Adaptive Unlocking Interface for Tool and Finger Input

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing device unlocking methods are inconvenient for users, particularly when using an input tool, as they require manual handwriting, which can be cumbersome with fingers better suited for other tasks.

Innovation Solution

A device that selectively displays user interfaces based on hovering inputs from either an input tool or a user's body part, using sensors to differentiate between the two and adjust the screen layout for optimal input methods, such as signature, pattern, or fingerprint recognition.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If handwriting input is used for device unlocking, then unlocking functionality is achieved, but user convenience deteriorates when using fingers instead of input tools

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveunlocking convenienceVSAvoidinput method adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between different user interface modes (handwriting mode and body part mode) based on real-time detection of whether an input tool is present. This dynamic adaptation allows the device to optimize the unlocking interface for the currently available input method, resolving the contradiction between unlocking functionality and user convenience across different input scenarios

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses an input tool detection mechanism as an intermediary to determine which unlocking interface to present. This intermediary detection layer enables the system to automatically select the appropriate interaction mode (handwriting or body part) based on the presence or absence of an input tool, thereby adapting the interface to user needs without requiring manual configuration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a single user interface is provided for all input methods, then device complexity is reduced, but input optimization is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinput method optimizationVSAvoidinterface complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs dynamic interface switching that activates different user interface configurations based on detected input method. When an input tool is detected, the handwriting optimization interface is activated; when no input tool is present, the body part optimization interface is activated. This dynamic approach provides input method optimization without requiring the user to manually navigate complex interface options

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service by automatically detecting the input method and selecting the appropriate interface configuration without user intervention. The input tool detection mechanism triggers automatic interface adaptation, eliminating the need for users to manually configure or choose between different input modes, thereby providing optimization without increasing perceived complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3092593B1Device and method of unlocking device
Publication Date: 2022.12.07 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3092593B1 patent drawingFigure 1(a)~1(c)
  • EP3092593B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP3092593B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

A device and a method of unlocking a device are provided. The method of unlocking a device includes: determining whether an input tool of the device is separated from the device, when a disabled screen of the device is enabled; selecting one user interface from among a plurality of user interfaces for unlocking the device on the enabled screen of the device, based on the determination result; displaying the selected user interface on the screen of the device; and receiving a touch input with respect to the displayed user interface. The plurality of user interface include a user interface for receiving a touch input by the input tool and a user interface for receiving a touch input by a body part of a user.