Spherical Input Device with Cavity for Mobile Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional input devices for mobile devices, such as touchscreens and physical buttons, are inconvenient and inefficient for complex input operations due to limited input modes, which hinder user experience, especially in mobile office and entertainment applications.
Innovation Solution
A novel input device comprising a spherical input module with a cavity housing signal detection and output units, connected via a fixing module that can be secured to a flat surface, allowing users to perform various operations like rolling, bending, and squeezing to generate input signals for controlling objects on a terminal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional touchscreens or physical buttons are used for input on mobile devices, then the device structure remains simple and portable, but input efficiency and user experience deteriorate due to limited input modes and small input area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a separate input device as an intermediary between the user and the mobile terminal. This input device includes a ball component that can be rotated and pressed, providing multiple input modes (rotation direction, rotation speed, pressing depth) that are transmitted to the terminal via wireless communication. This mediator approach allows complex input operations without adding complexity to the terminal itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The input device is segmented into distinct functional components: a ball component for gesture input, a signal detection unit for detecting gestures, a signal output unit for transmitting signals, and a fixing module for mounting. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in one function, improving overall input efficiency while keeping the terminal structure simple.
2Ease of operation
If touchscreens are used for input operations, then the device remains portable and easy to carry, but input convenience deteriorates because the input area is small and limited to touch gestures
Solution Approach 1:
The ball component is designed to be dynamically operable with multiple degrees of freedom: it can be rotated in different directions at different speeds, pressed with varying depths, and combined in sequential gestures. The signal detection unit dynamically detects these varying gestures and converts them into corresponding input signals, providing versatile input modes that improve ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds spatial dimensions to the input mechanism by using a three-dimensional ball that can be manipulated in multiple directions (rotation axes, pressing depth). This transforms the traditional two-dimensional touchscreen interface into a multi-dimensional input system, greatly expanding input versatility and convenience.
3Measurement precision
If a spherical input module with multiple sensors is used, then input precision and control accuracy improve, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ball component serves multiple functions: it detects rotation gestures, pressing gestures, and combined gestures through integrated sensors. The signal detection unit processes multiple types of gestures through a unified detection mechanism. This multi-functionality approach allows high measurement precision without proportionally increasing manufacturing complexity, as the same structural component performs multiple detection tasks.
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
Enhances input efficiency and convenience by allowing precise control of virtual objects on mobile devices, improving user experience through innovative operation modes and sensor integration, enabling efficient communication and operation without the need for additional cables.
Implementation Method 1
the signal detection unit is configured to generate a corresponding input signal according to a preset operation performed by a user on the input module
Implementation Method 2
the fixing module is configured to fix the input device on a preset flat surface
Data Source
AI summary
An input device includes an input module and a fixing module matching the input module. The input module is a sphere having a cavity, the input module includes a signal detection unit and a signal output unit, the signal detection unit and the signal output unit are placed in the cavity after being electrically connected, the signal detection unit is configured to generate a corresponding input signal according to a preset operation performed by a user on the input module, and the signal output unit is connected to an external terminal and configured to output the input signal to the terminal. The fixing module is configured to fix the input device on a preset flat surface.