Multi-Axis Input Device with Rotational and Translational Movement Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mouse technologies face challenges in allowing users to provide multiple inputs beyond two-dimensional movement, limiting the ability to generate signals for additional input information effectively.
Innovation Solution
An input device with a body comprising a lower and upper portion, equipped with movement detectors to detect rotation about multiple axes and translational movement, along with an actuatable element accessible from multiple sides, enabling independent control of rotational and translational inputs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional mouse technology is used to detect two-dimensional movement, then the device is simple to operate, but the ability to provide multiple inputs beyond two-dimensional movement is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The input device is divided into separate functional components: a lower portion with surface movement detectors, an upper portion with rotational movement detectors, and an actuatable element with independent detection. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in detecting specific movement types (translational vs. rotational), enabling multiple input modes while keeping each detector relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the traditional two-dimensional movement detection by adding rotational detection capabilities around multiple axes (first axis, second axis, and third axis). This dimensional expansion allows the device to capture six degrees of freedom (three translational + three rotational), transforming it from a 2D pointer controller to a multi-dimensional input device.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple movement detectors are added to detect rotation and translation, then multiple inputs can be provided, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The input device is designed to perform multiple functions through a unified structure: the lower portion detects translational movement across surfaces, the upper portion detects rotational movement around first and second axes, and the actuatable element detects rotation around a third axis. This multi-functional design allows a single device to replace multiple specialized input devices while maintaining ease of operation through natural hand movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates dynamic components that can move independently: the upper portion can rotate relative to the lower portion around the first and second axes, while the actuatable element can rotate independently around the third axis. This dynamic structure allows users to perform different input operations sequentially or simultaneously, enhancing versatility without requiring multiple separate devices.
3Adaptability or versatility
If an actuatable element accessible from multiple sides is added, then independent rotational control is enabled, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The actuatable element is positioned asymmetrically within the device structure, being carried on the upper portion rather than centrally. This asymmetric placement allows the element to be accessible from multiple sides (front, back, left, right) while maintaining a compact overall device structure. The asymmetric design enables independent rotational control around the third axis without requiring symmetric expansion of the device housing.
Data Source
AI summary
An input device enabling a computer user to provide a range of inputs. The device comprises a body made up of a lower portion and an upper portion; an output interface; and a plurality of movement detectors arranged with the body to detect movements of the input device and based thereon to generate input signals for a computer or other device coupled to the output interface. The movement detectors are arranged to detect rotation about first and second axes defined by rotational movement of the upper portion relative to the lower portion, and movement of a actuatable element carried on one of the lower portion and the upper portion and actuatable independently of the other of the lower portion and the upper portion. The input device further comprises translational movement detectors, enabling a user to further provide three translational inputs.