Directional Device Control Interface for Faster Multi-Device Switching

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing techniques for controlling electronic devices using computer systems are cumbersome and inefficient, often requiring multiple key presses or keystrokes, wasting user time and device energy, particularly in battery-operated devices.

Innovation Solution

A method and interface that detects the direction of a device for a predetermined period, displaying control indications and switching to another device when a different direction is maintained, reducing the need for complex user inputs and conserving power.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a complex user interface with multiple key presses is used to control electronic devices, then the control functionality is comprehensive, but the operation time and energy consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol operation efficiencyVSAvoidtime for multiple key presses

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical keyboard input system with an optical recognition system. The camera captures hand gestures in the air, and image processing algorithms recognize the gestures to control electronic devices. This substitution eliminates the need for physical key presses, significantly reducing operation time and energy consumption while maintaining comprehensive control functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary system between the user and the electronic devices. Instead of direct keyboard input, the system uses hand gestures as an intermediary medium. The camera captures the gestures, processes them to identify control intentions, and translates them into device control commands, creating a more efficient interaction layer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If a complex user interface with multiple key presses is used to control electronic devices, then the control functionality is comprehensive, but the energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol operation efficiencyVSAvoiddevice energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical keyboard input system with an optical recognition system. The camera captures hand gestures in the air, and image processing algorithms recognize the gestures to control electronic devices. This substitution eliminates the need for physical key presses, significantly reducing operation time and energy consumption while maintaining comprehensive control functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses periodic camera activation and gesture detection cycles rather than continuous processing. The camera captures images at specific intervals when gestures are detected, and the processing occurs periodically based on gesture completion, reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous keyboard monitoring while maintaining responsive control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Measurement precision

If traditional keyboard control is used, then the control precision is high, but the cognitive burden on the user increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoidcognitive burden

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical keyboard input system with an optical recognition system. The camera captures hand gestures in the air, and image processing algorithms recognize the gestures to control electronic devices. This substitution eliminates the need for physical key presses, significantly reducing operation time and energy consumption while maintaining comprehensive control functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service control where the user's natural hand gestures directly translate into control commands without requiring learning of specific keyboard layouts or command sequences. The gesture recognition system automatically interprets the user's intentions based on hand position and movement patterns, reducing cognitive burden while maintaining precise control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12547307B2Techniques and user interfaces for controlling one or more electronic devices

Publication Date: 2026.02.10 APPLE INC

AI summary

The present disclosure generally relates to user interfaces and techniques for controlling one or more electronic devices and/or displaying one or more controls in accordance with some examples.