Device Emulator Using Multiple External Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Individuals with disabilities face challenges in interacting with computers due to unique impairments, requiring customized solutions for emulating mouse movements using multiple motion-sensing devices, and existing technologies often require complex interfacing with operating systems and applications.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that identifies current external device context states, determines an emulated device context state using predefined rules, generates commands for target devices, and transmits them, allowing for the emulation of devices like mice, trackballs, or keyboards using multiple external devices without needing to change the operating system or interface with existing applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple motion-sensing devices are used to emulate mouse movements for users with disabilities, then the adaptability and customization for unique user needs is improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of interfacing with operating systems increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary emulation layer that sits between the multiple external devices and the target operating system. This intermediary component receives inputs from various external devices, processes them through predefined rules, and generates standardized commands that the operating system can understand, thereby simplifying the interface complexity while maintaining adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The emulation system is designed to be universal by accepting inputs from multiple types of external devices (motion-sensing devices, keyboards, touchscreens) and emulating various device types (mouse, trackball, keyboard). This multi-functional approach allows the same emulation layer to handle diverse user needs and device combinations without requiring separate interface implementations for each scenario
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple external devices are combined to emulate device operations, then the versatility and functionality are improved, but the ease of operation and setup process deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs automatic device detection and configuration capabilities that allow it to self-configure when external devices are connected. The emulation layer automatically identifies available external devices, determines their capabilities, and sets up the appropriate emulation rules without requiring manual user configuration, thereby maintaining ease of operation while supporting versatile device combinations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements predefined emulation rules and configurations that are prepared in advance for common device combinations and user needs. These preliminary configurations allow the system to quickly deploy functional emulations without requiring users to perform complex setup procedures, while still allowing customization when needed
3Measurement precision
If existing technologies require complex interfacing with operating systems and applications, then the measurement precision and control accuracy are improved, but the ease of operation and user accessibility worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The emulation layer acts as an intermediary that preserves control accuracy by faithfully translating external device inputs into precise emulated device commands, while simultaneously shielding users from the complexity of operating system interfaces. This mediator maintains measurement precision through accurate input mapping while improving ease of operation by presenting a simplified user interface
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure generally describes computer-implemented methods, software, and systems, including a method for emulating a device. A set of current external device context states is identified. Each current external device context state is associated with one or more particular ones of a plurality of external devices. The external devices are used in combination to emulate operations of an emulated device. An emulated device context state corresponding to the identified set of current external device context states is determined. The determining uses an external device context state rule that maps the identified set of current external device context states to the emulated device context state. A command is generated for use by a target device in performing operations on the target device. The generating uses an emulated device context state rule that maps the determined emulated device context state to the command. The command is transmitted to the target device.