Retroreflective Stylus 3D Input Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Touch-based input devices, such as touchpads and touchscreen displays, are inconvenient for use with vertically oriented electronic devices and cannot recognize input objects that hover above the surface, limiting flexibility and usability.
Innovation Solution
An image capture device with a retroreflective stylus that uses a retroreflective material and a light source assembly to detect input gestures in three dimensions, allowing recognition of input objects without physical contact, and communicates movements and activations wirelessly to the electronic device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a touch-sensitive surface is used for input, then input recognition is possible, but physical contact is required which limits flexibility and usability with vertically oriented devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical touch-based input system with an optical image capture system. Instead of requiring physical contact with a touch-sensitive surface, the system uses an image capture device to detect the position and gestures of an input object (such as a stylus or finger) in three-dimensional space, enabling input without mechanical contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional touch surface input to three-dimensional spatial input. The image capture device detects the input object's position, orientation, and gestures in 3D space, allowing users to interact with vertically oriented devices and providing more versatile input methods beyond the flat touch surface.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an image capture device is used to detect input gestures in three dimensions, then flexibility and usability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The image capture device serves multiple functions: it captures images for input gesture detection, provides feedback imagery displayed on the display surface, and enables both touch and non-touch input methods. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and justifies the added complexity through enhanced versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces retroreflective material on the input object as an intermediary to enhance detection. This material reflects light from the light source assembly back to the image capture device, improving the reliability of position and gesture detection without requiring complex sensors in the input object itself.
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 flexible input recognition and communication of gestures and actions without physical contact, enhancing usability with vertically oriented devices and allowing for precise three-dimensional position detection and unintended touch rejection.
Implementation Method 1
A retroreflective material reflects incident light along a path that is parallel to the path of the incident light
Data Source
AI summary
Data is captured by an image capture device of an input object that has a first retroreflective pattern and a second, different retroreflective pattern on a surface of the input object. A position of the input object in three dimensions is determined based on the received data.