Device Control Transfer Affordance for Accessibility Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users with limited motor skills face difficulties in controlling multiple electronic devices using a single alternative input device, as they struggle to reconfigure the input device for different devices, leading to inefficiencies and increased cognitive burden.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device displays a device control transfer affordance, allowing users to seamlessly transfer control from one device to another using a single input device, reducing the need for physical reconfiguration and enhancing accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a user with limited motor skills uses a single alternative input device to control multiple electronic devices, then accessibility is improved, but the difficulty of reconfiguring the input device for different devices increases cognitive burden and operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic device detection and control assignment without requiring manual reconfiguration. When a user activates the alternative input device, the system automatically identifies which electronic device should receive control and establishes the connection, allowing the system to serve itself rather than requiring user intervention for reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-configures multiple electronic devices with unique identifiers and control profiles before use. When the alternative input device is activated, the system already has the necessary information about available devices and their control parameters, eliminating the need for real-time reconfiguration and reducing cognitive burden on the user.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the alternative input device is physically disconnected from a first device and connected to a second device, then control transfer is achieved, but time is lost due to the manual reconfiguration process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical process of physically disconnecting and reconnecting cables with a wireless control transfer mechanism. The system uses detectable signals (such as Bluetooth or other wireless communications) to automatically transfer control authority between devices, eliminating the time-consuming physical reconnection steps while maintaining the ability to switch between multiple electronic devices.
3Reliability
If conventional control methods are used for battery-operated devices, then device functionality is maintained, but power is consumed faster reducing time between battery charges
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic wake-up cycles where the alternative input device and associated control circuitry remain in a low-power sleep mode and only activate when needed. The device periodically checks for control transfer requests or user activation signals, then transitions to full functionality only when required, significantly reducing average power consumption while maintaining reliable device control when active.
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with some embodiments, a method is performed at a first device with one or more processors, non-transitory memory, and a display. The method includes displaying, on the display, a device control transfer affordance while operating the first device based on user input from an input device that is in communication with the first device. The method includes receiving a device control transfer user input from the input device selecting the device control transfer affordance that is displayed on the display of the first device. In response to receiving the device control transfer user input, the method includes configuring a second device to be operated based on user input from the input device and ceasing to operate the first device based on user input from the input device.