Hands-Free Navigation for Touch-Based Operating Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Touch-based operating systems require manual interaction, which can be impractical or impossible in certain situations, and existing solutions for hands-free interaction are cumbersome, inflexible, and often require modifying source code, limiting compatibility with existing applications.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for hands-free navigation of touch-based operating systems using a head-mounted computing device that analyzes touch-based user interfaces to identify scrolling features and control dialogues, converting motion and voice inputs into touch-based commands, allowing users to interact with touch-based operating systems without modifying source code.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If touch-based operating systems require manual interaction, then they provide precise control and direct user input, but they become impractical or impossible when users cannot physically interact with the device

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehands-free operation capabilityVSAvoidcompatibility with existing touch-based applications
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary layer (the hands-free interaction system) that translates voice commands and head movements into touch-based commands. This mediator enables hands-free operation without requiring modifications to existing touch-based applications, as it operates at the interface between the user and the operating system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical touch-based input system with a voice and motion-based system. Instead of requiring physical contact with the device, users can issue commands through speech and head movements, which are then converted into equivalent touch commands by the system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If previous solutions for hands-free interaction required modification of source code, then they could provide custom hands-free functionality, but they limited compatibility to only modified applications

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with existing applicationsVSAvoidrequirement for source code modification
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hands-free interaction system serves as a mediator that operates between the user and the operating system without requiring modifications to application source code. It captures voice commands and head movements, then translates them into touch commands that the existing applications can understand and execute.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal hands-free interaction layer that works across multiple applications and the operating system itself. This single solution provides hands-free capability for diverse functions including scrolling, navigation, and control dialogues without requiring separate modifications for each application.

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

3Productivity

If speech recognition is used for textual input, then typing speed can be improved, but it requires Internet connection and is limited to textual input only

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetext input efficiencyVSAvoidinput method flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the input methods into distinct categories: voice commands for navigation and control, and head movements for scrolling and positioning. This segmentation allows each input method to be optimized for its specific function while working together to provide comprehensive hands-free interaction capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adapts between different input methods based on the context. It can switch between voice commands and head movement detection, and combine them seamlessly to provide versatile input capability without requiring Internet connection or being limited to text-only input.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3559935B1Hands-free navigation of touch-based operating systems
Publication Date: 2023.05.24 REALWEAR INC
  • EP3559935B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3559935B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3559935B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Aspects of the present invention allow hands-free navigation of touch-based operating systems. The system may automatically interface with a touch-based operating system and generate hands-free commands that are associated with touch-based commands, Embodiments may utilize motion and/or audio inputs to facilitate hands-free interaction with the touch-based operating system.