Variable Reflector Pen Tool for Machine Vision Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing interactive input systems, such as those employing machine vision, face challenges in accurately detecting and differentiating pointers, particularly in environments with vibrations or shocks, and in efficiently determining pointer attributes like functionality and pressure sensitivity.
Innovation Solution
A pen tool with a variable reflector featuring a polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) attenuating layer, which controls the amount of illumination reflected, and an imaging system that captures and processes image frames to determine frequency components representative of pointer attributes, allowing for precise identification of pointers and their functionalities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If machine vision systems use digital cameras to detect pointers, then pointer detection capability is improved, but reliability deteriorates in environments with vibrations or shocks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the reflector variable and adjustable rather than static. The reflector can change its reflective properties dynamically in response to detected vibrations or shocks, allowing the system to adapt to environmental conditions and maintain reliable pointer identification despite physical disturbances
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes physical parameters of the pointer by incorporating a variable reflector that can alter its reflective characteristics. By modifying the reflectivity parameter of the pointer based on environmental conditions (vibrations or shocks), the system maintains detection accuracy and reliability across varying operational conditions
2Measurement precision
If the system determines pointer attributes through image processing, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the variable reflector pre-modulate reflected illumination according to encoded pointer attributes before the imaging system captures the image. This pre-encoding of information in the reflected light allows the processing system to quickly decode attributes without extensive analysis, reducing processing time while maintaining precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses periodic action through the variable reflector that modulates reflected illumination in periodic or coded patterns representing pointer attributes. This modulation technique allows the system to transmit multiple pieces of information (attribute data) through time-varying optical signals that can be efficiently decoded, reducing the time required for attribute determination
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 solution enables accurate detection and differentiation of pointers, including pressure sensitivity, within interactive input systems, enhancing user interaction by providing precise pointer attributes and reducing misidentification due to environmental factors.
Implementation Method 1
a variable reflector disposed on the body, the variable reflector comprising a reflecting portion and an attenuating portion configured to control the amount of illumination reflected by the reflecting portion
Data Source
AI summary
A pen tool for use with a machine vision interactive input system comprises an elongate body, a tip on the body and a variable reflector disposed on the body. The variable reflector comprises a reflecting portion and an attenuating portion configured to control the amount of illumination reflected by the reflecting portion.