Moveable Light Emitters for Volumetric Touch Interaction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current display technologies are limited to accepting touch input only on the front surface, preventing users from physically interacting with multiple layers of the display device, and fail to maintain a consistent image as moveable light emitters change positions.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising moveable light emitters that can be touched and manipulated, with a capture engine to determine their location, a location engine to map their positions, and an image engine to adjust light output to maintain a desired image, allowing users to interact with the display in three dimensions and track user input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If flat display devices accept touch input only on the front surface, then the device structure remains simple, but user interaction is limited to a single surface and cannot physically interact with multiple layers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional flat display touch interaction to three-dimensional volumetric interaction by positioning light emitters throughout a three-dimensional space. Users can physically interact with light emitters at different depths and positions, enabling multi-layer tactile engagement beyond the front surface limitation.
Solution Approach 2:
The display is segmented into multiple independent light emitters distributed throughout three-dimensional space, each capable of being individually activated and interacted with. This segmentation allows users to engage with specific portions of the display volume rather than treating it as a single flat surface.
2Adaptability or versatility
If moveable light emitters change positions, then user interaction and three-dimensional display capability are enhanced, but maintaining a consistent image becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously tracks the positions of moveable light emitters and uses this feedback information to dynamically adjust which light emitters are activated and how they are controlled. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures that the displayed image remains consistent and accurate despite the physical movement of light emitters within the three-dimensional space.
Solution Approach 2:
The display system is designed to be dynamic rather than static, accommodating the movement of light emitters in real-time. The system adapts its configuration and control parameters based on the current positions of light emitters, enabling continuous image consistency throughout the three-dimensional display volume as emitters move.
3Ease of operation
If light emitters are made moveable for three-dimensional interaction, then user engagement is improved, but tracking and mapping light emitter positions becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical tracking systems with optical detection methods. Light emitters are tracked using optical sensors and image processing techniques that detect the position of light-emitting elements, eliminating the need for mechanical position sensors or complex mapping hardware while maintaining accurate three-dimensional position tracking.
Data Source
AI summary
An example system includes a plurality of moveable light emitters, each moveable light emitter configured to independently emit a display light from a current display location within that moveable light emitter's range of motion responsive to activation from a corresponding light activator. The system also includes a location engine to determine, for each light emitter, the current display location of that light emitter, and a mapping engine to map, for each current display location, the light activator activating the light emitter currently located at that current display location.