Gesture-Based Mode Control for Electronic Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Portable electronic devices with multiple features often require cumbersome methods for controlling and transitioning between different modes of operation, lacking intuitive and natural control mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

The use of sensors to detect gesture inputs as device function trigger inputs, allowing processors to actuate and transition device functions between modes, such as a flashlight's luminosity, through predefined gestures like chopping and twisting motions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional control methods are used for device features, then control is possible, but the control process becomes cumbersome and lacks intuitiveness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol intuitivenessVSAvoidcontrol process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical control interfaces (buttons, switches, menus) with gesture-based control. Sensors detect gestures in three-dimensional space, and processors translate these gestures into device function commands, substituting physical mechanical interaction with spatial motion recognition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces three-dimensional spatial gestures as a new dimension for control interaction. Instead of two-dimensional touch screen operations or one-dimensional button presses, users control device functions through three-dimensional hand movements in space, adding a spatial dimension to the control interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple device features are provided, then functionality is enhanced, but control of each individual feature becomes more cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoidfeature control ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal gesture-based control system that can operate multiple different device features (camera, flashlight, music player, etc.) through a single unified interface paradigm. Different gestures map to different functions, but all controls follow the same spatial interaction model, making the system universally applicable across diverse features.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows users to intuitively control features through natural gestures without requiring learning of complex control schemes. The gesture recognition system automatically identifies user intentions and executes appropriate commands, making the device serve itself through intelligent gesture interpretation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11438986B2Methods and systems for feature operational mode control in an electronic device

Publication Date: 2022.09.06 MOTOROLA MOBILITY LLC

AI summary

An electronic device includes one or more sensors, one or more processors operable with the one or more sensors, and a user interface component operable with the one or more processors in at least a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation that is different from the first mode of operation. The one or more processors operate the user interface component in the first mode of operation in response to a first trigger input, and transition operation of the user interface component from the first mode of operation to the second mode of operation upon the one or more sensors detecting a second trigger input occurring while the one or more processors operate the user interface component in the first mode of operation.