Smartphone IMU for Precise Cursor Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable computing devices like laptops and netbooks lack the precision and usability of traditional computer mice due to the use of trackpads, pointing sticks, or touchscreens, which are less accurate and less user-friendly.
Innovation Solution
A portable electronic device, such as a smartphone, equipped with an inertial measurement unit (including an accelerometer, gyroscope, or magnetometer), is used to detect movements and transmit position changes to a computer, allowing for precise cursor control on a graphical user interface without the need for additional hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If trackpads, pointing sticks, or touchscreens are used in portable computing devices, then portability is improved, but measurement precision and usability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a portable electronic device (smartphone, tablet, or computer) as an intermediary pointing device. The device's inertial measurement unit detects motion and transmits position changes to control a cursor on a graphical user interface, bridging the gap between portable form factor and mouse-like precision control without requiring a physical mouse connection.
2Measurement precision
If traditional computer mice are used, then measurement precision is improved, but portability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential functionality of a computer mouse (precise cursor control) and implements it within the portable electronic device itself using its inertial measurement unit. This eliminates the need for an external mouse while maintaining precision control capabilities.
3Measurement precision
If additional hardware components are added to achieve precise control, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the portable electronic device universal by enabling it to function both as its primary device and as a pointing device for controlling a graphical user interface on another computer. The inertial measurement unit serves multiple purposes: native device control and external cursor control, eliminating the need for additional specialized hardware.
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 enables users to achieve fine control of graphical user interfaces similar to using a computer mouse, enhancing usability and precision without carrying additional components.
Implementation Method 1
an accelerometer to detect a movement of the multifunction mobile phone, and generate acceleration signals in response to the movement
Implementation Method 2
a gyroscope, a compass, and a surface height sensor, which form together a pose sensor to capture movement of the input device in air when it is raised from the surface
Implementation Method 3
at least one of an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a magnetometer, or other suitable types of inertial measurement unit
Implementation Method 4
An initial acceleration value for the gravitational force g is obtained using e.g. an initial calibration process of the input device
Data Source
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AI summary
Various techniques of using a portable electronic device for user input are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method includes acquiring a sensor reading from an inertial measurement unit of the portable electronic device. The sensor reading contains an acceleration of the portable electronic device. The method also includes determining a position change of the portable electronic device based on the acquired sensor reading and transmitting the determined position change to a computer. The position change is usable by the computer to control a cursor position on the computer.