3D Hovering Input Control for Device Task Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Devices with various user interfaces face challenges in effectively recognizing and responding to diverse user inputs, such as hovering gestures, to provide appropriate services and tasks.

Innovation Solution

A method that determines 3D location information of a hovering input and selects tasks based on this information to perform specific operations, allowing users to control devices through hovering inputs by converting the input into actionable tasks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If devices provide various user interfaces and services, then user accessibility and functionality are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser interface diversityVSAvoidinput recognition complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal hovering input detection mechanism that works across multiple applications and device types. The proximity sensor serves multiple functions by detecting both presence and position of input devices, enabling diverse interactions (selection, activation, navigation) through a single interface paradigm, thereby improving adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes detection parameters dynamically based on application context. The proximity threshold, detection sensitivity, and response actions are adjusted according to the active application and current state, allowing the same hardware to support varied interfaces through software-configurable parameters rather than requiring separate detection systems for each function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If hovering input detection is added to touch screen devices, then user interaction intuitiveness is improved, but measurement precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinteraction intuitivenessVSAvoid3D location detection precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary processing layer that translates imprecise proximity sensor readings into precise 3D location information. The controller receives raw sensor data, applies calibration and filtering algorithms, and converts it into accurate spatial coordinates for task selection, thereby reducing the direct precision requirements of the physical sensor while maintaining high interaction precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from 2D touch screen interaction to 3D spatial interaction by utilizing the Z-axis (distance from screen) as an additional dimension. This allows hovering inputs at different distances to trigger different tasks, enhancing interaction intuitiveness through natural hand positioning while the system handles the complexity of 3D coordinate conversion and task mapping

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Measurement precision

If 3D location information is used to select tasks, then input recognition accuracy is improved, but processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinput recognition accuracyVSAvoidtask selection processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary organization of tasks into groups associated with specific 3D location ranges. Before runtime, tasks are mapped to spatial zones, creating a lookup structure that enables rapid task selection based on detected hovering position. This pre-processing reduces real-time computational complexity while maintaining high recognition accuracy through structured task-spac e mapping

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3627302B1Method and system for controlling device
Publication Date: 2024.07.03 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3627302B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3627302B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3627302B1 patent drawingFigure 5a~5c

AI summary

A method of controlling a device includes determining 3-dimensional (3D) location information of a hovering input received by the device; selecting at least one of a plurality of tasks relating to an operation of an application executed by the device based on the operation of the application and the 3D location information of the hovering input; and performing the selected at least one task by obtaining a class of an execution input according to the hovering input.