Modular Input Tracking for Customizable XR Controllers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current XR controllers are cumbersome and inflexible, as they often integrate tracking and communication sub-systems with input devices, making them complex and difficult to customize for various applications, and are not suited to track non-computing physical objects effectively.
Innovation Solution
A modular input system decouples tracking and communication sub-systems from input devices, allowing a separate input movement tracking device to be used with multiple input devices, including non-computing physical objects, and incorporates capacitive sensors for customizable touch and proximity sensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If tracking and communication sub-systems are integrated with input devices, then functionality is provided, but device complexity increases and customization becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the input device into separate functional modules: the input device itself and the tracking/communication sub-systems. This segmentation allows each component to be independently designed, manufactured, and customized without increasing overall system complexity, directly resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The tracking and communication sub-systems are designed as universal components that can be paired with multiple different input devices. This multi-functionality approach allows the same tracking sub-system to work with various input devices, reducing the need for complex integrated designs while maintaining versatility across different applications.
2Adaptability or versatility
If integrated controllers are used, then tracking functionality is provided, but the system becomes inflexible and difficult to update
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic, reconfigurable system where tracking sub-systems can be selectively paired with different input devices based on application requirements. This dynamic architecture enables flexible updates and reconfigurations without requiring complete system redesign, thereby improving adaptability while managing integration complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The tracking and communication sub-systems are pre-configured and standardized before being paired with input devices. This preliminary preparation allows for easier updates and modifications to individual components without affecting the entire integrated system, enhancing flexibility while reducing the complexity of system-wide changes.
3Reliability
If tracking sub-systems are built into each controller, then tracking is enabled, but cost and mass increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the tracking and communication sub-systems from the input device and positions them as separate, optional components. This extraction reduces the mass of the primary input device while maintaining full tracking capability when needed, as the tracking sub-system can be added only when required for specific applications.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of embedding heavy tracking hardware in every input device, the patent uses a centralized tracking sub-system that can service multiple input devices. This copying approach allows the tracking functionality to be shared across multiple devices, reducing the overall mass and cost per device while maintaining reliable tracking capability.
4Ease of manufacture
If standardized controllers are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but customization for various applications becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the controller system into standardized base input devices and customizable tracking/communication modules. This segmentation allows the base input devices to be manufactured using simplified standardized processes, while customization is achieved by pairing them with different configured tracking modules, thus maintaining both manufacturing simplicity and application-specific adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
In an example in accordance with the present disclosure, an input movement tracking device is described. The input movement tracking device comprises a tracking device housing and a connector to mechanically attach the tracking device housing to an input device. The input movement tracking device also includes an electrical connector to receive input from the input device to be transmitted to a host computing device. A tracking system disposed within the tracking device housing tracks a position and orientation of the tracking device housing and the input device in physical space and a transceiver disposed within the tracking device housing communicates with the host computing device.