Wireless Wrist Mouse Gesture Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional computer mice are limited in situations where a surface is not available for movement, such as with portable computers, and do not offer efficient control functions beyond cursor movement.

Innovation Solution

A wireless wrist mouse with a motion sensor and motion circuitry that generates command signals for cursor movement and control functions based on predetermined motions, allowing users to control a computer without a surface, using MEMS sensors for sensing translational, rotational, and vibrational movements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional mouse is used, then cursor movement control is achieved, but the device cannot be used when no surface is available for movement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveusability without surfaceVSAvoidoperation limitation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical surface-based mouse system with an inertial sensing system using MEMS accelerometers and gyroscopes. The device detects motion through gravitational and inertial forces rather than mechanical contact with a surface, enabling wireless operation without requiring a physical surface for movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from two-dimensional surface-based movement to three-dimensional spatial motion detection. By incorporating z-axis acceleration sensing and rotational gyroscope data, the system captures motion in additional dimensions, enabling cursor control without surface constraints and providing new input modalities like tapping and shaking gestures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If a conventional mouse is used, then basic cursor control is provided, but control functions are limited and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol function variety

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a multi-functional gesture recognition system where a single device provides diverse control capabilities. The motion sensor library recognizes multiple gesture types (tapping, shaking, circular motions, directional movements) that map to various functions including cursor control, button clicks, scrolling, and contextual menu access, replacing the need for multiple physical buttons and switches.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic gesture recognition where the same physical device adapts its function based on the detected motion pattern. The system dynamically interprets different amplitudes, frequencies, and directions of motion to trigger different commands, providing versatile control functions through a single adaptable interface rather than fixed mechanical controls.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If motion sensors are added to provide gesture control, then control versatility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegesture control capabilityVSAvoidsensor and circuitry complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple sensing functions into a single integrated motion sensor module. By merging accelerometer, gyroscope, and tap detection capabilities into one unified sensor package, the system achieves versatile gesture recognition while minimizing the number of discrete components, reducing overall device complexity compared to using separate sensors for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 efficient control of computer functions, including cursor movement and control functions, without the need for a surface, providing a more natural and ergonomic user interface with the ability to learn and recognize custom gestures, suitable for both standard and adaptive technologies.

Implementation Method 1

the motion sensor comprises a MEMS sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMEMS (Microelectromechanical Systems): Microelectromechanical Systems

Implementation Method 2

The motion sensor comprises a translational, rotational, and vibrational movement motion sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration sensing: Vibration

Data Source

PatentUS8717291B2Motion sensitive gesture device

Publication Date: 2014.05.06 TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO LTD

AI summary

A wireless wrist mouse, used with an apparatus including a display having a cursor, has a body mountable to a user's hand/wrist by wrist mounting structure. A motion sensor and motion circuitry are carried by the body and are operably connected to one another. The motion circuitry includes a library of command motions. The motion circuitry is constructed to generate first and second command signals corresponding to the first and second command motions when the body has been moved in predetermined manners for receipt by and operation of the apparatus. The first command signals correspond to cursor movement directions for controlling movement of the cursor over the display. The second command signals correspond to control functions for the apparatus. In some examples, the motion sensor comprises a MEMS sensor. In some examples, the motion sensor comprises a translational, rotational, and vibrational movement motion sensor.