Universal Pointing Device for Safe AR Interaction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing augmented reality systems, particularly those using head-mounted displays and handheld devices, are expensive, difficult to operate, and lack intuitive pointing and interacting capabilities, posing safety risks due to distraction from the surroundings.
Innovation Solution
A universal pointing and interacting (UPI) device that uses a wand-like structure equipped with a camera, LIDAR, and sensors to interact with objects in the surroundings, providing intuitive and safe pointing and activating capabilities, similar to a mouse or remote control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If head-mounted displays or handheld devices are used for augmented reality interaction, then information about objects in surroundings can be received, but the system becomes expensive and difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the core interaction functionality from complex head-mounted displays and handheld devices, creating a simplified standalone pointing device. This device contains only the essential components (pointing mechanism, basic sensors, and output interface) needed for object interaction, eliminating the need for expensive and complex AR headsets or smartphones while maintaining the ability to receive and interact with information about surrounding objects.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces expensive, sophisticated AR systems with a simple, inexpensive pointing device that can be easily manufactured and distributed. The device uses basic, readily available components rather than costly specialized hardware, making the technology accessible and economically viable for widespread use.
2Adaptability or versatility
If head-mounted displays are used for augmented reality, then full AR experience is provided, but the system becomes difficult to operate and causes distraction from surroundings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a simple pointing device as an intermediary between the user and the AR system. This mediator provides intuitive pointing capabilities through natural hand movements and gestures, translating user intent into device commands without requiring the user to wear complex head-mounted equipment. The intermediary device maintains full AR functionality while dramatically improving ease of operation and reducing distraction from the surrounding environment.
3Productivity
If handheld devices are held at eye level for navigation, then navigation information is visible, but user safety is compromised due to distraction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the navigation functionality from handheld devices that must be held at eye level, creating a lightweight pointing device that can be positioned lower and out of the user's direct line of sight. This allows the user to maintain awareness of their surroundings while still accessing navigation information through the pointing device's output interface, thereby eliminating the safety hazard of distraction.
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
The UPI device enables comfortable and intuitive interaction with objects in the surroundings, improving safety by reducing distraction and enhancing usability for both visually impaired and sighted users.
Implementation Method 1
A universal pointing and interacting (UPI) device that uses a wand-like structure equipped with a camera, LIDAR, and sensors
Data Source
AI summary
This invention describes a universal pointing and interacting (UPI) device that is configured to interact with a handheld device such as a smartphone or a tablet. The interaction means activating the screen of the handheld device based on the relative spatial relations between the UPI device and the handheld device. In addition, the interaction means activating other elements, such as audio playing, vibration motors and others, on either the handheld device or the UPI device. The relative spatial relations between the UPI device and the handheld device are estimated using a camera, an accelerometer, a magnetometer or a LIDAR on the handheld device, as well as by using a camera, an accelerometer, a magnetometer or a LIDAR on the UPI device.