Optical Guide Time-of-Flight Input for Gloved Position Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing variable input devices face challenges in providing accurate, stylish, and versatile input mechanisms that can recognize inputs from multiple objects, including those worn under gloves, while maintaining design aesthetics and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A variable input device utilizing a discontinuous optical guide with reflective structures to determine input based on the time-of-flight of emitted light, allowing for precise determination of a reflective target's position and enabling input adjustment to an operating device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional sensors (capacitive, mechanical switch, rotating dial, ultrasonic) are used to provide variable input, then the device can recognize input from multiple objects including gloved interactions, but the design aesthetics and input accuracy are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical and capacitive sensing systems with an optical time-of-flight measurement system. The controller measures the time for light to travel to and from the reflective target, providing precise positional input without requiring direct contact or complex sensor arrays, thus maintaining both accuracy and design aesthetics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a reflective target as an intermediary between the user and the optical guide. This intermediary reflects light back to the optical guide, enabling the system to detect user input gestures while maintaining a sleek, minimal interface design without exposed sensors or mechanical components.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional sensors are used to provide variable input, then the device can be manufactured with standard components, but the design aesthetics and sleekness are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces bulky mechanical sensors and capacitive sensor arrays with a compact optical guide and illumination source assembly. This substitution enables a sleek, minimalist design while maintaining ease of manufacture through the use of standard optical components and integrated circuitry.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical guide can be implemented as a thin, flexible component that integrates seamlessly into the device housing or surface, allowing for sleek designs without compromising manufacturability. The thin-film implementation enables aesthetic integration while maintaining functional performance.
3Ease of manufacture
If the optical guide uses continuous structure, then the manufacturing is simpler, but the accuracy in determining reflective target position is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The optical guide is divided into discrete reflective structures positioned at known locations along its length. This segmentation enables the controller to determine which specific segment reflects light back to the optical guide, providing precise positional information about the reflective target while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through modular construction.
Solution Approach 2:
Different segments of the optical guide have distinct reflective properties or positions, allowing the system to encode spatial information locally within each segment. This local differentiation enables precise position determination while keeping the overall manufacturing process simple and modular.
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
The solution provides highly accurate and versatile input recognition, supporting multiple objects and gloved interactions, while offering a sleek design and improved accuracy in determining variable inputs.
Implementation Method 1
The controller is configured to determine a lateral position of the reflective target relative to the first end based on a time-of-flight of the returned portion of the emitted light
Implementation Method 2
each reflective structure of the plurality of reflective structures is configured to direct a reflected portion of the emitted light out of the interface surface of the optical guide
Data Source
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AI summary
A variable input device, a dimmable light system, and a computer-implemented method for determining a variable input, are provided. An example variable input device includes an optical guide, an illumination source, an optical receiver, and a controller. The optical guide contains reflective structures positioned within the optical guide, each a unique distance from a first end. The illumination source is positioned to direct emitted light toward each reflective structure. Each reflective structure directs a portion of the emitted light out of the interface surface of the optical guide. The optical receiver receives a portion of the emitted light reflected by a reflective target proximate the interface surface. The controller is configured to determine a lateral position of the reflective target based on a time-of-flight of the returned portion of the emitted light, and generate a variable input within an operating range for an operating.