Six-Degree Cursor Control Using Input Device Lift and Rotation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The use of computer-mouse based inputs for electronic devices limits the range of motion and types of interactions for controlling computing devices, leading to inefficiencies and user interface limitations.

Innovation Solution

An input device that provides inputs through lateral, vertical, and rotational movements across six degrees of freedom, utilizing tactile and audio feedback to enhance user interaction and reduce the need for additional interface controls.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If mouse-based input is used, then the device is easy to operate, but the range of motion and types of interactions are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverange of motionVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The input device transitions from traditional 2D mouse movement to 3D spatial interaction by incorporating vertical lifting motion and rotational movement. The cursor responds to lateral movement across six degrees of freedom while lifting the device away from the surface triggers cursor elevation, adding a vertical dimension to the interaction space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts cursor behavior based on the device's motion state. When the device is lifted, the cursor moves to a elevated position; when lateral movement occurs, the cursor follows the movement direction. This dynamic response adapts the interface to different interaction modes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If more input controls are added to increase interaction types, then the versatility improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetypes of interactionsVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The input device uses a single sensing mechanism to detect multiple types of motion (lateral movement, vertical lifting, rotation) and translates them into different cursor behaviors. This multi-functional approach allows diverse interactions without adding multiple separate controls or components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines detection of six degrees of freedom into a unified input system where lateral movement, vertical position, and rotation are sensed together and processed as integrated cursor control commands, reducing the need for separate controls for each interaction type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS20250315143A1Devices, Methods, and Graphical User Interfaces for Updating a Cursor of an Input Device

Publication Date: 2025.10.09 APPLE INC

AI summary

A computer system, while displaying, via the display generation component, a first user interface, while a current cursor location for a cursor corresponding to the input device is at a first location of the first user interface: in response to detecting first movement of the input device: in accordance with a determination that the first movement includes lateral movement of the input device relative to a physical surface that the input device is touching, updates display of the cursor as moving based on the lateral movement of the input device on the physical surface; and in accordance with a determination that the first movement includes a change in orientation of the input device, performs a system operation that is determined based at least in part on an amount of the change in orientation of the first movement.