Sensing - Motion Sensing

Virtual Reality Motion Sensing (VRMS), which is named Micro Input Devices System (MIDS) before, is an all-encompassing technology that is the integration of low-cost MEMS motion sensors, wireless transmitters, low-power circuit design and proprietary software to create small footprint, low-power consumption human motion sensing systems.

In the evolution of computer user interfaces, the mouse and keyboard have withstood challenges from fierce competitors such as the light pen, wand, and joystick and have survived as the primary input devices. Mouse is still the preferred input device for graphical user interface (GUI), while the keyboard is still the most commonly used device for text-based user interface (TUI). Users can control the computer by using these two input devices for most applications. However, as computers become more compact and powerful, e.g., PDAs, notebooks, wearable computers, . . . etc., traditional designs for the mouse and keyboard may not be suitable or practical for interfacing with the miniaturized computing systems.

Case in point, the size of a foldable keyboard is about twice the size of a handheld PC (PDA) – this is drastically different from the traditional PC where the keyboard is ~1/10 times the total volume of the monitor and the CPU box. Obviously, the evolution of input devices lags far behind the evolution of processing power, i.e., the relatively “brainless” mechanical input devices such as the mouse and the keyboard are much bulkier than their much more intelligent and slimmer interfacing counterpart: the handheld PC.

By combining the advent in MEMS sensing and wireless technologies, we have developed a novel computer input system that can enable multi-functional input tasks and allow the overall shrinkage in size of the GUI and TUI interface devices. Our VRMS system can perform both GUI and TUI functions using existing MEMS-based motion detection sensors.

VRMS can provide the functions of a virtual keyboard, a virtual mouse and a light pen, i.e., it allows user to input text, move cursor, control drag and drop motion, draw computer graphics (CG) on the desk or in mid-air. Therefore, this novel computer-human-interface device allows user to use only one input to handle both graphical based and text based input interfaces.

Furthermore, VRMS can also be used to measure machine motion, e.g., the motion of a robotic arm or hand. Hence, VRMS will potentially replace the robotic gloves that are used today to interface with virtual and real robotic hands.

With VRMS, not only a revolution will take place for input devices, but mobile computing development may also enter another generation. It is foreseeable that virtual reality glasses will eventually replace the monitors for mobile computers, and a VRMS can be used as input devices. Imagine this: carrying a pair of sunglasses and a very compact and powerful CPU box, wearing a wireless-linkage watch, and put on a few rings embedded with VRMS sensors and batteries – one could work conveniently in many places not possible today. VRMS will make this possible in the near future.