Non-Contact Pointer Overlay for 3D Input on 2D GUIs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing input terminal devices require dedicated application programs to detect three-dimensional positions, making it impossible to implement non-contact input using devices equipped with only two-dimensional position handling capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A non-contact input device and input assistance application that measures two-dimensional positions and distances from an operation surface, using an electrostatic sensor to calculate XYZ coordinates, and outputs a second pointer and click events based on these measurements, compatible with operating systems designed for two-dimensional inputs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a dedicated application program capable of detecting three-dimensional positions is used, then non-contact input through three-dimensional operation is enabled, but device complexity increases and compatibility with two-dimensional systems is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a distance detection dimension to the existing two-dimensional position detection capability. By measuring the distance from the operation surface to the object in addition to the two-dimensional position, the system enables three-dimensional operation without requiring a completely new dedicated application program, thus resolving the contradiction between enhanced adaptability and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The input assistance application serves multiple functions: it works with both traditional two-dimensional input operations and new three-dimensional non-contact operations. This multi-functionality allows existing two-dimensional systems to maintain compatibility while gaining enhanced non-contact input capabilities, avoiding the need for separate dedicated applications
2Device complexity
If an application program that handles only two-dimensional position is used, then device complexity is reduced and compatibility is maintained, but three-dimensional non-contact input cannot be implemented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the two-dimensional position detection by adding distance measurement from the operation surface. This dimensional extension allows the simple two-dimensional application program to handle three-dimensional non-contact input operations without requiring complex dedicated software, thus resolving the contradiction between device simplicity and functional versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The input assistance application acts as an intermediary layer between the simple two-dimensional position detection system and the three-dimensional non-contact input requirements. It processes the two-dimensional position data and distance information together to enable three-dimensional operations while keeping the underlying system simple and compatible
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 non-contact input operations, such as hovering and clicking, on devices without three-dimensional input capabilities, enhancing usability and compatibility with existing two-dimensional systems.
Implementation Method 1
an electrostatic sensor to calculate XYZ coordinates
Data Source
AI summary
A non-contact input device includes an operation surface, a detection unit that measures a two-dimensional position of an object with which a non-contact operation is performed on the operation surface and a distance from the operation surface to the object, a display disposed on a back side of the operation surface, a control device including an OS utilizing a flat GUI and an input assistance application, wherein the input assistance application outputs, to the OS, a command to display, on the display, a second pointer in an overlay, the second pointer being different from a first pointer displayed by the OS on the display, according to the two-dimensional position and the distance, and when it is determined that an operation with the object is decided based on the two-dimensional position and the distance, outputs, to the OS, the two-dimensional position when the operation is decided and a click event.