Input Apparatus Automatic Mode Switching via Motion and Touch Sensors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users of input apparatuses, such as remote controllers, face inconvenience due to the need to manually change between touch and gesture modes, which disrupts interaction and may not provide clear feedback on the current input mode, leading to user confusion.

Innovation Solution

The input apparatus includes a touch sensor and a motion sensor that automatically change modes based on predefined reference values for touch and motion inputs, with the display apparatus providing visual feedback on the input mode, allowing seamless transitions without user intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a mode changing button is used to switch between touch mode and gesture mode, then the input apparatus can operate in different modes, but the user interaction is suspended and the user feels inconvenienced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemode switching capabilityVSAvoiduser interaction continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The input apparatus automatically determines and switches between touch mode and gesture mode based on the characteristics of the input signal received from the display apparatus, without requiring manual intervention from the user. The controller analyzes whether the input signal corresponds to a touch operation or a gesture operation and autonomously selects the appropriate operating mode, thereby eliminating the need for a dedicated mode changing button and maintaining continuous user interaction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If the input apparatus automatically changes modes based on input values, then user convenience is enhanced and interaction remains uninterrupted, but the user may not be aware of the current input mode

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser interaction continuityVSAvoidmode awareness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The display apparatus provides visual feedback by displaying an indicator that shows the current operating mode of the input apparatus. When the input apparatus is in touch mode or gesture mode, the display apparatus accordingly displays information indicating the current mode, allowing the user to be aware of which mode is active without interrupting the interaction flow.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2613227B1Input apparatus and control method thereof
Publication Date: 2020.04.29 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP2613227B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2613227B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2613227B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An input apparatus, a display apparatus, a control method thereof and a display system are provided. The input apparatus includes: a communication unit which communicates with the display apparatus; a touch sensor which senses a touch input; a motion sensor which senses a motion of the input apparatus; and a controller which determines whether a value of a touch input, sensed by the touch sensor when the input apparatus operates in a gesture mode according to the motion of the input apparatus, is greater than or equal to a first reference value, and changes an input mode of the input apparatus to a touch mode if it is determined that the value of the touch input is greater than or equal to the first reference value.