Optical Input Interface for Complex Gesture and Click Recognition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional input devices struggle to handle complex input operations beyond simple on/off operations.
Innovation Solution
An input device comprising a light guide plate, light source, and sensor, which detects an object's trajectory, duration, and number of detections to identify and output signals corresponding to complex input patterns, allowing for the recognition of movements and durations of user interactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional input device detects only simple object presence, then the device structure remains simple, but it cannot handle complicated input operations
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor array is divided into multiple detection points (reference detection point, first detection point above, second detection point below, third detection point leftward, fourth detection point rightward). Each detection point independently detects object presence, and the controller segments the analysis of trajectories, durations, and detection counts to identify specific input patterns like vertical movement, horizontal movement, single clicks, and double clicks.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from detecting simple object presence (0D) to tracking object trajectories across multiple spatial dimensions (1D, 2D, or 3D). By monitoring the object's movement through multiple detection points in different directions, the system captures spatial dimensionality of user input gestures, enabling recognition of complex input patterns beyond simple on/off operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the sensor detects multiple parameters (trajectory, duration, number of detections), then complicated input operations can be identified, but the processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor array is pre-configured with multiple detection points at specific locations (above, below, leftward, rightward of the reference point) corresponding to expected input gesture directions. This preliminary spatial arrangement enables the system to anticipate and efficiently capture trajectory information without requiring complex real-time computation of arbitrary movement paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller continuously monitors detection outputs from multiple sensor points and provides feedback by identifying patterns in trajectory, duration, and detection count. This feedback mechanism allows the system to distinguish between different input operations (e.g., vertical movement versus horizontal movement, single click versus double click) by analyzing the temporal and spatial characteristics of sensor responses.
3Ease of operation
If the controller changes the image based on input pattern, then user feedback is enhanced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller modifies the displayed image based on the identified input pattern, creating a visual feedback loop. When the sensor detects an object and the controller identifies a specific input pattern (e.g., vertical movement, horizontal movement, single click, double click), it changes the image accordingly. This provides the user with immediate visual confirmation that their input was recognized and processed correctly.
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 the identification and differentiation of complex input operations such as single clicks, double clicks, normal press, and long press, enhancing user interaction feedback and enabling low-cost, hygienic, and secure input operations.
Implementation Method 1
a light guide plate that guides light from the light source to form an image in a space
Implementation Method 2
a sensor that detects an object in the space including an imaging position of the image
Data Source
AI summary
An input device includes a light source, a light guide plate, a sensor, and a controller. The light guide plate guides light from a light source to form an image in a space. The sensor detects an object in the space including an imaging position of the image. Based on an output from the sensor, the controller acquires at least one of a trajectory of a plurality of positions where the object is detected, a duration time of detecting the object, or a number of times the object is detected as an input parameter. The controller identifies an input pattern according to a movement of the object based on the input parameter, and outputs a signal corresponding to the identified input pattern.