Dynamic Interaction Mode Selection via Finger Count

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current digital information restitution devices, such as smartphones and tablets, are limited by their touchscreen interfaces, which restrict interaction possibilities and require users to memorize complex gestures, making it difficult to switch between interaction modes and utilize advanced interaction techniques.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that allows users to seamlessly switch between direct and indirect interaction modes using a tactile surface or stereoscopic camera, where the number of fingers placed on the screen determines the interaction mode, and incorporates an evolving gesture recognition engine for intuitive and customizable interaction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a touchscreen interface is used to simplify interaction, then ease of operation is improved, but interaction possibilities are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidinteraction possibilities
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between direct and indirect interaction modes based on the number of fingers detected. When one finger is detected, direct mode is used for simple operations. When multiple fingers are detected, indirect mode is activated to provide access to a broader range of interaction possibilities, thus adapting the system's behavior to the user's input while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the interaction mode parameter based on the number of fingers placed on the touchscreen. This parameter change allows the system to transition between different interaction paradigms (direct vs. indirect), effectively expanding interaction possibilities while maintaining the simplicity of touchscreen operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple interaction modes are provided to expand functionality, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinteraction modesVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects the number of fingers placed on the touchscreen and autonomously switches between interaction modes without requiring user intervention. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual mode selection buttons or complex configuration interfaces, thereby providing multiple interaction modes while avoiding the addition of physical complexity to the device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The touchscreen itself serves multiple functions: it acts as both the display interface and the control mechanism for mode switching. By using the existing touchscreen capability to detect finger count and trigger mode changes, the system provides versatile interaction modes without adding separate control mechanisms, thus avoiding increased device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If direct finger interaction is used to simplify interface, then ease of operation is improved, but interaction precision is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidinteraction precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces an intermediary mechanism (indirect interaction mode) that is activated when multiple fingers are detected. This intermediary mode provides more precise control for complex operations while maintaining the simplicity of direct finger interaction for basic tasks. The intermediary mode acts as a bridge between the simple touchscreen interface and the need for precise control in certain operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2898391B1Method of selecting interactivity mode
Publication Date: 2019.10.23 INSTITUT NATIONAL DES SCIENCES APPLIQUEES DE TOULOUSE
  • EP2898391B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~2
  • EP2898391B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2898391B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a method of selecting, from at least two available modes, a mode of interaction between a user and a digital playback device, said digital playback device comprising means for obtaining at least one item of information representative of a gesture performed by a user, said gesture being performed with the aid of at least one limb or of at least one part of a limb by said user. According to the invention, said method comprises: - a step of obtaining a number of limbs or of parts of limbs used to perform said gesture; and - when said number exceeds a first predetermined value, selecting of a first mode of interaction from among said at least two available modes; - when said number is less than or equal to a second predetermined value, selecting of a second mode of interaction from among said at least two available modes.