Pressure-Sensing Position Indicator for VR Stroke Width Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic pens used in virtual reality environments lack the ability to control line width and transparency due to the absence of a touch surface, as pen pressure sensors cannot detect pressure without a physical surface.
Innovation Solution
A position indicating device with a housing and pressure sensors that detect gripping force, coupled with an information processing device capable of receiving and processing this force information to control line width and transparency in virtual environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a pen pressure sensor is used to detect pen pressure on a touch surface, then line width and transparency can be controlled according to pen pressure, but this method cannot be applied in virtual reality environments where there is no actual touch surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent copies the pen pressure detection function by using a force sensor to detect gripping force, which is then processed to simulate pen pressure values. This allows the electronic pen to function in virtual reality environments without an actual touch surface while maintaining the ability to control line width and transparency based on simulated pressure data
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical pen pressure detection system (which requires contact with a touch surface) with a force detection system that measures gripping force. This substitution enables pressure-like control in virtual reality space where mechanical contact with a surface is absent
2Adaptability or versatility
If a pressure sensor on the side surface detects gripping force, then pen pressure can be simulated in virtual reality, but the correlation between gripping force and actual pen pressure varies among users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system learns the correlation between gripping force and actual pen pressure for each user through repeated measurements. The processor stores this correlation data and uses it to accurately convert gripping force readings into simulated pen pressure values, adapting to individual user characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from direct pen pressure (which requires a touch surface) to gripping force (which can be measured in air). By establishing a correlation between these parameters through learning, the system maintains accurate pressure control across different users and environments
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 3D drawing with controlled line width and transparency by correlating gripping force with pen pressure, mimicking the feel of traditional pen writing in virtual reality spaces.
Implementation Method 1
a first sensor which, in operation, detects a first pressure applied to the position indicator
Implementation Method 2
a second sensor which, in operation, detects a second pressure applied to the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A position indicating device includes a housing, a position indicator which, in operation, indicates a position, a first pressure sensor which, in operation, detects a pressure applied to the position indicator, a second sensor which, in operation, detects a second pressure applied to the housing, a first communication circuit which, in operation, transmits the pen pressure detected by the pen pressure sensor, and a second communication circuit which, in operation, transmits the gripping force detected by the gripping force sensor. The position indicating device enables control of a line width and transparency in a preferable manner even when there is no actual touch surface.