Force and Velocity Sensor Input Device for Complex Gesture Recognition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current input devices lack the capability to effectively detect and process combinations of force and velocity data to recognize complex gestures, limiting their applicability in various electronic systems and applications.
Innovation Solution
An input device equipped with force and velocity sensors, along with a processor that determines gestures by analyzing the force and velocity data, enabling the recognition of gestures such as brushing motions, scooping, nudges, tilt, and slides, and communicating these inputs to a receiving device for appropriate responses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If current input devices are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but gesture recognition capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines force sensors and velocity sensors into a unified input device system that processes both data types simultaneously. This merging of sensor types enables complex gesture recognition by analyzing the relationship between force applied and velocity of movement, resolving the contradiction by integrating multiple sensing capabilities into a coordinated system that recognizes gestures through combined data analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The input device is designed with multi-functional sensing capabilities that can detect various types of gestures through the combination of force and velocity data. The system can recognize different gesture types (such as brushing motions, scooping motions, nudges, tilt and slides, and tilt and taps) using the same sensor combination, providing universal gesture recognition across multiple application contexts without requiring device-specific modifications.
2Measurement precision
If force and velocity sensors are integrated, then gesture detection precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an intermediary processing system that receives data from both force sensors and velocity sensors, then processes and integrates this information to determine gesture profiles. This intermediary layer analyzes the relationship between force and velocity data over time intervals, matching patterns against predefined gesture profiles to achieve precise gesture detection while managing the complexity of sensor integration through systematic data processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-defining gesture profiles that represent expected force and velocity patterns for various gestures. Before actual gesture recognition occurs, these reference profiles are established, allowing the system to quickly compare incoming sensor data against known patterns and achieve rapid, precise gesture detection without complex real-time analysis of every possible gesture variation.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensor types are used, then input accuracy is improved, but processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by analyzing force and velocity data over specific time intervals rather than continuously processing all sensor data at maximum resolution. The system determines whether the combined force and velocity patterns match predefined gesture profiles within these intervals, achieving accurate gesture recognition while reducing processing requirements by focusing computational resources on relevant gesture detection tasks rather than exhaustive analysis.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for processing combinations of force and velocity data generated over a given period of time. In one embodiment, an input device comprising one or more force sensors and one or more motion sensors is manipulated relative to a surface. A receiving system is adapted to receive input sequences or “gestures” which are triggered upon the occurrence of one or more conditions detected by the input device. An application executing in the receiving system may be implemented such that the system responds differently to each specific gesture provided by the user.