Hybrid Input Feedback Architecture for Low-Latency User Response
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing user input systems suffer from high latency, which negatively impacts the user experience and perception, particularly in direct manipulation interfaces where delays between user input and system response are noticeable and disruptive.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid feedback system is implemented, combining a low-latency input sensor and display with a dedicated processing system, such as an FPGA or ASIC, to achieve near-instantaneous visual feedback, while additional responses are provided at higher latency levels, blending both to create a seamless user experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If a traditional processing system is used, then system complexity is reduced, but latency increases and user experience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two independent processing paths: a low-latency path using a dedicated processing system (FPGA/ASIC) for time-sensitive operations, and a high-latency path using a traditional CPU for complex operations. This segmentation allows each path to be optimized independently, resolving the contradiction between low latency and simple system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
A synchronization mechanism acts as an intermediary between the low-latency and high-latency processing paths, coordinating their outputs and ensuring seamless integration. This mediator enables the system to achieve low latency without requiring complete system redesign.
2Ease of operation
If a low-latency processing system is implemented, then user feedback responsiveness improves, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The low-latency processing capability is applied locally to specific user input operations that require immediate feedback, rather than implementing it across the entire system. This selective application maintains ease of operation for critical paths while avoiding unnecessary complexity in other areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements low-latency processing partially - only for operations where it is most needed - rather than applying it universally. This partial action approach improves user feedback responsiveness for critical operations without the full complexity cost of system-wide implementation.
3Device complexity
If high-latency processing is used for all operations, then system simplicity is maintained, but user perception of immediacy suffers
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects between low-latency and high-latency processing paths based on the specific operation being performed. This dynamic approach allows the system to maintain simplicity for non-critical operations while ensuring high-quality user experience for time-sensitive operations, achieving both goals adaptively.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for processing user input includes an input device, an input processing unit, a high-latency subsystem, a low-latency subsystem, input processing unit software for generating signals in response to user inputs, and an output device. The low-latency subsystem processes signals corresponding to at least some events and generates corresponding programmable low-latency output, the programmable output being based, at least in part, on state information being maintained by the high-latency subsystem. The high-latency subsystem processes signals corresponding to at least some events, and generates corresponding output, the output of the high-latency subsystem being higher latency than the output of the low-latency subsystem with respect to a given event.