Simulated Multi-Touch Input via Gyroscopic Pointing Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-touch input gestures are unavailable on devices without touch-sensitive surfaces, limiting user interaction to single-point inputs which are inadequate for sophisticated interactions.
Innovation Solution
A system using a pointing device with an Input Control Engine (ICE) and gyroscope that enables simulated multi-touch inputs, such as 'pinch to zoom,' by mapping device movements to a reference coordinate system, allowing users to interact with interfaces without requiring a touch-sensitive surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a device does not include a touch-sensitive surface, then the device structure is simpler, but multi-touch input gestures are unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of a camera and processing algorithms that capture hand gestures in the physical space and translate them into touch input signals. The camera acts as a mediator between the user's hand movements and the device's input processing, enabling multi-touch functionality without requiring a physical touch-sensitive surface. The processing system maps gesture coordinates to screen coordinates, creating a virtual touch interface.
2Ease of operation
If single-point input is used, then the device is easier to operate, but sophisticated interactions are inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the input interface from two-dimensional screen space to three-dimensional physical space by capturing hand gestures in 3D space using a camera. This dimensional expansion allows users to perform multi-touch gestures naturally in air space, maintaining ease of operation while enabling sophisticated interactions. The system maps 3D gesture coordinates to 2D screen coordinates, preserving operational simplicity while adding interaction versatility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multi-touch gestures are implemented without touch-sensitive surface, then user interaction is enhanced, but input detection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical touch-sensitive surface system with an optical detection system using a camera. Instead of relying on physical touch sensors to detect finger positions and gestures, the system uses image capture and processing algorithms to detect hand gestures in 3D space. This substitution enables multi-touch functionality while avoiding the complexity of implementing touch-sensitive surfaces, particularly for large screens.
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
Provides a more fluid and user-friendly interaction experience by enabling complex gestures like 'pinch to zoom' and other multi-touch inputs, enhancing user engagement with interfaces on non-touch devices.
Implementation Method 1
A system using a pointing device with an Input Control Engine (ICE) and gyroscope that enables simulated multi-touch inputs
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods for switching a user interface input response mode. A direction of motion of a pointing device with reference to a spatial coordinate system may be determined. The direction of motion may be associated with a particular touch input for simulation by the computer system based on motion of the pointing device, the particular touch input selected from multiple touch inputs. The user interface input response mode may be switched from a first mode to a second mode associated with the particular touch input.