Indirect Input Disambiguation via Parameter Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional indirect touch devices and computing systems cannot disambiguate between multi-contact input intended for mouse operations and touch operations, leading to incorrect interpretations and a frustrating user interaction experience.
Innovation Solution
A method that analyzes parameters such as inter-arrival time, inter-arrival distance, movement distance, input duration, and region of initiation to determine whether input from an indirect input device is directed to a mouse operation or a touch operation, and converts the data into a coordinate space associated with a display screen to accurately reflect the intended operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional indirect touch devices receive input from multiple objects simultaneously, then touch operations (zoom, pan) can be implemented, but the system cannot distinguish when a mouse operation is intended instead
Solution Approach 1:
The system analyzes multiple parameters of the input signal including inter-arrival time between contacts, inter-arrival distance, movement distance, input duration, and region of initiation. By examining these parameters collectively, the system can distinguish between mouse operations and touch operations even when multiple objects are in contact, thereby resolving the ambiguity without losing user intent information
2Measurement precision
If indirect input devices are used, then precision and cost-effectiveness are improved, but the ability to execute applications designed for direct touch input is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system converts indirect input device data into the coordinate space of direct touch display screens, enabling the indirect input device to serve multiple functions: it can detect input with high precision and simultaneously execute applications designed for direct touch input. This multi-functionality resolves the limitation of application compatibility while maintaining the precision and cost advantages of indirect input devices
Data Source
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AI summary
The techniques described herein are directed to a computing device that receives data from an indirect input device. The data received may indicate or signal that one or more objects are on or within a detection area of the indirect input device. For example, the data may indicate that one or more objects are in contact with a surface of an indirect touch device. The techniques include determining parameters for the one or more objects and analyzing the parameters to determine whether the data is directed to a touch operation or to a mouse operation. To perform the touch operation or the mouse operation, the techniques further describe converting the data received from a first coordinate space of the indirect input device to a second coordinate space of a display screen.