Motion-Based User Interface for Handheld Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mobile wireless communications devices face difficulties in user interface management, especially when a user cannot look at the interface for an extended period, necessitating an improved method for inputting commands without visual attention.

Innovation Solution

A mobile wireless communications device equipped with a motion sensor and processor that captures and associates recorded motions with contact records, allowing users to input commands through gestures and populate application fields with corresponding contact data upon motion recognition.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a traditional user interface (contact switches, rocker switches, thumb wheel, touch screen) is used, then the device can process user inputs, but the interface becomes difficult to manage when the user cannot look at it for an extended period

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser interface managementVSAvoidtime for visual attention
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical and visual user interfaces (switches, touch screens) with a motion recognition system that uses motion sensors to detect and interpret user gestures. This substitution allows users to interact with the device through physical movements rather than visual-manual operations, resolving the contradiction by making the interface operable without visual attention.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system captures and stores motion patterns for later automatic recognition and execution. When a user performs a previously recorded gesture, the system automatically retrieves and executes the associated function without requiring visual confirmation or manual navigation, enabling hands-free, eyes-free operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If motion patterns are assigned to functions (as in GB-A-2347593 and WO-A-2004/082248), then command input can be performed without visual attention, but the system lacks the capability to efficiently populate application fields with contact data

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommand inputVSAvoiddata population efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-captures and stores motion patterns associated with specific contacts and data fields. When a user performs the recorded gesture, the corresponding contact information is automatically retrieved and populated into the appropriate application fields in advance, eliminating the need for manual data entry and significantly improving productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The motion recognition system serves multiple functions: it captures user gestures, identifies associated contacts, retrieves contact data, and populates multiple different application fields (email, messaging, scheduling) with a single gesture, making the system universally applicable across different applications and data types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP1885106B1Motion-based user interface for handheld
Publication Date: 2011.09.28 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP1885106B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1885106B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1885106B1 patent drawingFigure 2A

AI summary

A mobile wireless communications device is arranged to allow for the entry of a motion capture command from a user interface. After receiving such a command, the device generates a recorded motion from output signals from a motion sensor incorporated in the device. A user may then identify a particular contact record through the user interface whereupon the device will associate the contact with the recorded motion.