Hovering Input Detection for Intuitive IoT Object Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

In the context of IoT environments, there is a demand for technologies that allow users to control devices through various types of inputs to access multiple services, as existing methods are limited in their ability to detect and respond to non-contact hovering inputs effectively.

Innovation Solution

A method where a device detects a hovering inputter, determines a target object based on location information, and performs a predetermined operation on that object, allowing for intuitive control without physical contact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a device uses traditional touch input methods, then the control mechanism is simple and reliable, but the user experience lacks intuitiveness and versatility for IoT applications

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser experienceVSAvoidcontrol mechanism versatility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical touch contact with a hovering input detection system using sensors (such as capacitive, electromagnetic, or optical sensors) to detect the presence and position of an inputter without physical contact. This substitution enables more intuitive and versatile control while maintaining reliability through multiple detection modes.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary hovering detection mechanism between the user and the device interface. The sensor system acts as an intermediary that detects the hovering inputter's position and translates it into control signals, enabling versatile control without direct mechanical contact and enhancing user experience through natural gestures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a device implements hovering input detection, then the control versatility and intuitiveness are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinput detection capabilityVSAvoiddetection system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal hovering detection system that can detect multiple types of inputters (fingers, styluses, other devices) using the same sensor array. The system performs multiple functions including position detection, gesture recognition, and target object identification, thereby achieving high versatility without proportionally increasing complexity through shared hardware resources and integrated processing.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes in the sensor output (such as capacitance variation, electromagnetic field strength, or optical reflection patterns) to detect different hovering inputters and gestures. By monitoring and interpreting these parameter changes, the system achieves versatile input detection capability while maintaining relatively simple hardware through software-based differentiation of detection signals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If a device determines target objects based on hovering location, then the precision of object selection is improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetarget object selection precisionVSAvoidhovering inputter detection difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the detection area into multiple zones corresponding to different displayed objects. Each zone is associated with specific target objects, and the system determines the hovering inputter's position relative to these segmented zones to identify the target object with high precision. This segmentation approach simplifies the detection process by mapping spatial position to object selection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the device provides visual or haptic feedback to confirm target object selection based on hovering position. The system continuously monitors the hovering inputter's location and updates the target object selection in real-time, providing feedback to the user about which object will be activated. This feedback loop enhances measurement precision by allowing continuous adjustment and confirmation of the intended target.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3809250B1Method of displaying object on device, device for performing the same, and recording medium for performing the method
Publication Date: 2023.12.27 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3809250B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3809250B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3809250B1 patent drawingFigure 4a~4b

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a sensor network, Machine Type Communication (MTC), Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communication, and technology for Internet of Things (loT). The present disclosure may be applied to intelligent services based on the above technologies, such as smart home, smart building, smart city, smart car, connected car, health care, digital education, smart retail, security and safety services. Provided are methods, apparatuses and systems for controlling an object displayed on a device, based on a hovering input obtained by the device.