Lateral Force Detection for Motion Input Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional input devices, such as mice, are limited in the types of input data they can generate, typically only providing movement data and button/depression data, restricting the complexity and variety of user interactions with computer systems.

Innovation Solution

A motion-based input device equipped with both motion detection and force detection modules, which generate data representative of motion and lateral forces applied, allowing for the estimation of direction and initiation of events based on these inputs, enabling more nuanced user interactions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional input devices like mice are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but input data variety and interaction complexity are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinput data varietyVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The input device incorporates multiple sensing capabilities (motion detection, force detection, lateral force detection) into a single device, enabling it to perform multiple functions and generate diverse input data types including motion data, force data, and lateral force data, thereby resolving the contradiction between input variety and device simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines motion detection module, force detection module, and lateral force detection module into an integrated input device system, merging multiple detection functionalities into one unified device that can generate comprehensive input data for enhanced user interactions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Loss of information

If only motion detection is used, then device complexity is low, but input data richness is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinput data richnessVSAvoiddetection module complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The input device is segmented into distinct functional modules: motion detection module for generating motion data, force detection module for generating force data, and lateral force detection module for generating lateral force data. This segmentation allows each module to specialize in specific detection tasks while collectively providing rich input data

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces force detection and lateral force detection as intermediary sensing layers between the user and the computer system, capturing additional physical interaction parameters that bridge the gap between simple motion detection and comprehensive user input understanding

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9658698B2Using measurement of lateral force for a tracking input device

Publication Date: 2017.05.23 APPLE INC

AI summary

Systems and methods for using measurements of a lateral force applied to a motion-based input device are disclosed. The input device has a force detection module operable to detect lateral forces applied to the input device and generate force data representative of the applied lateral forces. The system also includes a processor coupled to the force detection module. The processor is operable to initiate an event based upon the force data.