Optical-Sensor Pointing Device Sleeve for Precise Motion Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pointing devices suffer from ergonomic issues, requiring unnecessary space and leading to user strains, and have limited motion range and accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A pointing device system with a rotatable and slidable sleeve, equipped with multiple optical sensors along an elongate base member, detects rotational and axial movements to improve positioning accuracy and reduce device size, while minimizing strain and enhancing functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple optical sensors are placed along the base member, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The base member is segmented into multiple sections with optical sensors distributed along its length. Each sensor detects motion in a specific segment, and the results are combined to provide overall position accuracy. This segmentation allows high precision without requiring a single complex sensor system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-point measurement approach to a distributed linear array of sensors along the base member. This dimensional extension from point to line enables measurement of motion across the entire base member length, improving precision while distributing complexity across multiple simple sensor units.
2Length of moving object
If the sleeve length is reduced, then device size is decreased, but motion range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The motion detection function is segmented across multiple optical sensors distributed along the base member. Each sensor contributes to detecting motion in its local segment, allowing the system to achieve extended motion range despite the sleeve being shorter than the base member length.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical motion transmission with optical field-based detection. The optical sensors detect motion through optical field interactions, eliminating the need for mechanical coupling over the entire base member length and enabling shorter sleeve design with maintained motion range.
3Device complexity
If conventional pointing devices are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but ergonomic issues and user strain occur
Solution Approach 1:
The sleeve is designed with dynamic motion capabilities, allowing rotation and sliding movements that adapt to natural user hand motions. This dynamic design enables more ergonomic operation by following the natural arc and direction of user movement, reducing strain while maintaining reasonable device structure.
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 system provides improved ergonomic design, increased motion range, and enhanced precision, allowing for seamless operation without hitting the end of the range, thus reducing user strain and improving usability.
Implementation Method 1
multiple optical sensors disposed along a surface of the elongate base member, or within the elongate base member, and positioned to detect at least one of a rotational movement of the sleeve relative to the sensor and an axial movement of the sleeve relative to the sensor based at least in part on a variation of the pattern within a field of view of the multiple optical sensors
Data Source
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AI summary
Aspects discussed herein are directed to ergonomic pointing device systems. In one example, a pointing device system includes an elongate base member, a sleeve disposed to fit over at least a portion of the elongate base member, the sleeve configured to rotate about the elongate base member in a first direction and slide about the elongate base member in a second direction substantially orthogonal to the first direction, and multiple optical sensors disposed within the elongate base member and positioned to detect at least one of a rotational movement of the sleeve relative to the multiple optical sensors and an axial movement of the sleeve relative to the multiple optical sensors.