Input Field Triggering via Device Orientation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users of electronic devices face inconvenience and time consumption when navigating through numerous menu items to select desired commands or input information, particularly due to the large number of options available on portable devices.

Innovation Solution

The system facilitates input selection by triggering an event or input field based on the physical state, position, or orientation of the device, such as sliding or rotating the device to initiate an input field associated with a selected menu item or icon without requiring navigation through multiple menu items, using sensors like accelerometers and gyroscopes to detect changes in state.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If users navigate through menu items to select commands or input information, then they can access device functions, but the process becomes time-consuming and inconvenient due to the large number of menu items

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of input selectionVSAvoidtime to navigate menus
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by detecting the user's selection of a menu item or icon and pre-configuring the input field to be associated with that selection. When the physical state changes (e.g., device rotated or slider moved), the system immediately presents the relevant input field without requiring the user to navigate through additional menu items. This preliminary configuration of the input field based on the detected selection resolves the contradiction by eliminating the time-consuming navigation process while maintaining full access to device functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If the device provides a large number of menu items and options, then functionality is comprehensive, but navigation becomes more complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoidmenu navigation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system extracts the essential input function from the complex menu structure by directly presenting the relevant input field when a physical state change is detected. Instead of requiring users to navigate through comprehensive menu items to access input functionality, the system extracts and presents only the necessary input field associated with the detected selection, thereby maintaining comprehensive device functionality while significantly reducing navigation complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary action by detecting the user's selection and pre-configuring the input field before the user needs to input information. This preliminary configuration bypasses the need for complex menu navigation while maintaining access to all device functions, as the input field is prepared in advance based on the detected selection and physical state change.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If traditional menu navigation is used to access input fields, then all functions are accessible, but user experience is degraded due to extensive navigation requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunction accessibilityVSAvoiduser experience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by detecting the user's selection of a menu item or icon and pre-configuring the input field to be associated with that selection. When the physical state changes, the pre-configured input field is immediately presented, ensuring that all functions remain accessible while dramatically improving user experience by eliminating extensive navigation requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces the mechanical navigation system (manual navigation through menu items) with a sensor-based detection system that automatically identifies user selections and triggers the appropriate input field. This substitution maintains full function accessibility while enhancing user experience by replacing time-consuming manual navigation with automatic detection and presentation of relevant input fields.

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

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach allows for quick and convenient access to desired functions by eliminating the need for extensive navigation, enhancing user experience by reducing the time and effort required to perform tasks on portable electronic devices.

Implementation Method 1

using sensors like accelerometers and gyroscopes to detect changes in state

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAccelerometer: Accelerometer

Implementation Method 2

using sensors like accelerometers and gyroscopes to detect changes in state

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGyroscope: Gyroscope

Data Source

PatentEP2523433B1Systems and methods for facilitating an input to an electronic device
Publication Date: 2015.11.25 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP2523433B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2523433B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP2523433B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

Systems and methods for facilitating an input to an electronic device are described herein. An example method for facilitating an input field of an electronic device includes presenting a menu item for selection while the electronic device is in a first physical state and identifying the menu item selected when the electronic device is in the first physical state. The method includes detecting whether the electronic device is in a second physical state after selection of the menu item and presenting an input field associated with the menu item selected. Example: The electronic device shows a home screen with multiple icons each representing an application. One of these icons is highlighted in a first state of the device. When changing to a second state the highlighted icon is identified and the GUI shows a new screen which comprises a text input field associated in the application related to the selected icon; a method of abbreviated navigation in a menu is disclosed.