Optical Mouse with Reflective Mirror for 3D Cursor Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical mice are limited to operation on flat surfaces and fail when used in three-dimensional spaces due to the distance issues with light reflection, requiring separate devices for surface and 3D operation, which is inconvenient and costly.
Innovation Solution
An input device with a movement sensing module, operation direction control unit, micro-control unit, and transmission module that adjusts its operation mode based on the operation direction, using a single module to sense movement and convert direction for smooth operation on surfaces or in 3D spaces, reducing manufacturing costs and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional optical mouse is operated in three-dimensional space, then the operation flexibility is improved, but the light reflection distance becomes too far for the mouse to work
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a light reflecting member (such as a light reflecting plate or mirror) as an intermediary between the light source and the movement sensing module. This intermediary reflects the emitted light back towards the sensing module, enabling the optical mouse to detect movement in three-dimensional space where direct light reflection would be insufficient. The light reflecting member acts as a mediator that solves the fundamental limitation of optical mice operating in 3D space.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the optical mouse is turned upwards to be held in hand, then the three-dimensional operation is enabled, but the finger operation direction becomes opposite to the cursor moving direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a gravity sensing unit that dynamically detects the orientation of the mouse and a micro-control unit that dynamically adjusts the coordinate system based on the detected orientation. When the mouse is turned upwards for 3D operation, the system automatically transforms the coordinate system to maintain consistent cursor movement direction relative to the user's input direction. This dynamic adaptation resolves the direction inconsistency problem.
3Measurement precision
If two kinds of optical mice are designed for different operation scenarios, then the operation precision for each scenario is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functional units into a single optical mouse device, including a light source module, a movement sensing module, a light reflecting member, a gravity sensing unit, and a micro-control unit. This multi-functional integration enables the single device to perform both traditional 2D surface operation and 3D space operation with appropriate precision for each mode, eliminating the need for separate specialized mice and reducing overall system complexity.
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 seamless operation on both surfaces and in three-dimensional spaces with a single device, ensuring accurate cursor control and reducing the need for multiple devices, enhancing user convenience and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
The movement sensing module senses a plurality of reflection images relative to a light source which are reflected by a reflection surface
Data Source
AI summary
An input device that adjusts its operation mode according to operation directions includes a movement sensing module, an operation direction control unit, a micro-control unit, and a transmission module. The movement sensing module for sensing a plurality of reflection images relative to a light source that is reflected by a reflection surface. Furthermore the movement sensing module obtains a movement displacement amount and a movement direction of the input device according to pattern variations between the reflection images. The operation direction control unit provides an operation direction of the movement sensing module. The micro-control unit converts the movement direction sensed by the movement sensing module according to the operation direction of the movement sensing module. The transmission module transmits the movement displacement amount and the converted movement direction of the input device to a host terminal so as to control a cursor displayed on the host terminal.