Hybrid Pointing Device Gesture Control via Optical Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pointing devices face challenges such as user confusion due to multiple buttons, limited precision, and difficulty in controlling the pointer to move straight or at high speeds, especially with unstable hand operations, and require substantial finger contact for accurate detection.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid pointing device incorporating an optical navigation module that senses finger gestures to activate commands and control pointer movement, using at least one image sensor and light source to capture interruptions and transform them into electric signals for precise and intuitive control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple buttons are integrated on a pointing device to enhance functionality, then the device can activate more commands, but the user becomes confused and cannot operate the device effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the button interface entirely and extracts the command activation function to be performed through finger gestures detected by the optical navigation module. This eliminates the confusion of multiple buttons while preserving command activation capability through intuitive gesture-based control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical button system with an optical sensing system. The optical navigation module uses image sensors and light sources to detect finger gestures, transforming the mechanical interaction (button pressing) into an optical detection process that enables gesture-based command activation.
2Volume of moving object
If an optical sensor module is used to replace the conventional mouse for compact size, then the device becomes smaller with smaller sensing area, but the resolution is low and pointer control is imprecise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pointing device into two functional modules: a pointing module for detecting device movement relative to the surface, and an optical navigation module for detecting finger gestures. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized for its specific function, with the optical navigation module focusing on gesture recognition rather than high-resolution tracking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the optical navigation module multi-functional by enabling it to perform both gesture recognition and pointer control functions. The module can sense various finger gestures (click, double-click, drag, drop) and translate them into corresponding pointer movements and commands, eliminating the need for separate buttons while maintaining precision.
3Ease of operation
If conventional mouse is used for pointer movement, then the device can control pointer movement, but it is difficult to control the pointer to move very straight or at high speeds due to unstable hand operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback through the optical navigation module that continuously monitors finger gestures and provides real-time control signals to the pointing module. This feedback mechanism allows the system to correct deviations from the desired pointer path, enabling straight-line movement and high-speed pointer control despite natural hand movements.
4Adaptability or versatility
If capacitive touch module or resistive touch module is used to sense finger touching motion, then commands can be activated, but the whole module must maintain function-well condition and requires substantial finger contact force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the capacitive or resistive touch modules with an optical navigation module that uses light sources and image sensors to detect finger gestures. This substitution eliminates the need for substantial finger contact force and reduces the reliability risks associated with maintaining module function-well condition, as the optical system can detect gestures without direct mechanical contact.
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 and intuitive control of the pointer with gestures, allowing for straight-line movement, higher speeds, and multi-touch functions, reducing the need for buttons and improving usability compared to conventional devices.
Implementation Method 1
The optical navigation module is configured to emit light to the finger and receive the reflected light from the finger for sensing a movement of the finger
Implementation Method 2
The optical navigation module includes at least one image sensor and at least one light source. The light source emits light and the emitted light is received by the image sensor. At least one finger of a user motions to block the emitted light and to cause at least one interruption when the image sensor receives the emitted light.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a hybrid pointing device including an optical navigation module and a pointing module. The optical navigation module is configured to replace the conventional buttons of a convention pointing device, such as an optical mouse or a trackball mouse. The optical navigation module is configured to sense gestures of at least one object operated by a user to activate commands associated with particular programs running on the host. Since the optical navigation module is only configured to sense gestures of the object but not the movement of the hybrid pointing device relative to a surface, the resolution thereof is aimed to be sufficiently high enough for sensing gestures and no need to be relatively high.