Handheld Mode Switching via Sensor-Based Interface Flipping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless handheld devices are inconvenient for left-handed users or those needing to operate them with their left hand, as the touchscreen layouts are primarily designed for right-hand use, lacking an automatic mode adjustment to accommodate different hand orientations.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that automatically switch between left-hand and right-hand modes by detecting the hand orientation using sensors, updating the user interface layout to facilitate single-handed operation by flipping the layout horizontally when a preset duration of incorrect hand orientation is detected.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the touchscreen layout is designed for right-hand use, then right-handed users can operate the device conveniently, but left-handed users or users operating with the left hand find it inconvenient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconvenience for right-handed usersVSAvoidadaptability to different hand orientations
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adaptation of the touchscreen layout by detecting the user's hand orientation through sensor data (accelerometer, gyroscope) and automatically flipping the layout of application icons and function elements. The system transitions from a static right-handed design to a dynamic system that adjusts in real-time based on detected hand orientation, resolving the contradiction between optimizing for right-handed users and adapting to left-handed users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If the touchscreen layout is fixed for right-hand operation, then the interface design is simple and consistent, but it lacks automatic adjustment capability for different hand orientations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of interface designVSAvoidautomatic mode adjustment capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs self-service automation by using onboard sensors (accelerometer, gyroscope) to automatically detect hand orientation and trigger layout flipping without requiring user intervention. The device autonomously monitors sensor data, determines hand orientation, and adjusts the touchscreen layout accordingly, eliminating the need for manual mode switching while maintaining design simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If sensor-based hand orientation detection is implemented, then automatic layout switching is enabled, but additional sensors and processing are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic hand orientation detectionVSAvoidnumber of sensors and processing requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent leverages the multi-functionality of existing sensors in modern handheld devices. The accelerometer and gyroscope, originally designed for other purposes (motion sensing, screen rotation), are repurposed to detect hand orientation for layout flipping. This approach enables automatic adaptation without adding dedicated sensors, as the existing sensor suite serves multiple functions including the new hand-detection capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2833607B1Method for automatically switching handheld modes and wireless handheld device
Publication Date: 2020.01.08 HUAWEI DEVICE CO LTD
  • EP2833607B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2B
  • EP2833607B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~4B
  • EP2833607B1 patent drawingFigure 4C~5B

AI summary

The present invention discloses a method for automatically switching a handheld mode and a wireless handheld device. The present invention relates to the field of communications technologies. The method for automatically switching a handheld mode includes: updating, when it is detected that a duration during which handheld positions of a wireless handheld device do not match a preset first handheld mode of the wireless handheld device exceeds a first preset duration, a first user interface matching the first handheld mode to a second user interface matching a second handheld mode, where a layout of controls on the second user interface is a flip horizontal of a layout of controls on the first user interface. With the present invention, automatic switching of a handheld mode can be implemented, making it more convenient for a user to use the wireless handheld device with a single hand.