Optical Guide Time-of-Flight Input for Glove-Compatible 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 by users such as gloves, while allowing for various decorative designs and maintaining high accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A variable input device utilizing a discontinuous optical guide with reflective structures, an illumination source, and a time-of-flight sensor to determine the lateral position of a reflective target relative to the optical guide, enabling precise control of operating devices within a defined range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional sensors (capacitive, mechanical switch, rotating dial) are used for variable input control, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the input accuracy and recognition capability are limited and cannot recognize inputs from multiple objects or gloved users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical sensors (capacitive sensors, mechanical switches, rotating dials) with an optical measurement system. This system uses an optical guide, illumination source, and optical receiver to detect the position of a reflective target through time-of-flight measurements, enabling accurate recognition of inputs from multiple objects and gloved users without mechanical contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a reflective target as an intermediary element between the user and the sensing system. This reflective target reflects light from the illumination source back to the optical receiver, enabling the system to detect user input gestures accurately while allowing users to wear gloves or use various objects for input.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional sensors are used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the device cannot provide versatile input recognition for multiple objects and decorative designs
Solution Approach 1:
The optical measurement system serves multiple functions: it can recognize inputs from different objects (fingers, gloves, tools), detect gestures at various positions, and work with different decorative interface surface designs. The system's versatility comes from its ability to measure the time-of-flight of light to determine reflective target position, which is independent of the target's material or the interface surface's appearance.
3Measurement precision
If the optical guide uses a continuous structure, then the manufacturing is easier, but the accuracy in determining lateral position of the reflective target is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The optical guide is divided into multiple discrete reflective structures positioned at known locations along the guide. Each reflective structure reflects light at a specific position, and by measuring the time-of-flight of light to and from these segmented structures, the system can accurately determine the lateral position of the reflective target with higher precision than a continuous optical guide would provide.
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 enhanced accuracy, versatility in recognizing multiple inputs, and allows for stylish designs, including inputs from gloved users, while maintaining precise control over operating device settings.
Implementation Method 1
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
Implementation Method 2
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
Data Source
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.