US 11,531,408 B2 · High resolution and high sensitivity three-dimensional (3D) cursor maneuvering reference plane, and method of its manufacture

Abstract

A three dimensional (3D) cursor maneuvering system for use by a computer or electro-mechanical system requiring 3D control, includes a tinted 2D planar or locally planar reference surface and a color sensitive mobile device that moves along the tinted reference surface and generates high sensitivity and high resolution absolute positional and motional data by accurately determining variations in the tint. Color index data (e.g. CIE 1931 RGB, etc.) on the tinted reference plane varies from place to place and methods are disclosed for imprinting the reference plane with that data in the form of dyes and pigments that may be reflective, refractive or emissive. When the mobile device moves on or over the reference surface, it captures a series of images whose data (e.g. CIE 1931 RGB) varies in correspondence with the movement of the device. The color index data measured by the mobile device can be mathematically converted into 3D positional and motional data. Hence, the color index data provides an ideal method for generating 3D positional and motional data as compared with the 2D data provided by the conventional optical mouse and mouse pad system.

Claims16

Dependent claims

A method of fabricating a three-dimensional (3D) maneuvering system, comprising:

providing a mobile device that can be maneuvered on or over a two-dimensional (2D) planar or locally planar reference surface, wherein said mobile device comprises an illuminating space that surrounds, partly or completely, a source of electromagnetic radiation within a first range of wavelengths and a photoreceptor sensitive to electromagnetic radiation within a second range of wavelengths, wherein said photoreceptor is characterized by a sensitivity property that is a function of wavelength, and wherein said source of electromagnetic radiation is characterized by a source spectral property;
then
forming a 2D planar or locally planar reference surface, wherein said 2D planar or locally planar reference surface comprises a printable substrate material;
then printing on said printable substrate material to positionally encode a surface of said substrate material with absolute coordinates;
whereby
when said mobile device is thereupon maneuvered on or over said 2D planar or locally planar reference surface, a sensitive and high resolution mapping is established between absolute position and motion data of said mobile device on said positionally encoded 2D planar or locally planar reference surface and 3D positional and motional data sent to a display, or to an electronic or electromechanical device.

3 more elements

A method of fabricating a three-dimensional (3D) maneuvering system, comprising:

providing a mobile device that is maneuvered on or over a two-dimensional (2D) planar or locally planar reference surface, wherein said mobile device comprises an illuminating space that surrounds, partly or completely, a source of electromagnetic radiation within a first range of wavelengths and a photoreceptor sensitive to electromagnetic radiation within a second range of wavelengths, wherein said photoreceptor is characterized by a sensitivity property that is a function of wavelength, and wherein said source of electromagnetic radiation is characterized by a source spectral property;
then
forming a 2D planar or locally planar reference surface, wherein said 2D planar or locally planar reference surface is coated with or imprinted with a coloration medium of dyes or pigments produced by a dying process in a manner that produces a continuous color gamut comprising a continuous gradation of at least three colors;
wherein said color gamut is the result of reflective properties of said coloration medium when said coloration medium is impinged upon by said first range of source wavelengths or is the result of photoemissive properties of said coloration medium when said coloration medium is impinged upon by said first range of source wavelengths;
wherein
when said mobile device is maneuvered on said 2D planar or locally planar reference surface, a sensitive and high resolution correspondence is established between absolute position and motion data of said mobile device on said 2D planar reference surface, wherein closely neighboring points can be resolved with minimal interference between their hue values and 3D positional and motional data that can be sent to a display, electronic or electromechanical device.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

High resolution and high sensitivity three-dimensional (3D) cursor maneuvering reference plane, and method of its manufacture

Life of this patent

High resolution and high sensitivity three-dimensional (3D) cursor maneuvering reference plane, and method of its manufacture

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims16