Adaptive User Interface for Distance-Based Input Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing information input systems struggle to provide an optimal user interface that adapts to different distances and positions of users, leading to inefficient input operations and user interface element displays.

Innovation Solution

An information input apparatus that determines the distance of a target object and provides appropriate user interfaces for touch operations at short distances, gesture inputs at middle distances, and remote controller operations at long distances, while optimizing user interface element displays based on the detected distance and position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single user interface is provided for all distances, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different user distances deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different user distancesVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between different user interfaces (touch, gesture, remote controller) based on the detected distance of the user. The control unit adjusts the interface type in real-time as the user moves closer or farther, making the system adaptive without requiring multiple fixed interface systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

A single information processing apparatus is designed to support multiple input methods (touch panel, gesture recognition, remote controller) within one system. This universal design allows the device to function across all distance ranges without requiring separate dedicated devices for each interface type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If user interface elements are displayed at fixed positions, then the ease of operation is improved, but the adaptability to different user positions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different user positionsVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The display position of user interface elements is dynamically adjusted based on the detected position and distance of the user. When the user is at a long distance, elements are positioned centrally; when closer, elements are arranged to optimize interaction efficiency, making the interface adaptive to user position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the display are optimized for different user positions. The control unit determines which area of the display surface the user is facing and adjusts the placement of interface elements accordingly, ensuring that important elements are always in the optimal viewing and interaction zone.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP2869178B1Information input apparatus, information input method, and computer program

Publication Date: 2021.01.06 SONY GROUP CORP

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AI summary

An information input apparatus includes a display unit, a detection unit, a user interface providing unit, and a user interface element display unit. The display unit has a screen on which information is displayed. The detection unit is configured to detect a distance and a position of a target object with respect to the screen. The user interface providing unit is configured to provide a user interface depending on the distance of the target object. The user interface element display unit is configured to display a user interface element on the screen depending on the distance and the position of the target object.