Gesture Interface Cursor Confinement and Sub-Region Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gesture-based user interfaces face challenges in differentiating between intended user movements and random movements, and in providing a range of commands without increasing interface complexity.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a processor to control a cursor within a predetermined region on a display, with sub-regions for different control commands, where quick-access sub-regions allow command actuation without additional gestures and regular sub-regions require specific hand gestures, while ignoring downward movements to prevent inadvertent commands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple control commands are provided across the display region, then the range of available commands increases, but the complexity of the interface increases
Solution Approach 1:
The display region is segmented into multiple sub-regions, each associated with a specific control command. This segmentation allows the interface to provide a wide range of commands (improving versatility) while organizing them in a structured manner that prevents overwhelming the user (managing complexity). Each sub-region acts as an independent control zone with defined boundaries.
Solution Approach 2:
Different properties are assigned to different sub-regions based on their location. Quick-access sub-regions (typically at edges or corners) allow command actuation without additional gestures, while regular sub-regions require specific hand gestures for activation. This local differentiation enables efficient command access patterns while maintaining a consistent overall interface structure.
2Ease of operation
If the entire display region is used for control commands, then the accessibility of commands improves, but the likelihood of inadvertent commands increases
Solution Approach 1:
The display region is divided into distinct sub-regions with clear spatial separation. This segmentation allows commands to be distributed across the entire display (improving accessibility) while the defined boundaries between sub-regions prevent random gestures from triggering unintended commands (improving reliability).
Solution Approach 2:
Quick-access sub-regions are positioned at specific locations (typically edges or corners) rather than being uniformly distributed. This asymmetric placement optimizes for common usage patterns while maintaining clear distinction between accessible areas and areas requiring deliberate activation, thus balancing ease of operation with command accuracy.
3Reliability
If additional gestures are required for command actuation, then the precision of intended commands improves, but the time to execute commands increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interface is segmented into quick-access sub-regions and regular sub-regions. Quick-access sub-regions are designed for immediate command execution upon cursor entrance (reducing execution time), while regular sub-regions require additional gestures for higher precision (ensuring intended activation). This segmentation allows the system to optimize for different command types based on their urgency and importance.
Solution Approach 2:
For quick-access sub-regions, the system accepts partial action (mere cursor entrance) as sufficient for command activation, prioritizing speed over precision. For regular sub-regions, the system requires excessive action (additional gestures) to ensure precision. This partial/excessive action approach allows the interface to balance execution time and precision based on command priority.
Data Source
AI summary
A gesture based user interface includes a movement monitor configured to monitor a user's hand and to provide a signal based on movements of the hand. A processor is configured to provide at least one interface state in which a cursor is confined to movement within a single dimension region responsive to the signal from the movement monitor, and to actuate different commands responsive to the signal from the movement monitor and the location of the cursor in the single dimension region.