Pointing Device Dual-Lens Switching for Distance Trade-offs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pointing devices face a trade-off between sensing distance and view angle, as lenses with wide view angles provide a wider sensing range but result in smaller images, while lenses with narrow view angles allow longer distances but increase the likelihood of the reference point being out of range, making it difficult for manufacturers to balance both factors.
Innovation Solution
A pointing device with multiple view angles, utilizing a first lens with a wide view angle for short distances and a second lens with a narrow view angle for longer distances, along with a sensing device and processing unit that switches between the two based on image size and brightness to generate positional and rotational information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a lens with wide view angle is used, then the sensing range is wider, but the image of the reference point becomes smaller
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single lens into multiple lenses with different view angles (first lens with wide view angle, second lens with narrow view angle). Each lens segment handles specific distance ranges, allowing the system to achieve both wide sensing range and sufficient image size by selecting the appropriate lens segment for each situation.
2Length of stationary object
If a lens with narrow view angle is used, then the sensing distance is longer, but the reference point has higher possibility to be out of sensing range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching between different lenses based on the distance to the reference point. The system automatically selects the first lens (wide view angle) when the reference point is close and the second lens (narrow view angle) when the reference point is far, ensuring reliable detection across all distance ranges.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple lenses with different view angles are used, then both sensing range and sensing distance are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs self-service mechanisms where the system automatically determines the appropriate lens to use based on image characteristics from the initial sensing. The processing device analyzes the image size and brightness to automatically switch between lenses without requiring manual intervention or complex external control systems.
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 device achieves a wider view angle and increased sensing range by effectively switching between lenses, ensuring sufficient image size at both short and long distances, and provides rotational information without the need for additional sensors like gyroscopes, enhancing user convenience and reducing resolution requirements.
Implementation Method 1
The light source is sensed by the image sensing device through the lens for generating an image
Data Source
AI summary
A pointing device includes two lenses with wide and narrow view angles respectively. In a short distance range, the pointing device utilizes the lens with wide view angle to increase visible range. In a long distance range, the pointing device utilizes the lens with narrow view angle to increase size of a formed image of a reference point. In addition, the pointing device senses images through both of the lenses with wide and narrow view angles to obtain rotational information. The pointing device can provide not only positional information but also angular information.