Zero-Click Mouse Activation via Shaking Motion Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for activating software applications on personal computers using directional pointing devices require complex mouse clicks, keystroke sequences, or gestures, which can be difficult for novice or elderly users due to the need for manual dexterity and memorization of specific gestures.
Innovation Solution
A method for 'zero-click activation' of software applications using a shaking or jiggling motion of a pointing device, such as a mouse, without requiring button clicks or specific dexterity, by evaluating motion criteria like distance, displacement, velocity, and acceleration to detect erratic patterns and initiate preconfigured actions like Web searches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional mouse clicks or keystroke sequences are used to activate applications, then application activation can be achieved, but the operation becomes complex and difficult for novice or elderly users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanical vibration by detecting shaking or jiggling motion of the mouse device. The system monitors acceleration and velocity changes to identify vibration patterns that distinguish intentional activation gestures from normal mouse movements. This allows users to activate applications with a simple shake motion rather than complex click sequences, directly improving ease of operation while maintaining clear detection criteria
2Productivity
If gesture recognition software runs continuously to detect mouse movements, then application activation can be initiated, but normal mouse movements may be misinterpreted as gestures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes detection parameters by monitoring acceleration and velocity thresholds to distinguish shaking motions from normal mouse movements. The system adjusts sensitivity parameters dynamically, using higher acceleration thresholds for shake detection while maintaining lower thresholds for normal pointing movements. This allows continuous monitoring without misinterpretation, resolving the contradiction between quick activation and accurate detection
3Ease of operation
If preactivation steps are required for gesture recognition, then gesture commands can be detected, but the procedure becomes more complex and requires memorization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by preconfiguring the shake gesture recognition capability within the mouse device itself, rather than requiring software preactivation. The hardware is designed to immediately recognize shaking patterns without requiring the user to first activate any software mode or perform preparatory steps. This eliminates memorization requirements and reduces activation time while maintaining reliable gesture detection
Data Source
AI summary
A method is described for activating an application without specific positioning of a mouse or clicking a mouse button (“zero-click activation”). This is done by evaluating motion of an input device with regard to predetermined criteria; detecting a rapid, multi-directional motion (a shaking motion) of the input device, and initiating a preconfigured application in response thereto. In an embodiment, the input device is a mouse, and the method is performed without actuating a button on the mouse. The preconfigured application may be a search function, and in particular may be a Web search invoked when a shaking action is detected while the user is viewing a Web site.