Stylus Pen Visual Pattern Recognition for Function Execution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Using a stylus pen with multiple buttons or relying on gestures for function execution can lead to confusion between handwriting input and function execution in electronic devices, particularly in wearable devices like AR glasses.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device equipped with a camera that detects specific colors or shapes on the stylus pen surfaces, allowing for the execution of functions based on these visual cues, including angle information to differentiate gestures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple buttons are implemented in the stylus pen to execute various functions, then the functionality of the stylus pen is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to complexity and confusion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctionality of stylus penVSAvoidease of use

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical buttons with optical recognition. Instead of physical buttons that require pressing, the system uses visual patterns (colors, shapes, arrangements) on the stylus pen body that are detected by a camera. This substitution eliminates the need for multiple mechanical components while maintaining functional differentiation through visual cues that are easily recognizable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes color coding and visual pattern changes on the stylus pen body to represent different functions. Specific colors, shapes, or arrangements of markings on the stylus pen correspond to specific functions, allowing users to identify and select functions visually without physical buttons. The camera captures these visual patterns to determine which function to execute.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

2Device complexity

If gestures are used to execute functions, then the stylus pen structure is simplified, but the reliability deteriorates due to confusion between handwriting input and function execution

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestylus pen structureVSAvoidfunction execution accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces visual patterns on the stylus pen as an intermediary between the user's hand and the function execution. Instead of relying solely on gesture recognition that may confuse handwriting with commands, the visual patterns serve as explicit markers that clearly indicate intended functions. The camera detects these patterns to unambiguously determine which function the user wants to execute, eliminating confusion between handwriting and command gestures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If visual patterns on stylus pen are used to differentiate functions, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to camera and processing requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser accessibilityVSAvoiddetection system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the camera system multi-functional. The same camera that detects visual patterns on the stylus pen is also used for capturing images and videos. This universal approach eliminates the need for separate dedicated sensors for pattern recognition, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the ability to execute multiple functions through visual cues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables quick and convenient use of electronic devices by clearly distinguishing between handwriting input and function execution through visual patterns on the stylus pen, improving user accessibility and reducing confusion.

Implementation Method 1

detect at least one of a first specific color or a first specific shape from at least one surface of a stylus pen using the camera

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS11762486B2Electronic device for performing plurality of functions using stylus pen and method for operating same

Publication Date: 2023.09.19 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a communication circuitry, a camera, and a processor, wherein the processor may be configured to detect at least one of a first specific color or a first specific shape from at least one surface of the stylus pen, and execute a first specific function based on the detecting of the at least one of the first specific color or the first specific shape.