Haptic Feedback Gesture Recognition for Mobile Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of mobile devices face difficulties in accurately inputting phone numbers due to the need for multiple touch inputs on small keypads, especially when looking away from the screen, leading to potential mistakes.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that utilize haptic feedback to recognize and confirm touch gestures associated with predetermined shortcut symbols, allowing users to trigger application actions like dialing a phone number with a single continuous touch gesture, with varying haptic effects indicating recognition levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a user touches multiple number keys on a small keypad to input a phone number, then the phone number can be input, but the user may make mistakes when looking away from the screen and the operation becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the phone number input process into two distinct parts: (1) selecting a contact from the list, and (2) confirming the selection through a gesture. This segmentation allows the user to first choose the recipient safely by scrolling and selecting, then separately perform the dial action through a distinct gesture pattern, reducing the chance of accidental dialing while maintaining ease of use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary confirmation mechanism between contact selection and actual dialing. The gesture recognition system acts as an intermediary that requires a specific gesture pattern (such as a circular motion or swipe) to confirm the user's intent to dial. This intermediary step prevents accidental dialing while keeping the interface simple and easy to operate.
2Ease of operation
If a shortcut key is used to trigger dialing, then the operation is simplified, but the user may accidentally dial the wrong number if the keypad is small or the user looks away
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary confirmation mechanism between contact selection and actual dialing. The gesture recognition system acts as an intermediary that requires a specific gesture pattern (such as a circular motion or swipe) to confirm the user's intent to dial. This intermediary step prevents accidental dialing while keeping the interface simple and easy to operate.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides visual feedback by highlighting the selected contact and indicating that a gesture is required for confirmation. This feedback mechanism ensures the user is aware of which contact will be dialed before committing to the action, preventing accidental dialing while maintaining quick access through gesture-based confirmation.
3Measurement precision
If multiple touch inputs are required on a small keypad, then precise number input is possible, but the device complexity and time required increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the contact selection and dialing actions into a single continuous interaction flow. The user scrolls through contacts, selects one by tapping or long-pressing, and then performs a gesture to confirm dialing. This merged approach eliminates the need for separate keyboard input steps while maintaining precision through the selection interface, significantly reducing the time required to dial a number.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact list interface presents all available contacts in advance, allowing the user to quickly scan and select the desired recipient before committing to the dial action. This preliminary presentation of options enables fast selection without requiring the user to remember or manually type numbers, reducing both time and potential errors.
4Productivity
If a speed dial button is used, then dialing is faster, but the user interface complexity increases and accidental activation may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the gesture recognition system universal, allowing it to serve multiple functions: selecting contacts, confirming actions, and initiating dialing. Instead of adding dedicated speed dial buttons for each contact, the system uses a single gesture mechanism that works across all contacts, reducing interface complexity while maintaining fast dialing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts the interaction mode based on the user's current state. When a contact is selected, the system waits for a gesture confirmation before dialing. The gesture recognition is dynamic and can be configured to require specific patterns (such as circular motions or swipes) that reduce accidental activation while maintaining ease of use.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables faster and more accurate triggering of application actions by providing tactile feedback that simulates friction or texture based on the recognition level of the touch gesture, reducing errors and improving user experience.
Implementation Method 1
a haptic device configured to generate a haptic effect at a user interface
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 2B
AI summary
An electronic device for triggering an action based on a shortcut gesture. The electronic device may include a user interface, a haptic device, and a controller in signal communication with the user interface and the haptic device. The user interface may be configured to receive a touch gesture at its surface. The controller is configured to determine a recognition level of the touch gesture as the touch gesture is being received. It is configured to trigger the haptic device to generate a haptic effect at the user interface based on the recognition level, and it is configured to trigger an application action associated with the touch gesture if the recognition level exceeds a threshold.