Pointing Device Attitude Calculation Using Dual Sensor Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional pointing devices with acceleration and motion sensors face challenges of high calculation burden, leading to long reaction times, high costs, and excessive power consumption, especially when held in non-standard ways, such as the cylindrical shape which requires complex algorithms to determine correct attitude.

Innovation Solution

A pointing device with an acceleration sensor, a motion sensor, and a processor that includes a first and second attitude angle calculator, an attitude angle selector, and an attitude angle convertor, which generates displacement data by selectively using acceleration or angular velocity data based on predetermined conditions to reduce calculation burden and improve efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional pointing devices use acceleration sensor and motion sensor with complicated algorithms to solve attitude, then the device can obtain stable output data, but the calculation burden becomes too heavy leading to long reaction time, high cost, and excessive power consumption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestable output dataVSAvoidcalculation burden
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the attitude calculation process into two distinct paths: a first attitude angle calculator for initial attitude determination and a second attitude angle calculator for continuous attitude tracking. This segmentation allows the system to use simplified calculations initially and then switch to a more efficient continuous tracking mode, reducing overall computational burden while maintaining stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by using the first attitude angle calculator to establish an initial attitude reference before switching to the second attitude angle calculator. This preliminary calculation provides a stable starting point that eliminates the need for continuous complex filtering and compensation operations, thereby reducing subsequent calculation burden.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Loss of time

If conventional pointing devices use high-efficiency processor to reduce reaction time, then the device responds faster, but the power consumption and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereaction timeVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by implementing a dynamic switching mechanism between two different calculation modes. The system transitions from the first attitude angle calculator to the second attitude angle calculator based on operational conditions, allowing the device to use computational resources efficiently without requiring a continuously high-performance processor, thus reducing power consumption while maintaining acceptable response times.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the calculation parameters by switching between different mathematical models: the first attitude angle calculator uses acceleration data with filtering and compensation, while the second attitude angle calculator uses angular velocity data with integration. This parameter change allows the system to achieve fast response without continuously engaging high-power processing operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If the pointing device is held in non-standard orientations, then the device becomes more versatile, but the algorithm complexity increases to determine correct attitude

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveholding orientationsVSAvoidalgorithm complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements universality by designing a dual-calculator system that can handle multiple device orientations and usage scenarios. The first attitude angle calculator provides a universal initial attitude determination, while the second attitude angle calculator maintains universal attitude tracking across different orientations. This multi-functional approach allows the device to adapt to various holding orientations without requiring separate complex algorithms for each case.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution reduces the calculation burden, minimizing power consumption and reaction time, allowing the pointing device to accurately determine its attitude and generate displacement data for correct operation across various holding orientations, thereby addressing the inefficiencies of conventional devices.

Implementation Method 1

an acceleration sensor configured to generate acceleration data according to the motion state of the pointing device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcceleration sensor detection: Accelerometer

Implementation Method 2

a motion sensor configured to generate angular velocity data according to the motion state of the pointing device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMotion sensor detection: Gyroscope

Data Source

PatentUS11698688B2Pointing device and control method thereof
Publication Date: 2023.07.11 CHICONY ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US11698688B2 patent drawing
  • US11698688B2 patent drawing
  • US11698688B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A pointing device includes an acceleration sensor, a motion sensor and a processor. The processor includes a first attitude angle calculator, a second attitude angle calculator and an attitude angle selector. When a predetermined condition is satisfied, the processor control the acceleration sensor to generate acceleration data, the first attitude angle calculator calculates a first attitude angle output according to the acceleration data, and the attitude angle selector receives the first attitude angle output as the reference data. When the predetermined condition is not satisfied, the second attitude angle calculator calculates a second attitude angle output according to angular velocity data generated by the motion sensor and the reference data, and the attitude angle selector receives the second attitude angle output as the reference data. The present disclosure also provides a control method of the pointing device.