Motion Sensitive Input Control for Touch Devices
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Touch sensitive input devices struggle to differentiate between intended and unintended input events, particularly in environments where the device is subject to movement, leading to undesirable user interface behaviors such as accidental clicks or deletions.
Innovation Solution
Implementing motion sensitive input control that disregards input events detected during changes in motion or reduces the sensitivity of the input device during motion-based states, such as when the device is in use on public transportation, by adjusting input event thresholds or recognition times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the threshold level for touch sensitive surface is set low to detect light touching, then intended input actions can be detected, but unintended actions such as accidental clicks during device movement are also detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the threshold level adjustable rather than fixed. The system dynamically changes the threshold based on detected motion states - using a lower threshold when the device is stationary and a higher threshold when motion is detected. This resolves the contradiction by allowing the sensitivity to adapt to different operational contexts, enabling light touch detection during stable periods while preventing accidental inputs during movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the threshold parameter based on motion detection state. When acceleration sensors detect device movement, the system increases the threshold level for touch input recognition. This parameter change allows the system to maintain high sensitivity during stable operation while automatically raising the bar for input recognition during motion, thereby preventing accidental clicks while preserving intended input detection capability.
2Reliability
If the threshold level is set high to prevent unintended actions, then false inputs are reduced, but intended light touching actions go undetected
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the threshold based on real-time motion detection. During stationary periods, the threshold remains low to capture light touches. When motion is detected via acceleration sensors, the threshold dynamically increases to filter out false inputs. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by contextually adapting sensitivity requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary motion detection before evaluating touch inputs. By continuously monitoring device motion state in advance, the system prepares the appropriate threshold level before input events occur. This preliminary action ensures that the correct sensitivity level is already in place when touches are detected, preventing both missed inputs and false detections.
3Reliability
If motion detection is used to filter unintended inputs, then accidental clicks are prevented, but legitimate inputs during motion are also blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating between different types of touches based on their characteristics. Rather than blocking all inputs during motion, the system analyzes the specific properties of each touch event (such as contact area, pressure distribution, and temporal patterns) to distinguish between inadvertent movements and intentional user actions. This localized analysis allows selective filtering that preserves legitimate inputs while blocking accidental ones.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from motion sensors and touch sensor arrays to continuously evaluate input validity. When motion is detected, the system monitors subsequent touch events and uses feedback from multiple sensor elements to determine whether a touch is intentional or accidental. This feedback mechanism allows the system to make informed decisions about input recognition, maintaining ease of operation for legitimate inputs while filtering false positives.
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 significantly reduces the likelihood of inadvertent input events caused by device movement, preventing unintended actions like accidental clicks or premature data transmission.
Implementation Method 1
a motion sensor that can output a signal when a change in motion of the computing device is detected
Implementation Method 2
Touch sensitive input devices using capacitive touch technology can detect an input event with virtually no force
Data Source
AI summary
A motion sensitive input control configured to prevent unintended input caused by inadvertent movement of a computing device. In one embodiment, unintended input can be prevented by disregarding an input event if a change in motion of the computing device is detected simultaneously with or immediately prior to the detected input event. In another embodiment, unintended input can be prevented by reducing the sensitivity of an input device during a motion-based state associated with the computing device. In this manner, the likelihood of inadvertent motion of a computing device causing an unintended input event can be reduced.