Implementation Method 4
a device can employ a touch sensitive pad to gather spatial information
Data Source
AI summary
A system that integrates navigational device (e.g., mouse) functionality into a cellular telephone or other handheld device (e.g., personal organizer, personal media player). A device can employ existing optics from an image capture device (e.g., camera) as the optics for the mouse. A mouse engine can receive an input from the optics and route the input via a Bluetooth™, or other existing connection (e.g., wired or wireless) to transfer the mouse coordinates to a desktop. In another example, a device can employ a touch sensitive pad to supply motion input to a mouse engine. Further, a device (e.g., personal organizer, pocket personal computer) can utilize an existing touch screen as a touch sensitive input to a mouse engine. A laser pointer can be integrated into a device thereby enabling presenters to use the device to point to slides and other target visuals.