Organic Haptic Interface Force Sensing Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for navigating a focus element on a screen using a remote control are inadequate for users with less motor sensitivity, as they require precise control over displacement and force, which is difficult due to limited space and sensitivity limitations, leading to inaccurate menu item selection.
Innovation Solution
The method incorporates a second control signal based on the actuation force, allowing for displacement of the focus element and menu items relative to each other, with movement dependent on both the degree of deflection and force, enabling users with poor force control to navigate effectively by using discrete steps or time-dependent displacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a slider actuating element with long travel distance is used to enable finely graduated speed adjustment, then the focus element navigation precision is improved, but the remote control device size increases and space constraints are violated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional slider movement to three-dimensional button pressing with force sensing. The actuating element becomes a button that can be pressed with varying forces in the perpendicular direction, adding a force dimension to the control mechanism. This allows speed adjustment without requiring extended travel distance in the original direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from displacement-only to displacement-and-force. By detecting both the degree of button deflection and the actuating force, the system can determine navigation speed with finer granularity than displacement alone would allow, especially when combined with time-dependent evaluation of the force signal.
2Volume of moving object
If a button actuating element is used to save space on the remote control, then the device compactness is improved, but the user's sensitivity to motor input and control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by detecting the actuating force applied to the button. The system monitors the force signal over time and uses this information to adjust the focus element navigation behavior. This feedback mechanism compensates for the reduced tactile sensitivity by providing electronic sensing of user intent through force magnitude and duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic evaluation of the force signal over time. Instead of relying solely on static button position, the system evaluates how the force changes during the pressing action, allowing it to distinguish between intentional navigation commands and accidental presses. This dynamic approach enhances control precision despite the compact button design.
3Measurement precision
If force-based control is added to displacement-based control, then the navigation control accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing actuating element multi-functional by enabling it to provide both displacement information (degree of deflection) and force information (actuating force magnitude). This single button serves dual purposes, eliminating the need for separate sensors or actuators and reducing overall system complexity despite the enhanced control capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the detection of displacement and force into a unified control mechanism. Both parameters are detected from the same button interaction and combined to determine navigation speed and direction. This integration approach simplifies the system architecture compared to using separate controls for each parameter.
4Adaptability or versatility
If discrete step movement is used for users with poor force control, then the navigation accessibility is improved, but the navigation speed and efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic navigation that adapts to user capability in real-time. The system evaluates the force signal characteristics and automatically selects between discrete step movement and continuous speed-controlled movement. This dynamic adaptation allows the same device to serve both users with poor force control and those seeking faster navigation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the navigation mode parameter based on detected force control quality. When poor force control is detected, the system switches to discrete step movement with larger step sizes to compensate. When good force control is detected, it uses finer step sizes or continuous movement for faster navigation. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction between accessibility and speed.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for navigating a focus element (18) to highlight menu items (16) of a menu bar (12, 14) on a screen (4) by deflecting an actuating element (28 to 31) on a remote control (6), comprising: - detecting a first control signal (48) dependent on a degree of deflection of the actuating element (28 to 31) and a second control signal (62) dependent on an actuating force (62) with which the actuating element (28 to 31) is deflected; and - moving the focus element (18) and the menu items (16) relative to each other depending on a comparison (72) of the second control signal (62) and a predetermined condition (74) when the first control signal (48) is detected.