High resolution and high sensitivity three-dimensional (3D) cursor maneuvering device

A maneuvering system comprising:

• a two dimensional (2D) planar continuously tinted reference surface, configured to emit electromagnetic radiation when illuminated externally, wherein said electromagnetic radiation is characterized by multiple wavelengths and varying intensities;
• wherein said planar continuously tinted reference surface produces a tri-stimuli or tri-color gamut comprising a multiplicity of hues deposited on said tinted reference surface with a pre-determined intensity gradient;
• wherein said planar continuously tinted reference surface may also include targetable features thereon;
• and
• a navigational device including a source of illumination and an optoelectronic sensor sensitive to said emitted radiation and configured to move on said continuously tinted planar reference surface and further configured to cause said emission of said multiple wavelengths of radiation at varying intensities by using said source of illumination to illuminate said surface and to create and identify images of said targetable features when said targetable features are present;
• wherein said navigational device is configured to receive and process said multiple wavelengths of radiation at varying intensities emitted by said continuously tinted planar reference surface and wherein said navigational device is also configured to simultaneously capture images of said targetable features located thereon when said targetable features are present;
• wherein, by sensing and analyzing independent wavelength components or other independent electromagnetic properties of said radiation as a function of their various intensities emitted by said tinted planar reference surface, said navigational device is configured to determine its absolute position on said planar reference surface;
• whereby said navigational device determines a continuous mapping from said absolute position on said 2D tinted planar reference surface to a 3D space characterized by a higher dimensional, 3D set of independent position and motion variables;
• wherein said navigational device may also be configured to simultaneously determine its motion relative to said surface by an evaluation of relative positional changes of said identifiable features that may be thereon;
• whereby, using said absolute position determination and said relative motion determination, said navigational device communicates its motion in a form configured for:
• 1) generating linear and non-linear portions of the 3D motion of a cursor or of a graphically rendered object, 2) providing corresponding 3D control of an electronic or electromechanical device, 3) activating certain display or control functions.