Non-Contact Navigation Using Vertical Distance Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current touch interfaces require complex operations for navigation and selection on display screens, such as prolonged contact or the use of multiple fingers, making them less direct, rapid, and ergonomic.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that measure position and vertical distance between a command object and a display screen to control movements and parameters of displayed elements, allowing for direct and rapid navigation and selection without physical contact, using capacitive and optical sensors to adjust movements and parameters based on distance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional touch interfaces use prolonged contact or multiple fingers for navigation, then selection accuracy is improved, but operation complexity increases and navigation speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a third dimension (vertical distance) to the traditional two-dimensional touch interface. By detecting the distance between the command object and the command surface along the vertical axis, the system enables navigation and selection operations without requiring complex multi-finger gestures or prolonged contact. The vertical distance data provides an additional degree of freedom for controlling display elements, simplifying the operational complexity while maintaining selection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses vertical distance as an intermediary parameter between the user's command object and the display screen. Instead of directly mapping horizontal/vertical screen coordinates to selection actions (which requires precise positioning), the system uses the vertical distance as a mediating control dimension. This intermediary approach allows users to navigate and select elements more intuitively by adjusting distance rather than requiring precise lateral positioning, thereby reducing operation complexity.
2Reliability
If traditional touch interfaces require prolonged contact for activation, then command execution reliability is improved, but navigation speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by detecting when the command object is within a predetermined distance threshold of the command surface before requiring full contact. The system activates commands based on this preliminary proximity detection, allowing users to initiate actions before complete contact is made. This reduces the time required for command activation while maintaining reliability through the predetermined distance threshold criterion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the activation parameter from requiring sustained contact duration to detecting vertical distance threshold. Instead of measuring how long a finger remains in contact with the screen, the system measures the vertical distance between the command object and the command surface. This parameter change enables faster activation since distance detection occurs instantaneously when the threshold is reached, eliminating the need for prolonged contact while maintaining command execution reliability.
3Measurement precision
If traditional interfaces use multiple command objects for manipulation, then control precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the vertical dimension as an additional control axis, allowing single-command-object manipulation to achieve control precision previously requiring multiple objects. By detecting vertical distance and using it to control movement parameters (such as movement amount or speed), the system enables precise navigation and element manipulation with just one finger or command object, eliminating the need for complex two-finger gestures while maintaining control precision.
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 simplifies and enhances navigation and selection on display screens by allowing for direct manipulation and adjustment of elements and parameters using distance, reducing the need for complex operations and improving user ergonomics.
Implementation Method 1
Capacitive measurement technologies are suitable for producing this type of interface
Implementation Method 2
using capacitive and optical sensors to adjust movements and parameters based on distance
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided for navigating in a display screen by way of a control surface including a step of measuring: —a data item, termed position, relating to a position targeted, on the control surface, by a remote control object positioned opposite the control surface, and —a data item, termed vertical distance, relating to the distance between the at least one remote control object and the control surface; and a drive step, carrying out, as a function of the vertical distance measured: —a displacement, and/or —an adjustment of a parameter relating to a displacement; of at least one part of a zone and/or of a symbol displayed on the display screen and chosen as a function of the target position.