Optical Stylus With Light Source And Receiver For Touch Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing user input devices for information handling systems, such as styluses, are limited in functionality and user experience, failing to provide advanced interaction capabilities as users expect more sophisticated interactions with integrated electronic devices.
Innovation Solution
A user input device with a user-manipulated portion, a surface contact portion, a first light source, and an optical receiver, which communicates data to a memory through optical sensors, enabling advanced interaction modes and data capture capabilities by emitting and detecting light paths to determine user inputs and object properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional stylus or touch screen interaction methods are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but user interaction functionality and sophistication are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The stylus is designed to perform multiple functions: it can detect touch inputs, emit light through the display, receive optical signals from external objects, and communicate data wirelessly. This multi-functionality allows a single device to replace traditional stylus, eyedropper tool, and optical scanner, significantly enhancing user interaction capabilities without requiring multiple separate devices
Solution Approach 2:
The display surface acts as an intermediary medium that transmits optical signals between the external object and the optical receiver inside the stylus. When the stylus contacts the display, the display surface allows light to pass through from the external object to the optical receiver, enabling optical detection without direct contact between the stylus and the object
2Measurement precision
If advanced optical detection capabilities are added to the stylus, then data capture ability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical receiver serves multiple purposes: it can detect optical signals from external objects for data capture, detect light emitted by the display surface for touch detection, and potentially detect various wavelengths for different types of analysis. This multi-functionality allows precise data capture without adding separate detection systems for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical contact-based input methods with optical detection. Instead of requiring physical interaction or complex mechanical sensors, the system uses optical signals to detect and capture data from external objects, reducing mechanical complexity while improving measurement precision
3Adaptability or versatility
If the stylus includes light emission and optical reception capabilities, then interaction modes are enhanced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light source is integrated into the stylus to enable multiple operational modes including active touch detection and optical communication. The same light source component serves both functions, eliminating the need for separate emission devices for each mode and simplifying the manufacturing process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the light source, optical receiver, and wireless communication components into a single integrated stylus unit. This merging of functions into one device reduces the number of separate components that need to be manufactured and assembled, thereby reducing overall manufacturing complexity despite the advanced capabilities
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
Enhances user interaction by allowing for various operational modes, including eyedropper mode, and improves data capture and transmission efficiency, reducing limitations in functionality and user experience.
Implementation Method 1
a first light source contained substantially within the user-manipulated portion, the first light source emitting light through the surface contact portion
Implementation Method 2
an optical receiver at an external surface of the user-manipulated portion, the optical receiver configured to communicate a plurality of data associated with an object external to the user input device
Data Source
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AI summary
A user input device communicatively coupled to a memory is disclosed. The user input device may include a user-manipulated portion; a surface contact portion of the user-manipulated portion, the surface contact portion disposed at an end of the user-manipulated portion; a first light source contained substantially within the user-manipulated portion, the first light source emitting light through the surface contact portion; a user input detector at an external surface of the user-manipulated portion; and an optical receiver at an external surface of the user-manipulated portion, the optical receiver configured to communicate a plurality of data associated with an object external to the user input device to the memory.