Imagined Grid Fingertip Input for Wearable Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wearable devices lack effective input methods for information entry since they do not utilize traditional input devices like keyboards or touch screens, making it complex for users to input data.

Innovation Solution

An information handling system that detects fingertip movements based on an imaginary grid imagined by the user, converting these movements into key entries or control requests to perform actions on a wearable computing device without the need for physical or virtual input devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional input devices like keyboards or touch screens are used, then input accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinput accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the input function from traditional physical or virtual input devices and implements it through fingertip movements detected by sensors. The system captures movement data from the user's fingers and converts it into input signals, eliminating the need for keyboards or touch screens while maintaining input accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical input devices with a sensor-based system that detects fingertip movements. Instead of using physical keys or touchscreen contacts, the system uses motion sensors to capture the position and movement of fingers, converting mechanical movements into digital input signals.

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

2Device complexity

If no traditional input devices are used, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the system to automatically detect and interpret fingertip movements without requiring user training or complex interaction patterns. The sensor system continuously monitors finger positions and automatically converts movements into input signals, making the interface intuitive and easy to use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary processing layer that translates fingertip movements into input signals. This intermediary system includes motion sensors that detect finger positions and algorithms that interpret these movements as intentional input actions, bridging the gap between simple device structure and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If fingertip movements are detected without traditional input devices, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidinput accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system continuously monitors fingertip movements and provides real-time input signals. The sensor system tracks finger position changes and automatically generates corresponding input actions, ensuring accurate translation of user intentions into system commands.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses dynamic movement detection to capture the real-time position and motion of fingers. The system continuously updates finger position data and interprets movements as intentional input actions, adapting to user interaction patterns to maintain both ease of operation and measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10019072B2Imagined grid fingertip input editor on wearable device
Publication Date: 2018.07.10 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION
  • US10019072B2 patent drawing
  • US10019072B2 patent drawing
  • US10019072B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An approach is provided in which an information handling system detects fingertip movements of a user based on an imaginary grid imagined by the user. The information handling system determines a key entry or control request based upon matching the fingertip movements to fingertip movement patterns corresponding to the imaginary grid. In turn, the information handling system displays characters on a wearable computing device or performs actions based on the control requests.