Lowerable Touch-Sensitive Surface for 3D Interface Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing input devices for three-dimensional graphical user interfaces require a pointer for interaction, which can be non-intuitive and are susceptible to dirt and scratches, and rely on cameras for position tracking, making them less robust.
Innovation Solution
A touch-sensitive input device with a surface that can be displaced along an axis, allowing users to interact with a three-dimensional user interface without a pointer, using a touch-sensitive surface and position sensors to detect depth positions, and providing feedback forces to simulate depth perception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pointer and two cameras are used to record three-dimensional position, then the three-dimensional position can be tracked, but the device becomes susceptible to dirt and scratches and requires complex camera systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the camera system from the input device, replacing it with a touch-sensitive surface that directly detects finger position. This removes the components susceptible to dirt and scratches while simplifying the overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the optical measurement system (cameras tracking a pointer) with a direct mechanical/electrical sensing system (touch-sensitive surface detecting finger contact). This substitution improves reliability by eliminating fragile optical components.
2Ease of operation
If a pointer is required for input interaction, then three-dimensional positioning is achieved, but the operation becomes non-intuitive and requires moving the pointer to the screen
Solution Approach 1:
The user's finger directly serves as the input tool by contacting the touch-sensitive surface. This eliminates the need for a separate pointer mechanism and makes the interaction intuitive, as the user interacts directly with the interface at their natural location.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed input device is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot provide depth selection for objects arranged in front of or behind one another
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the fixed input surface into a dynamic, movable surface that can be displaced along an axis. This dynamic capability enables the device to provide depth selection for three-dimensional user interface objects while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical structure.
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 intuitive and robust interaction with three-dimensional user interfaces by eliminating the need for a pointer and cameras, providing a more durable and user-friendly experience by associating surface displacement with depth in the interface.
Implementation Method 1
a capacitive force sensor with an input surface
Implementation Method 2
a biasing element that exerts force in such a way that the input surface can be depressed and returns to its original position without applying force
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3(a)~3(f)
AI summary
The invention relates to an input device, comprising: a touch-sensitive surface, means for fastening the surface, wherein a plane is associated with the surface, wherein the means for fastening are designed to enable a displacement of the surface along an axis perpendicular to the associated plane, wherein the surface can assume a first position and, by means of displacement, a second position different from the first position.