Input Gesture Device Roll Angle Estimation via Gyroscope Integration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing input devices, particularly 3D pointing devices, face challenges in providing a consistent user experience due to the lack of a proxy surface, leading to orientation variability, which complicates the mapping of device motion to cursor movement on screens, and other input devices face similar issues with motion-based input methods being neither fast nor simple for users.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates a 3-axis gyroscope and a 3-axis accelerometer in both the input/gesture device and a mobile device, with processors configured to track orientations and determine roll angles, allowing for accurate alignment and minimization of changes in axis vectors between frames of reference, enabling precise control and gesture recognition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a 3D pointing device is used without a proxy surface, then the device offers freedom of use in 3D space, but the orientation of the device varies considerably between users and uses, making consistent cursor control difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical proxy surface reference system with an electronic/virtual reference frame system. The mobile device displays a reference frame that the user aligns with the physical world, and the system uses sensors (accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer) to track the device's orientation relative to this virtual reference, eliminating the need for a physical proxy surface while maintaining orientation consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a virtual reference frame displayed on the mobile device screen as an intermediary between the physical 3D pointing device and the digital cursor control system. This virtual reference frame serves as a mediator that the user aligns with physical landmarks, enabling consistent orientation tracking without requiring a physical proxy surface.
2Ease of operation
If motion-based input methods are used for controlling devices, then the selection process can be simplified, but the current implementation is neither fast nor simple for users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary calibration of the motion mapping between the input device and cursor movement. The system pre-establishes the relationship between device orientation changes and cursor movement directions, so that during actual use, users can directly control the cursor without real-time computation delays, making the selection process both simple and fast.
3Device complexity
If body frame of the device is used as frame of reference for mapping motion, then the mapping can be performed, but the user must hold the device in a certain orientation to obtain desired cursor movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the frame of reference dynamic by allowing the user to define a custom reference frame based on physical landmarks in the environment. Instead of using a fixed body frame, the system adapts the reference frame to the user's natural holding position and movement patterns, eliminating the requirement to maintain specific device orientations.
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
This solution provides a consistent and efficient method for controlling consumer devices with motion-based inputs, enhancing user experience by accurately mapping device motion to screen interactions and simplifying the selection process, making it faster and more intuitive.
Implementation Method 1
a 3-axis gyroscope
Implementation Method 2
a first 3-axis accelerometer
Data Source
AI summary
Method, apparatus, and systems for roll angle estimation for an input/gesture device (IGD) are disclosed. The method includes estimating a first axis vector of the input/gesture device (IGD) relative to the surface of the mobile device (MD), as a first frame of reference, using readings from a first type of sensor; and estimating the first axis vector of the IDG relative to a different, second frame of reference using a gyroscope integration of readings from the 3-axis gyroscope. The method further includes aligning the first axis vector of the IDG in the first frame of reference with the first axis vector of the IDG in the second frame of reference; minimizing a change in the alignment of the first axis vectors between the first frame of reference and the second frame of reference; and determining the roll angle of the IDG relative to the surface of the MD.