Pointing Device Sensitivity Adaptation for Cursor Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pointing devices lack the ability to adapt sensitivity effectively for different application workflows, leading to inaccurate cursor movements and inefficient user interactions in computer systems and ultrasound systems, as high sensitivity results in fast, inaccurate movements and low sensitivity causes slow, laborious interactions.
Innovation Solution
A method that adapts the sensitivity of a pointing device by determining the currently-active application workflow, calculating a correction factor based on user performance, and adjusting the cursor movement accordingly, allowing for optimal sensitivity for each specific workflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If high sensitivity is used for the pointing device, then the cursor moves fast on the display, but the movement accuracy deteriorates leading to erroneous operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the sensitivity of the pointing device adjustable and context-dependent. The system dynamically changes the sensitivity level based on the detected application workflow, transitioning from a static sensitivity setting to a dynamic one that adapts to different operational contexts. This allows the cursor movement speed and accuracy characteristics to be optimized for each specific workflow.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the sensitivity parameter of the pointing device based on the application workflow. The system detects which workflow is active and adjusts the sensitivity parameter accordingly, changing the relationship between pointing device input and cursor movement output to match the requirements of the current task.
2Measurement precision
If low sensitivity is used for the pointing device, then the cursor movement accuracy is improved, but the time required to perform measurements increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts sensitivity based on workflow context, allowing high sensitivity (fast movement) for workflows where speed is prioritized and low sensitivity (accurate movement) for workflows where precision is critical. This dynamic adaptation eliminates the need to choose between speed and accuracy for all tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensitivity parameter is changed according to the detected application workflow, optimizing the balance between cursor movement speed and accuracy for each specific task type. This parameter adaptation reduces measurement time for suitable workflows while maintaining accuracy where required.
3Device complexity
If a single sensitivity setting is used for all application workflows, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different workflows deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting the active application workflow and adjusting the pointing device sensitivity without requiring manual user intervention. The system monitors itself and its operational context, making intelligent adjustments based on the detected workflow type.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the application workflow state and using this information to adjust the sensitivity parameter. The workflow detection provides feedback about the current task context, which is then used to optimize the pointing device behavior for that specific workflow.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention provides a method for adapting sensitivity of a pointing device and a related image evaluation device (1). The pointing device is connected to a processor configured to execute a plurality of application workflows (A1,A2,…,An), and to a display configured to display a cursor. The method comprises the steps of: receiving a default sensitivity (S) of the pointing device; determining one of the plurality of application workflows (A1,A2,…,An) which is to be executed, said application workflow being the currently-active application workflow (Ai); receiving or determining a target sensitivity (Si) for the currently-active application workflow (Ai); receiving or determining a correction factor (Fi) for the currently-active application workflow based on the target sensitivity (Si) for the currently-active application workflow (Ai) and the default sensitivity (S); receiving a current position (x1,y1) of the cursor; detecting delta coordinates (∆x,∆y) inputted by an operation made by the user on the pointing device in order to move the cursor on the display during execution of the currently-active application workflow (Ai); and computing, in response to the operation of the user on the pointing device, a new position of the cursor on the display based on the current position (x1,y1) of the cursor, the delta coordinates (∆x,∆y) and the correction factor (Fi) for the currently-active application workflow (Ai).