Mobile App Activation by Motion Pattern and Accessibility Settings

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mobile computer systems struggle to intuitively activate specialized functionalities, particularly for users with visual impairments, relying on cumbersome graphical interfaces or unreliable voice recognition, limiting access to applications tailored for these users.

Innovation Solution

A mobile computer system that detects a predefined movement pattern and evaluates user-configurable system settings to activate a second software application with special functionalities if the settings exceed a threshold, ensuring seamless access to standard functionalities for other users.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional activation methods (graphical interface or voice recognition) are used, then all users can access the system, but users with visual impairments experience cumbersome operation and unreliable recognition

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveactivation easeVSAvoidrecognition reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the user base into different groups (visually impaired users and other users) and provides different activation methods for each group. Motion pattern recognition is assigned to visually impaired users, while conventional methods remain for others, resolving the contradiction by tailoring the activation method to specific user needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces motion pattern recognition as an intermediary activation method that bridges the gap between graphical interface and voice recognition. This intermediary method uses the device's motion sensors to detect specific movement patterns, providing a reliable and accessible activation method for visually impaired users without affecting the system's overall reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If motion pattern recognition is implemented for all users, then activation becomes more intuitive, but the system cannot distinguish between users needing special functionalities and those using standard functionalities

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveactivation intuitivenessVSAvoidfunctionality differentiation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by making the motion pattern recognition feature selectively available only to visually impaired users who have enabled accessibility settings. The system checks user-specific settings to determine whether to activate the special functionality, allowing different parts of the user base to experience different activation methods based on their local needs and preferences.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by checking user settings and determining the appropriate activation method before the actual activation occurs. The system pre-configures whether motion pattern recognition should be used based on accessibility settings, ensuring that the correct activation method is ready and waiting when the user attempts to activate an application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple activation methods are provided, then user accessibility is improved, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveactivation method diversityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by making the motion sensors serve multiple functions. The same sensors that detect device orientation and position for conventional operations are also used to detect specific motion patterns for accessibility activation. This multi-functionality approach allows the system to provide multiple activation methods without adding dedicated hardware for each method, thereby limiting the increase in system complexity.

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

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

Enables quick and easy activation of special functionalities for users with disabilities, while maintaining access to standard functionalities for others, without additional user interaction, by integrating sensors to recognize movement patterns and system settings.

Implementation Method 1

Registering a change in position of the mobile computer system using sensors

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSensor detection:

Data Source

PatentEP3894993B1Mobile application for controlling a computer system
Publication Date: 2026.04.01 DEUTSCHE BAHN AG
  • EP3894993B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The invention relates to a computer system comprising a hardware processor and physical system memory, wherein the computer system also comprises at least one physical storage medium with a first software application stored therein in the form of computer-supported instructions, which, when executed, enable the computer system to control an electronically controlled apparatus by carrying out a sequence of steps. This should allow for a reduction in the cost and the complexity of producing systems of this type, as well as a related computer program product with computer-executable instructions stored therein. This should simplify the controlling of an electronic apparatus. According to the invention, this is achieved in that the sequence of steps includes the following: a. reading system setting values of the apparatus, which can be parameterised by a user of the apparatus, and which are designed to influence parameters of at least one optical or acoustic output device of the apparatus; b. determining an assessment factor for each system setting value; c. determining a weighted total value from all the assessment factors; d. comparing the weighted total value with a predefinable threshold value; and e. executing a second software application, that is stored in the storage medium of the computer system and designed for executing a special function, if the threshold value is exceeded.