Optical Interaction Interface Using Alternating Radiation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing interaction methods, such as tactile devices and voice-based input, can be unreliable and require direct contact with hardware, limiting user interaction accuracy and ease when controlling applications.
Innovation Solution
An interaction interface that determines the position of an object relative to its housing using alternating electromagnetic radiation and sensors, allowing control of applications without direct contact by projecting and detecting electromagnetic radiation to define a radiation region and isolate illuminated objects within it.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If tactile devices are used for controlling applications, then direct contact with hardware is required, but user interaction accuracy and ease are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical tactile input devices with an optical system using electromagnetic radiation emitters and sensors. The system detects object positions through optical fields rather than requiring physical contact with mechanical components, thereby improving both measurement precision and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electromagnetic radiation as an intermediary between the user and the application control system. The radiation region acts as a mediator that translates physical object positions into digital control signals without requiring direct mechanical contact, enhancing interaction accuracy while maintaining ease of use.
2Measurement precision
If electromagnetic radiation is projected to define a radiation region, then object position detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection system into separate functional components: emitters that project electromagnetic radiation, sensors that detect reflected radiation, and processing units that determine object positions. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while working together to achieve high position detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs alternating emitting and extinguishing periods of electromagnetic radiation. During emitting periods, radiation is projected to illuminate objects; during extinguishing periods, ambient light is detected. This periodic action enables the system to distinguish between radiation-reflected objects and ambient light sources, improving position detection accuracy while managing system complexity through time-division multiplexing.
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 accurate and intuitive user interaction with applications by determining object positions within a defined region of interest, enhancing interaction precision and ease compared to traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
projected electromagnetic radiation reflected off an object in the radiation region during the emitting period
Data Source
AI summary
In emitting and extinguishing periods, emitting and extinguishing projected electromagnetic radiation is alternated, the emitted projected electromagnetic radiation defining a radiation region adjacent to a housing. Sensed electromagnetic radiation within respective fields of view of first and second sensors is detected, the sensed electromagnetic radiation including ambient electromagnetic radiation detected during the emitting and the extinguishing periods, and projected electromagnetic radiation reflected off an object in the radiation region during the emitting period. Indicia of a position of the object with respect to the housing is output.