Pointing Device Sensor Array for Gesture Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices with input-output capabilities, such as computer mice and trackpads, are limited in their ability to gather user input, making it difficult for users to supply desired input to systems or receive appropriate output.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an electronic device equipped with a variety of sensors, including device position sensors, optical sensors, capacitive sensors, and image sensors, to gather user input from pointing devices, finger movements, gestures, and other interactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional pointing devices like computer mice are used, then basic cursor positioning is achieved, but input-output capabilities are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multiple sensor types (optical sensors, capacitive sensors, image sensors, accelerometers) within a single pointing device to enable diverse input modalities including finger tracking, gesture recognition, and motion detection. This allows the device to perform multiple functions beyond basic cursor positioning, such as detecting finger position on adjacent surfaces, recognizing three-dimensional gestures, and providing haptic feedback, thereby achieving universality without requiring multiple separate devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines previously separate input devices and functionalities into a single integrated pointing device. By merging optical sensing, capacitive sensing, image sensing, and haptic output capabilities into one device, the patent achieves enhanced input-output versatility while consolidating device complexity into a unified system rather than requiring multiple separate components
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensor types are added to enhance input capabilities, then user interaction comprehensiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sensing functions by assigning different sensor types to detect different aspects of user interaction: optical sensors track finger position on adjacent surfaces, capacitive sensors detect proximity and touch gestures, image sensors capture three-dimensional hand gestures, and accelerometers measure device motion. This segmentation allows each sensor type to specialize in specific detection tasks, improving overall interaction capabilities while organizing complexity into manageable functional modules
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an adjacent surface (such as a table or desk) as an intermediary medium that extends the input capabilities of the pointing device. By detecting finger position and gestures on this external surface through optical and capacitive sensors, the device gains enhanced interaction capabilities without adding complex internal components, effectively using the environment as part of the input interface
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
This solution enhances the input-output capabilities of electronic devices, allowing for more comprehensive user interaction, including three-dimensional gestures and haptic feedback, thereby improving user engagement and system control.
Implementation Method 1
a device position sensor having a light source that illuminates a portion of a surface that is overlapped by the mouse and having an image sensor configured to determine a location of the electronic pointing device on the surface and/or to measure movement of the electronic device relative to the surface based on captured images of the illuminated portion
Implementation Method 2
The sensors may be optical sensors based on light-sources such as light-emitting diodes or lasers and light detectors
Implementation Method 3
optical sensors based on light-sources such as light-emitting diodes or lasers and light detectors
Implementation Method 4
Accelerometers may measure user finger input vibrations that are conveyed to an electronic device through the surface
Implementation Method 5
Haptic output devices may be used in providing haptic feedback through the surface
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic pointing device such as a computer mouse may be used in gathering user input from a user. The electronic pointing device may be provided with a light source that illuminates a portion of a surface that is overlapped by the mouse and a light sensor configured to monitor movement of the electronic pointing device across the surface based on reflected light from the illuminated portion. The electronic pointing device may have an array of sensors on a housing sidewall configured to gather information on the location of a finger of the user in an area that is laterally adjacent to the electronic pointing device. The sensors may be optical sensors based on light-sources such as light-emitting diodes or lasers and light detectors. Capacitive sensors may also be used in gathering user finger input in the area laterally adjacent to the electronic pointing device.