Micro Input Devices System (MIDS) using MEMS sensors

The evolution of human-to-computer input devices lags far behind the evolution of processing power, i.e., the relatively "brainless" mechanical input devices such as the mouse and keyboard are much bulkier than their state-of-the-art intelligent interfacing counterpart: the handheld PCs.; In this thesis, a novel technology for a new class of motion-based input methodology is developed which is called Micro Input Devices System (MIDS) technology. It makes use of Micro ElectroMechanical System (MEMS) motion sensing technology to sensing motion. With a series of well-developed motion-to-command algorithm, different kind of virtual computer input devices are developed. These systems could potentially replace the mouse and keyboard as multi-functional input devices systems to the computer and the mobile devices. The complete calibration of the MIDS has been performed, which encompasses noise filtering and self-calibration algorithm that were developed to eliminate the noise of the motion signal and resolve ambiguities in sensed motion for the MEMS sensors. These systems have also been demonstrated to emulate the computer mouse and keyboard operations successfully. Functions such as click and drawing motions in mid-air, text input, mouse and keyboard functions as well as other computer control functions were demonstrated.; On the other hand, a series of motion sensing systems for sport science application and robot control evaluation system has been developed using MIDS technology. Moreover, MIDS technology has been applied on a series of motion-based controllers which allow controlling virtual objects such as computer games and real objects like grasping robot hand. The techniques of using MIDS technology to apply on different areas are discussed details in this thesis. The potential applications and the further development are also presented.; In addition, the advance MIDS technology merges the proposed Mean-Offset Elimination approach and Half Integration Method to come up with Direct Mapping Algorithm (DMA) which converts the acceleration signal to command that matches the direction of motion. Therefore, DMA enables the cheap accelerometer to function as the expensive gyroscope for many particular applications such as computer mouse control and gaming applications etc.