Adaptive Timepiece Command Interface for Limited Display Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing timepieces face challenges in providing a clear, precise, and intuitive command interface for controlling external devices, especially in noisy environments or silent settings, due to limited screen space and tedious manual selection modes.
Innovation Solution
A timepiece equipped with a digital display, wireless communication, manual selection interface, microphone, and processing unit that dynamically generates command suggestions based on user history, environmental, physiological, and device state criteria, allowing for intelligent command selection through a tree structure display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a digital display screen with touch detection is used for manual command selection, then the timepiece can collect commands from the user, but the limited screen surface results in few command suggestions being displayed simultaneously and the manual selection mode becomes tedious
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional display screen to a three-dimensional haptic interface with multiple selectable positions. The haptic interface includes a base portion and a movable portion that can be positioned at different locations, creating additional selection dimensions beyond what a flat screen can provide. This allows more command suggestions to be accessed without increasing screen surface area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a haptic interface as an intermediary between the user and the command selection system. This haptic interface with its movable portion and detectable positions serves as a mediator that translates physical movements into command selections, overcoming the limitations of direct touch screen interaction and enabling more efficient command access.
2Ease of operation
If voice commands are used to control external devices, then hands-free operation is enabled, but in noisy environments the audible signal quality becomes insufficient for accurate command conversion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic command selection system that adapts to environmental conditions. The processing unit can switch between voice command mode and manual haptic interface mode depending on noise levels and other contextual factors. This dynamic adaptation maintains command recognition accuracy across varying environmental conditions while preserving hands-free operation capability when appropriate.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the processing unit evaluates the quality of audible signals and the context of usage. Based on this feedback, the system can determine when voice commands are reliable and when to alternative manual input methods, thereby maintaining accuracy while enabling hands-free operation when conditions permit.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional display shows command suggestions, then commands can be transmitted to controlled devices, but the display lacks adaptability to different user assistance needs and environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a learning algorithm that performs preliminary analysis of user behavior patterns and environmental conditions. The processing unit pre-processes this information to generate optimized command suggestions before they are presented to the user. This preliminary action enables the display to adapt to user needs without requiring complex real-time processing during interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service through the learning algorithm that automatically analyzes user interactions and environmental data to improve command suggestions over time. The processing unit serves itself by continuously learning from usage patterns, reducing the need for manual configuration and enabling automatic adaptation to different user assistance needs without proportionally increasing operational complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A timepiece (1) intended to transmit commands to an external device (70), including: a digital display (6); a wireless communication circuit (82); a manual selection interface (5, 6); a microphone (87); and a processing unit (81) configured to: transmit a command to an external device (70) depending on an audible signal received on the microphone (87); depending on a history of previously selected commands, environment criteria, behavioural criteria, physiological criteria of the wearer of the timepiece, or state criteria of the external device, define a list of command suggestions to be displayed; display on the digital display (6) a command interface comprising the command suggestions (cmd1, cmd2, cmd3, cmd4, cmd5, cmd6, cmd7) of the defined list.