Input Device Hand Orientation Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional input devices, such as computer mice, are not well-suited for immersive 3D environments in VR applications, as they are bulky, cumbersome, and limited in their ability to detect in-air movements effectively, while VR controllers are inefficient for generating input commands beyond simple cursor movements.
Innovation Solution
An input device with a housing featuring a touch sensor to detect hand orientation and movement, an image sensor for 2D movement tracking, and an IMU for 3D movement detection, along with IR emitters and detectors for orientation determination, allowing for adaptive calibration and haptic feedback based on user interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional computer mice are used for tracking movement, then 2D surface tracking is effective, but the device is bulky and cumbersome for in-air movements in VR applications
Solution Approach 1:
The input device combines multiple sensing capabilities (optical sensor for 2D surface tracking, IMU for 3D in-air movement detection, touch sensor for hand orientation detection) into a single device that can function effectively in both conventional 2D computing environments and immersive 3D VR applications, eliminating the need for separate specialized devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical surface-tracking mechanism of conventional mice with an optical sensor system that can detect movement in both 2D surface environments and 3D in-air environments, while the IMU provides additional inertial measurement capabilities for enhanced VR functionality
2Adaptability or versatility
If VR controllers are used for 3D movement detection, then in-air movements are detected, but the device is inefficient for generating input commands beyond simple cursor movements
Solution Approach 1:
The device maintains compatibility with conventional 2D input operations (cursor control, clicking via touch sensor) while simultaneously providing advanced 3D movement detection through the IMU, enabling it to serve both traditional productivity applications and immersive VR experiences without compromise
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functionality of conventional 2D input devices (optical tracking, button inputs) with 3D motion sensing capabilities (IMU) and hand orientation detection (touch sensor) into a unified input system that can generate comprehensive input commands for both 2D and 3D environments
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single input device is designed to work in both 2D and 3D environments, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple sensing technologies (optical sensor, IMU, touch sensor) into a single unified input device housing, combining the functionalities of 2D tracking, 3D motion detection, and hand orientation sensing into one cohesive system that communicates through a single interface
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 seamless and adaptive input control in various environments, including 2D surface tracking, 3D movement detection, and VR applications, providing a comfortable and intuitive interface for users regardless of hand orientation.
Implementation Method 1
a touch sensor coupled to the top surface of the housing, the touch sensor configured to: detect a contact by at least a portion of a hand on the top surface of the housing
Implementation Method 2
an image sensor coupled to the housing and the processor, the image sensor configured to image a surface, where the one or more processors are configured to determine, based on the image sensor imaging the surface, two-dimensional (2D) movement of the input device with respect to the surface
Implementation Method 3
an inertial measurement unit (IMU) disposed to the housing and the one or more processors, the IMU configured to detect a change in a property indicative of a three-dimensional (3D) movement of the input device; and generate 3D movement data corresponding to the detected change in the property
Implementation Method 4
one or more infra-red (IR) emitters controlled by the one or more processors and disposed within the housing, the one or more IR emitters configured to emit IR light out through the IR transparent portion of the top surface of the housing; and one or more IR detectors coupled to the one or more processors and disposed within the housing, the one or more IR detectors configured to detect IR light emitted by IR emitters and reflected off of a hand on the surface of the housing
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, an input device includes a housing having a top surface, a touch sensor disposed on the top surface of the housing, and a processor disposed in the housing. The touch sensor can be configured to detect a contact by a hand on the top surface of the housing and generate touch data corresponding to the detected contact by the hand. The processor can be configured to control operation of the touch sensor and receive the touch data, determine an orientation of the hand with respect to the housing based on the touch data, and calibrate a detected movement of the input device based on the determined orientation of the hand with respect to the housing. An image sensor and/or one or more IMUs can be used to detect 2D and/or 3D movement of the input device.