Handheld Object Positioning via Accelerometer Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional data input devices, such as mice, rely on mechanical balls and rotary sensors or optics, which require cleaning and special surfaces, and fail to support three-dimensional tracking needed for advanced applications like graphics.
Innovation Solution
A system that determines the position of a hand-held object using accelerometers to measure acceleration, which is integrated to calculate velocity and displacement, allowing for one, two, or three-dimensional position determination without moving parts or specialized surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical balls and rotary sensors are used to determine position, then position tracking is achieved, but the device requires cleaning and has moving parts that reduce reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical balls and rotary sensors with an accelerometer-based system that uses capacitive sensing. The accelerometer measures acceleration forces directly without mechanical contact, eliminating the need for cleaning and removing moving parts that reduce reliability. The system integrates acceleration data to derive position information through digital signal processing.
2Reliability
If optical sensors are used to determine position, then position tracking is achieved, but the device requires special surfaces to function properly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes optical sensing with accelerometer-based capacitive sensing. The accelerometer measures acceleration forces that are independent of surface properties, allowing the device to function on any surface including glass, metal, and textured surfaces. This eliminates the limitation of requiring specific surface irregularities for optical detection.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional mice are used for data input, then two-dimensional cursor positioning is achieved, but three-dimensional tracking required for advanced graphics applications is not supported
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a third dimension to position tracking by utilizing the Z-axis acceleration measurements from the accelerometer. By integrating acceleration data from all three spatial dimensions (X, Y, and Z axes), the system generates three-dimensional position information that enables advanced graphics applications, virtual reality, and other cutting-edge uses while maintaining compatibility with traditional two-dimensional interfaces.
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 position determination in various dimensions without the need for cleaning or specific surfaces, supporting advanced applications like graphics and providing robust authentication and character recognition.
Implementation Method 1
a measure of the acceleration of the hand-held object is determined
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention relate to determining the position of a hand-held object from the acceleration of the hand-held object. In an embodiment, a measure of the displacement of the hand-held object is derived in part from a measure of an acceleration of the hand-held object. A measure of a position of the hand-held object is generated based on the displacement of the hand-held object, and is output.