Stylus Input Device Orientation Sensing for Ergonomic Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing input devices for computing devices do not effectively facilitate the dynamic tripod grasp, leading to finger fatigue and reduced speed and legibility in writing or drawing, especially for stylus users who require fine dexterous movements.

Innovation Solution

A stylus input device equipped with a tip sensing module, gesture sensing module, processor, and wireless module that detects touch events and orientations to generate and transmit commands to the computing device, allowing intuitive function triggering based on the user's grasp position and orientation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional stylus design is used, then basic input functionality is provided, but finger fatigue occurs and writing speed and legibility are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewriting comfortVSAvoidsustained writing duration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the stylus body rotatable to different orientations, allowing the user to switch between different grasp patterns (tripod grasp, two-finger grasp, one-finger grasp). This dynamic adjustment enables the writing instrument to adapt to different writing tasks and user needs, improving comfort and reducing fatigue during sustained use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the orientation parameter of the stylus body to trigger different functions. By rotating the stylus to specific orientations (e.g., 0 degrees for pen mode, 90 degrees for eraser mode), the system transitions between different operational states, providing versatile functionality while maintaining ergonomic benefits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If stylus orientation detection is added, then intuitive function triggering is enabled, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunction triggering capabilityVSAvoidsensing module complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical switching mechanisms with an electronic orientation detection system. The gesture sensing module detects the stylus orientation electronically, and the processor automatically triggers the corresponding function, eliminating the need for physical buttons or switches and reducing mechanical complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The stylus automatically detects its own orientation and triggers the appropriate function without requiring manual intervention from the user. The system serves itself by using the gesture sensing module to monitor stylus position and the processor to automatically switch between functions based on detected orientation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10162435B2Input device and input method using the same

Publication Date: 2018.12.25 ASUSTEK COMPUTER INC

AI summary

An input device and an input method using the same are provided. The input device is adapted to a computing device and includes a stylus body, a tip sensing module, a gesture sensing module, a processor and a wireless module. The tip sensing module is configured to detect a touch event on a touch screen of the computing device. The gesture sensing module is configured to detect an orientation of the stylus body. The processor is coupled to the tip sensing module and the gesture sensing module, and is configured to generate a command when the touch event on the touch screen and the orientation are detected. The wireless module is coupled to the processor and is configured to transmit the command to the computing device to trigger a function on the computing device.