Interactive Input System Using Diffusive Bezel for Pointer Disambiguation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Interactive input systems face challenges in accurately tracking multiple pointers due to pointer ambiguity and occlusion when multiple pointers are within the fields of view of multiple imaging devices, leading to difficulties in disambiguating correct positions and increased system complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a method to capture and process images from multiple imaging devices with overlapping fields of view, identifying targets and resolving ambiguities by assigning weights to image data based on target states to calculate accurate pointer locations, using a combination of imaging devices and a diffusive bezel for backlight illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple imaging devices are used to track multiple pointers, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a bezel as an intermediary element that carries unique identification markers. This bezel acts as a mediator between the imaging devices and pointers, providing unambiguous reference points that enable accurate pointer location determination without requiring complex coordination between multiple imaging devices. The bezel with its unique markers serves as a common reference framework that simplifies the multi-device tracking problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs visual markers with distinct appearance characteristics (referred to as color changes in the principle) on the bezel. These markers have specific visual properties that allow imaging devices to easily distinguish and identify them, providing clear reference points for triangulation and pointer location calculation. The unique visual characteristics of these markers enable reliable detection and identification across multiple imaging devices.
2Measurement precision
If additional imaging devices are added to resolve pointer ambiguity, then measurement precision improves, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bezel with unique identification markers serves as a cost-effective intermediary that provides unambiguous reference information to the imaging devices. Instead of adding more expensive imaging devices to resolve ambiguity, the patent uses this simpler bezel structure that can be manufactured and integrated at lower cost while achieving the same disambiguation goal.
Solution Approach 2:
The bezel with its identification markers represents a relatively simple and inexpensive component compared to additional imaging devices. This approach trades a low-cost passive element (bezel) for the alternative of high-cost active elements (additional cameras), achieving pointer disambiguation through a more economical manufacturing approach.
3Measurement precision
If imaging devices are positioned to cover overlapping fields of view, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bezel with unique markers acts as a mediator that simplifies the triangulation process. By providing known, easily identifiable reference points, it enables imaging devices to accurately determine pointer positions through triangulation without requiring complex synchronization or coordination between devices. The bezel markers serve as common reference points that all imaging devices can use independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension element (the bezel structure with markers at specific positions) that provides additional geometric information for triangulation. The known positions of markers on the bezel in three-dimensional space create a reference framework that enables accurate pointer location calculation from multiple two-dimensional image perspectives, effectively using dimensional information to simplify the tracking problem.
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 approach enables the simultaneous tracking of multiple pointers with improved accuracy, reducing ambiguity and occlusion issues while maintaining system complexity and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a diffusive bezel for backlight illumination
Data Source
AI summary
A method for resolving ambiguities between at least two pointers in a plurality of input regions defining an input area of an interactive input system. The method includes capturing images of the plurality of input regions, the images captured by a plurality of imaging devices having a field of view of at least a portion of the input area, processing image data from the images to identify a plurality of targets for the at least two pointers within the input area, and analyzing the plurality of targets to resolve a real location associated with each pointer.