Input Device Motion Segmentation for Accurate Virtual Interface

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional input devices used as virtual user interfaces can inadvertently execute operations due to unintentional hand movements, making them difficult to use accurately.

Innovation Solution

An input device comprising a display component, a detector, and a controller, where distinct operation screens are defined to differentiate between selection and execution motions, preventing unintended actions by ensuring intentional user input.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the pointer is slid over the spatial image to select an icon, then the cursor can be moved to track the pointer, but unintentional hand movement in the depth direction can cause unintended selection operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidoperation accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The operation process is segmented into distinct phases: a first operation screen for pointer movement and icon selection, and a second operation screen for confirming and executing the selected icon. This segmentation prevents unintended operations by requiring deliberate transitions between phases, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and operation accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a depth dimension by defining two operation screens at different depth positions. The first operation screen is positioned at a first depth, and the second operation screen is positioned at a second depth. This dimensional separation allows the system to distinguish between casual pointer movements and intentional selection actions, thereby improving operation accuracy while maintaining ease of use.

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

2Device complexity

If a single operation screen is used for both selection and execution, then the interface is simpler, but it is difficult to distinguish between selection motion and execution motion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterface complexityVSAvoidmotion detection precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves the contradiction by utilizing the depth dimension to create two distinct operation screens. The first operation screen for selection is positioned at a first depth, and the second operation screen for execution is positioned at a second depth. This dimensional differentiation enables precise motion detection and clear distinction between selection and execution motions without significantly increasing interface complexity.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary element - the second operation screen - that acts as a mediator between the selection phase and the execution phase. This intermediary screen requires the pointer to deliberately move to a different depth position, providing a clear transitional action that distinguishes execution intent from casual movement, thus improving motion detection precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3163409B1Input device
Publication Date: 2023.09.20 FUNAI ELECTRIC CO LTD
  • EP3163409B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3163409B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3163409B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An input device is provided that comprises a display component, a detector, and a controller. The display component is configured to display an image. The detector is configured to detect a first motion and a second motion. In the first motion, a pointer is slid over a first operation screen that lies in an imaginary plane including at least part of a virtual image formed in space. In the second motion, the pointer is moved into a second operation screen that lies in the imaginary plane and is different from the first operation screen. The controller is configured to select a displayed object when the first motion is detected, and to execute content associated with the selected object when the second motion is detected.