Dual-Mode Touch Interface With Triggered Touchless Gesture Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing human-computer interaction systems face challenges in seamlessly integrating touch and touchless input modes, leading to inefficiencies, increased power consumption, and user frustration due to inaccurate mode switching and environmental limitations.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that allows seamless transition between touch and touchless gesture control by detecting a gesture mode activation trigger, such as a multi-finger touch on a touch-sensitive surface, to switch between input modes, using a touch-sensitive control surface and a touchless gesture input system with sensor means to capture free-space finger movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If touchless gesture control is constantly activated, then gesture input availability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the activation state of touchless gesture control based on detected user intent. The sensor system transitions between active listening state, activation state, and active control state, activating full touchless functionality only when a gesture mode trigger is detected, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining gesture input availability when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of gesture mode activation triggers (such as specific touch patterns or vocal commands) before fully activating touchless gesture control. This preliminary action allows the system to prepare for gesture input without committing to continuous high-power operation, balancing availability with energy efficiency
2Adaptability or versatility
If both touch and touchless modes are simultaneously activated, then input flexibility is improved, but accidental inputs and system confusion increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between touch mode and touchless gesture mode based on detected triggers, rather than maintaining both simultaneously. The mode transition is controlled by specific activation conditions (multi-finger touches, palm rests, or vocal commands), ensuring that only one mode is active at a time to prevent input conflicts while maintaining flexibility through seamless transitions
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces a mode transition mechanism that acts as an intermediary between touch and touchless modes. Specific trigger gestures serve as mediators that signal the system to switch modes, providing clear boundaries between input modalities and preventing the system confusion that would result from simultaneous activation
3Measurement precision
If manual switching between touch and touchless modes is required, then mode control precision is improved, but workflow efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects user intent through specific trigger patterns (such as multi-finger touches or palm rests on the touch surface) and autonomously switches between touch and touchless modes without requiring manual intervention. This self-service approach maintains precise mode control through well-defined triggers while preserving workflow efficiency by eliminating manual switching steps
4Measurement precision
If touchless sensors are highly sensitive, then gesture detection accuracy is improved, but false activation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses different sensitivity parameters for different detection stages. During the activation detection phase, the system looks for specific multi-finger patterns or sustained touch conditions that have higher thresholds than continuous gesture detection. This parameter differentiation allows high sensitivity for accurate gesture tracking once active, while maintaining specificity for activation triggers to prevent false activation
Data Source
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AI summary
According to a first aspect of the present invention, it may be provided a method for controlling a computer device. The computer device may comprise a touchless gesture input system. The computer device may comprise a touch-sensitive control surface. The method may comprise in a touch input mode, generating at least one control command configured to manipulate content displayed on a display associated with the computer device based on touch input on the touch-sensitive control surface. It may be provided determining presence of a gesture mode activation trigger. The gesture mode activation trigger may include a touch input on the touch-sensitive control surface comprising two or more touchpoints. The method may further comprise switching from the touch mode to a touchless gesture input mode in response to the determining. In the touchless gesture input mode, the method may comprise generating at least one control command configured to manipulate content displayed on the display based on a free-space finger movement determined by the touchless gesture input system.