Tilt-Sensing Input Device for Intuitive 3D Navigation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional input devices lack the variety and complexity of input gestures required for effectively controlling software applications, particularly in tasks involving three-dimensional design and multimedia editing, leading to non-intuitive navigation and control.
Innovation Solution
An input device with a housing containing a grip portion, base, tilt sensor, and position sensor, which detects tilting and rotational movements to generate unique command signals for computing devices, enabling intuitive control of software applications through varied tilting and rotating inputs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional mechanical buttons and two-dimensional tracking are used, then the device structure remains simple, but the input gesture variety and control capability for complex software applications are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a tilt sensor that detects the angle of the base relative to the support surface, adding a third dimension (tilt angle) to the traditional two-dimensional mouse movement. This enables users to perform inputs by tilting the device forward, backward, left, or right, significantly expanding the variety of input gestures without requiring complex mechanical button structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical buttons with a combination of tilt sensor and position sensor that detect device orientation and movement. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical button mechanisms while providing diverse input methods through tilt-based gestures, resolving the contradiction between input versatility and structural simplicity.
2Productivity
If conventional mechanical buttons are used, then the device structure is simple, but the control efficiency for three-dimensional design and multimedia editing is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
By adding tilt angle detection as a third dimension to traditional two-dimensional mouse control, the patent enables more efficient control for three-dimensional design and multimedia editing applications. Users can perform complex gestures by tilting the device, improving productivity without requiring overly complex sensor systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The tilt sensor and position sensor combination provides multi-functional input capabilities that work across various software applications including word processors, video editing programs, and CAD software. This universal input method improves control efficiency for diverse tasks while maintaining reasonable device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If conventional two-dimensional tracking is used, then the device structure remains simple, but the navigation intuitiveness for complex software applications deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds tilt angle detection to traditional two-dimensional tracking, creating a three-dimensional input system that provides more intuitive navigation for complex software applications. The tilt-based gestures naturally map to common editing operations, improving ease of operation while integrating sensors in a manageable way.
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 user interaction by allowing for a wider range of inputs, including three-dimensional control, making it easier to navigate and manipulate complex software applications.
Implementation Method 1
a tilt sensor disposed in the internal volume... receive a first input from the tilt sensor... determine... an angle of the base relative to the support surface
Implementation Method 2
the position sensor includes an optical sensor configured to send and receive light through an aperture in the base
Data Source
AI summary
A computer system can include an input device having a housing defining an internal volume. The housing can include a grip portion and a base portion defining an aperture. The computer system can also include a tilt sensor disposed in the internal volume, a position sensor disposed at the aperture, and a processor. The processor can be electrically coupled to the position sensor, the tilt sensor, and a memory component storing electronic instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to receive a first input from the tilt sensor, receive a second input from the position sensor, determine, based on the first and second inputs, if the base is in contact with a support surface and an angle of the base relative to the support surface. The processor can also output a signal based on the angle if the base is in contact with the support surface.