Flexible UI Gaze Control for Automatic Function Execution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic devices executing functions automatically without user intervention can lead to user discomfort and unnecessary power consumption.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device uses a variable user interface (UI) and user response to detect events, display information about potential functions, and determine execution based on user gaze direction and input, allowing users to intervene and customize the execution process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the electronic device executes functions automatically without user intervention, then productivity is improved, but the user comfort deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic function execution efficiencyVSAvoiduser comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system displays a first user interface showing information about the automatically executed function and receives user feedback through gaze detection and input signals. This feedback mechanism allows the system to adjust its behavior, preventing execution against user will while maintaining efficient automatic operation for accepted functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The user interface dynamically changes based on user gaze direction and input signals. The system transitions from a static automatic execution model to a dynamic one where the UI adapts to user attention and responses, enabling flexible control over automatic functions without requiring constant user intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If the electronic device executes functions automatically without user intervention, then productivity is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic function execution efficiencyVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of continuous monitoring and execution, the system uses periodic user response detection through gaze tracking and input signal monitoring. The function execution is triggered periodically based on detected user intent, reducing unnecessary power consumption from continuous operation while maintaining productivity when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the user's own gaze direction and input signals as natural indicators of intent, eliminating the need for explicit commands or continuous interaction. This self-service approach allows automatic function execution to occur only when the user's natural behavior indicates consent, reducing power waste from forced executions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If the electronic device uses variable UI and user response detection, then user comfort is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser comfortVSAvoidUI and detection system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses a single integrated approach that combines gaze detection, input signal monitoring, and dynamic UI adjustment into one multi-functional mechanism. This universal system handles multiple tasks (detection, interpretation, UI adaptation, and execution control) through a unified framework, reducing overall complexity compared to separate specialized systems for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The first user interface acts as an intermediary between the automatic function execution system and the user. It translates complex system decisions into simple visual information and translates user gaze/input into execution commands, mediating the interaction and reducing the complexity burden on both the user and the underlying system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12487731B2Method for executing and cancelling function by using flexible UI and user response in process of automatically executing function, and device thereof

Publication Date: 2025.12.02 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a display, memory, including one or more storage media, storing instructions, and one or more processors communicatively coupled to the display and the memory, wherein the instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the electronic device to detect a first event while a first screen is displayed, display a first user interface including information related to a first function corresponding to the first event on a portion of the first screen, identify a direction of a gaze of a user, while the first user interface is displayed, display a second user interface, based on the direction of the gaze corresponding to a location of the first user interface, and determine whether to execute the first function corresponding to the first event, based on a first user input detected while the second user interface is displayed.