Gesture Control System Using Context-Aware Sensor Tables
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electronic devices lack a method to allow users to control them using customized physical gestures that consider the user's context, such as position, leading to limitations in usability and safety, especially in situations like driving or when hands are occupied.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that uses sensors to detect user position and location, allowing the selection of rules from a set of tables to control electronic devices based on specific gestures, enabling customizable inputs that adapt to the user's context, such as muting or hanging up calls without physical interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If physical buttons or touch screen controls are used to control electronic devices, then the device can be operated with precise control, but the user cannot operate the device safely when hands are occupied (e.g., driving)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical control systems (physical buttons, touch screens requiring hand interaction) with an acoustic control system that detects and interprets user speech and environmental sounds. This substitution enables hands-free operation while maintaining control functionality, directly resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an acoustic intermediary system that mediates between the user's intent (expressed through speech or environmental sound patterns) and the device's control functions. This intermediary layer processes audio inputs and translates them into device commands, enabling hands-free control without requiring direct mechanical interaction.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional physical controls are used, then the control method is simple and straightforward, but the system cannot adapt to different user contexts (e.g., driving vs. stationary)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic control system that adapts its behavior based on real-time analysis of acoustic environment, user speech patterns, and contextual cues. The system transitions from static, pre-programmed controls to dynamic, context-responsive controls that adjust sensitivity, threshold levels, and interpretation rules based on the current situation, enabling context-aware adaptation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters (such as sensitivity thresholds, recognition models, and decision criteria) based on detected contextual conditions. By dynamically adjusting these parameters according to the environment and user state, the system achieves adaptability to different contexts while managing complexity through parameter optimization rather than structural complexity.
3Ease of operation
If sensors are added to detect user position and gestures, then hands-free control capability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the acoustic sensor system multi-functional by designing it to perform both traditional audio processing (microphone functions) and gesture/speech detection functions. This universal approach allows a single sensor system to serve multiple purposes, reducing the need for separate specialized sensors and thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining enhanced control capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments are directed to a computer-implemented method of controlling an electronic device. The method includes detecting, using a processor, a user using one or more sensors. The method further includes selecting one table from a set of tables, wherein each table includes a set of rules to be followed depending on the detecting step. The method further includes measuring changes in a position of the user that are detected by the one or more sensors. The method further includes comparing the changes in the position of the user to one or more rules in the selected table. The method further includes controlling the electronic device based on the comparison.