Invisible Ink Annotation System for Projected Display Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display technologies for mobile devices are limited by their small size and high power consumption, which restricts their usability for certain applications, and stationary devices often have large, inconvenient cabinets when not in use.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for writing and annotation using invisible ink that vanishes within a minute, allowing the location of ink marks to be detected and used to modify projected images, enabling efficient use of display space and privacy features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If invisible ink is deposited on the surface, then annotation capability is enabled, but the ink vanishes before permanent record is created
Solution Approach 1:
The system detects and records the location of invisible ink marks before they vanish. A detector captures the position data during the brief window when the ink is present, and this information is stored for later use, ensuring the annotation is preserved even after the ink disappears.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of relying on the physical ink mark to persist, the system creates a digital copy of the annotation information. The detected location data is stored in memory and can be retrieved later to reconstruct or reference the annotation, replacing the need for permanent physical marks.
2Area of stationary object
If display size is increased for better usability, then viewing area is improved, but device portability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from fixed display sizes to flexible projection surfaces. By projecting images onto various surfaces (walls, tables, screens), the display area can be dynamically adjusted without changing the physical device size, enabling both large-area displays and portable functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The projection system can function with multiple types of surfaces as displays, not limited to traditional screens. This universal approach allows the same device to provide both portable operation and large-area display capabilities by adapting to different projection surfaces based on user needs.
3Ease of operation
If physical marks are made on surfaces for annotation, then writing capability is enabled, but the surfaces are permanently modified
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the temporal parameter of the ink - using invisible ink that rapidly vanishes after deposition. This allows the ink to serve its function of marking the surface for detection purposes, then disappears to leave no permanent trace, eliminating the harmful effect of permanent surface modification while maintaining writing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invisible ink is designed as a temporary, short-lived medium that fulfills its annotation purpose and then disappears. This disposable approach to marking allows users to write and annotate without concern for permanent surface changes, as the marks naturally vanish after serving their function.
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 enhances the usability of displays by allowing annotations on projected images without physical marks, providing privacy and security, and enabling natural writing experiences on various surfaces without modifying them, while maintaining the convenience of paper-like interaction.
Implementation Method 1
the invisible ink automatically vanishes from the surface in less than one minute from the time that the invisible ink is deposited on the surface
Data Source
AI summary
A method, apparatus, and manufacture for writing and annotation is provided. An image is provided on a surface. In one embodiment, each time invisible ink is deposited on the surface, the location of the invisible ink deposited on the surface is detected before the invisible ink vanishes from the surface. In another embodiment, when a tip of a stylus is in contact with a location of an image on the surface, employing three or more light detectors to detect light at the location. The detected light is employed to determine a position and an orientation of the tip of the stylus and the location on the surface, and modifying the image based on the stored information.