Dynamic Crosshair for Touch Input Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication devices face challenges with precision in data input on small and medium-sized touch-sensitive screens, particularly for text input due to narrow input elements, where accurate detection of a pointing object's position is crucial but difficult to achieve with conventional methods.
Innovation Solution
A user interaction arrangement using a capacitive electric field generator and receiver in a mobile terminal that provides dynamic visual feedback, such as a crosshair, which reduces in size as the distance to the object decreases, allowing for precise positioning on a virtual keyboard or touch-sensitive screen.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional capacitive sensing is used on small touch screens, then device size is reduced, but input precision deteriorates due to narrow input elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a third dimension (distance/depth) to the traditional 2D touch interface by using time-of-flight sensing to detect how far the finger is from the screen. This additional dimensional information allows the system to provide distance-based visual guidance that improves precision without requiring a larger physical device.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides continuous visual feedback through dynamic guiding images (crosshairs) that change based on the detected finger position and distance. The crosshair size and position are adjusted in real-time to guide the user more precisely to the intended target, compensating for the limited screen real estate.
2Area of stationary object
If virtual keyboard with narrow keys is used, then screen real estate is maximized, but selection precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary visual element (the dynamic crosshair/guiding image) between the user's finger and the keyboard keys. This intermediary provides real-time guidance about which key will be selected, allowing users to compensate for the narrow key width and improve selection accuracy without reducing screen real estate.
Solution Approach 2:
By adding depth information through time-of-flight sensing, the system creates a 3D interaction space above the 2D keyboard. The crosshair size dynamically adjusts based on distance, providing visual feedback that helps users precisely target narrow keys even though the keyboard layout remains compact.
3Device complexity
If no distance-based visual feedback is provided, then device complexity is reduced, but user positioning accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by dynamically adjusting the visual guiding image (crosshair) based on the detected finger-to-screen distance. When the finger is far from the screen, the crosshair is larger to provide broader guidance; when closer, it becomes smaller for more precise positioning. This feedback loop significantly improves positioning accuracy without requiring major system complexity increases.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances input precision by providing detailed hit zone information and reducing uncertainty in selecting the correct key or input area, improving user interaction with devices like mobile phones and tablets.
Implementation Method 1
If an object is close enough to the touch surface, a change in the capacitive coupling between the electrodes and the ground will be detected as the received signal strength will change
Implementation Method 2
One method to sense an object, e.g. a user's hand, in a 3D volume is to use capacitive or electric field sensing
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a user interaction arrangement for interaction with a user using a pointing object. The arrangement comprises: a detector for detecting position of said object, a controller for computing a distance of said object to a surface of a display, and an image generating part for generating an image on said surface of display. The controller is further configured to compute a position on said surface based on said position and distance of said object, and the arrangement further comprises an image generating part configured to generate a dynamic guiding image on said surface of display based on said position and distance.