Inertial Pointing Device with Removable Transceiver Pod

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional pointing devices, such as mice, require a large, unobstructed surface for operation and are limited by their need for an associated computer to store data and applications, restricting their use in confined spaces and mobility.

Innovation Solution

A hand-held inertial sensor-based pointing device integrated with a removable pod housing a transceiver and digital memory, allowing users to control a cursor on a computer display with angular movements and store data and applications, enabling use in any environment without a dedicated surface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a conventional mouse is used for cursor control, then cursor control functionality is achieved, but the device requires a large flat surface and reduces mobility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecursor control functionalityVSAvoidmobility and surface requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into two separate components: a hand-held inertial pointing device for cursor control and a removable pod containing the transceiver and memory. This segmentation allows the pointing device to be small and portable while the pod can be detached and stored separately, resolving the contradiction between maintaining cursor control functionality and improving mobility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The removable pod serves multiple functions: it houses the transceiver for wireless communication, provides digital memory storage for data and applications, and can be attached to or separated from the pointing device. This multi-functionality allows the device to maintain cursor control capabilities while adapting to different usage scenarios and improving mobility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Quantity of substance

If data and applications are stored in the associated computer, then data storage capacity is sufficient, but the pointing device loses independence and mobility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata storage capacityVSAvoiddevice independence and mobility

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The memory component is extracted from the main computer system and placed into a removable pod that can be attached to the pointing device. This extraction provides sufficient data storage capacity locally while enabling the pointing device to function independently and be carried anywhere, resolving the contradiction between storage capacity and device independence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The digital memory and transceiver are nested within the removable pod, which itself can be attached to or separated from the hand-held pointing device. This nested structure provides sufficient data storage capacity while maintaining the ability to carry the complete system portably and use it independently from any computer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the pointing device is integrated with transceiver and memory, then device independence and functionality are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice independence and functionalityVSAvoidintegration of multiple components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is segmented into modular components: the hand-held inertial pointing device, the removable pod containing transceiver and memory, and the interface connecting them. This segmentation improves device independence and functionality while managing complexity by allowing each component to be designed and manufactured separately.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The removable pod is designed as a universal module that can be attached to different pointing devices and works with multiple computer systems. This multi-functionality improves device independence and adaptability while reducing overall complexity by using a standardized, reusable component rather than custom-integrated systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 users to carry a complete computer control system in their pocket, allowing for precise cursor control and data storage, enhancing mobility and reducing the need for larger devices like notebooks.

Implementation Method 1

The inertial sensor is preferably a gyroscope where the resulting electrical output of manipulation by a user is converted into a format usable by a computer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGyroscope: Gyroscope

Data Source

PatentUS8217893B2Inertial sensor-based pointing device with removable transceiver

Publication Date: 2012.07.10 INTERDIGITAL CE PATENT HOLDINGS SAS

AI summary

An inertial sensor-based pointing device 10 is compatible with a removable USB pod 14 having a digital flash memory 32 and an integrated radio transceiver 30. Flash memory 32 can be used by a user to store software that enables a user to auto load software applications into compatible computers. Pointing device 10 is adapted to receive USB pod 14 resulting in a combined memory/transceiver and pointing device system that can be conveniently carried as a single unit in a pocket or via a belt clip.