Virtual Navigation Apparatus Using Multi-Touch Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional navigation apparatuses, such as mice, are cumbersome and difficult to carry due to their irregular shapes and the need to be held by hand, limiting their portability.

Innovation Solution

A virtual navigation apparatus comprising a work surface, a touch detection module, and a processor that detects multiple touch objects to determine movement data and generate position signals to control a cursor on a screen, eliminating the need for a physical mouse.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a conventional navigation apparatus (mouse) is used, then navigation function is provided, but portability is poor due to irregular shape and need to be held by hand

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenavigation functionVSAvoidirregular shape

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a touch-sensitive surface that copies the functionality of a traditional mouse without requiring the physical mouse hardware. The work surface detects touch positions and movements, generating cursor control signals that replicate mouse navigation functions through a flat, portable surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical mouse system (physical device held in hand) with an electronic touch detection system. The touch-sensitive work surface uses electrical or electromagnetic fields to detect touch positions and movements, substituting mechanical interaction with electronic sensing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If a conventional navigation apparatus is used, then navigation function is provided, but portability is reduced due to occupying space and irregular shape

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenavigation functionVSAvoidspace occupation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replicates mouse navigation functionality on a flat touch-sensitive surface, eliminating the need for a bulky three-dimensional mouse device. The work surface can be made thin and flexible, significantly reducing the volume required for navigation functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the essential navigation function from the traditional mouse hardware and implements it through a touch-sensitive surface combined with processing logic. This separation allows the navigation function to be integrated into various devices without requiring dedicated mouse hardware space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Shape

If a virtual navigation apparatus with touch detection is used, then portability is improved, but complexity of detecting and measuring increases due to detecting multiple touch objects

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveportabilityVSAvoidtouch object detection

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the touch detection process into distinct stages: detecting individual touch points, tracking their movements, and processing their positions. The processor handles multiple touch objects by segmenting their detection and processing independently, managing complexity through structured analysis of each touch object's position and movement over time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a processor as an intermediary between the touch detection module and the navigation output. The processor mediates the complex task of tracking multiple touch objects by receiving raw touch data, calculating movements, and generating simplified cursor control signals, thereby managing detection complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 convenient navigation without the need to hold a hardware outline, allowing users to control cursors or perform operations on a screen by placing touch objects on a work surface, enhancing portability and reducing misoperations from non-human contacts.

Implementation Method 1

The touch sensitive surface is a capacitive or resistive touch sensitive surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitive sensing: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

The touch sensitive surface is a capacitive or resistive touch sensitive surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectResistive sensing: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentUS10275146B2Virtual navigation apparatus, navigation method, and non-transitory computer readable medium thereof

Publication Date: 2019.04.30 PIXART IMAGING INC

AI summary

A virtual navigation apparatus, a navigation method, and a non-transitory computer readable medium thereof are provided. The virtual navigation apparatus includes a work surface, a touch detection module, and a processor. The touch detection module is electrically connected to the work surface and the processor. The touch detection module is configured to detect a plurality of detection data within a time interval. The processor determines that at least three touch objects touch the work surface within the time interval. The processor determines the movement datum of each touch object according to the detection data. The processor determines a position signal according to the movement data so that a host can move the cursor on a screen according to the position signal.