Variable Reflective Stylus for Motion Capture Input Differentiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Motion capture devices are limited in functionality as they cannot differentiate between identical movements of a stylus, restricting the system to inputs discernible from hand motions and failing to detect tool-specific inputs like a stylus, which limits cursor control and virtual object manipulation.
Innovation Solution
A stylus with a variable reflective property that changes detectable by the motion capture device, allowing the system to interpret the same movements as different inputs based on the reflective property, enabling extended functionality such as underlining, highlighting, and controlling virtual objects like a cursor or brush strokes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a stylus is used as an input device for motion capture, then the system can detect stylus motion, but the system cannot differentiate between identical movements of the stylus
Solution Approach 1:
The stylus incorporates a reflective tape with variable reflective properties that can be changed by the user. The motion capture device detects changes in the reflective property of the stylus, allowing the system to differentiate between identical movements based on the reflective state rather than just motion轨迹. This resolves the contradiction by adding a detectable dimension (reflective property) that provides additional information without requiring more complex motion capture.
2Ease of operation
If the motion capture device only detects hand motions, then the system is simple to operate, but the system lacks tool-specific input capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The reflective tape on the stylus acts as an intermediary that bridges the user's hand motions and the motion capture device's detection capabilities. By placing this passive, easily manipulated element on the stylus, users can change reflective properties without complex controls, while the motion capture device automatically detects these changes. This maintains ease of operation while significantly enhancing input versatility.
3Device complexity
If the stylus has limited functionality, then the device complexity is low, but the system cannot provide extended input vocabulary
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the reflective property parameter of the stylus to provide additional input dimensions. Instead of adding complex mechanical or electronic components to the stylus, the solution modifies a single detectable parameter (reflective property) that can be changed in multiple states. This provides an extended input vocabulary with minimal increase in device complexity.
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
Enables the system to differentiate identical stylus movements, providing additional input vocabulary and functionality by varying the reflective property, enhancing cursor control and virtual object manipulation capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
Motion capture devices may use a combination of cameras, light detectors, and light emitters to detect objects in the sensing region. The illuminators illuminate an object above the motion capture device and a series of images from each camera are used to determine the location, shape and movement of the object.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a system and a device including a motion capture device and an input device, hereafter referred to as a stylus, which has additional functionality. The motion capture device detects the motion of the stylus and the detected motion is used as an input to a computer system. The system is able to differentiate identical movements of a stylus as different inputs by varying a detectable property of the stylus. The stylus may exhibit a variable reflective property that is detectable by the motion capture device. The variable reflective property gives the stylus additional functionality with an extended vocabulary. The extended vocabulary includes supplemental information and/or instructions detected by the motion capture device.