Projected User Interface Activation via Body Position Detection

Solution Overview

Problem

Users face challenges in accessing information seamlessly and efficiently due to the need for constant interaction with devices, which can waste battery life and lead to misinterpretation of incidental touches as inputs when using projected user interfaces.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus and method that activate and deactivate projected user interfaces based on the user's body position, using sensors and processors to determine predefined activation positions, allowing for efficient projection and interaction only when needed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the projected user interface is continuously activated, then user accessibility to information is improved, but battery life is reduced and spurious inputs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser accessibility to informationVSAvoidbattery life

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs periodic activation of the projected user interface based on detected body position. The interface is activated only during periods when the user's body position indicates intent to interact, and deactivated during periods when interaction is not intended, creating a periodic on-off pattern that conserves energy while maintaining accessibility when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from body position sensors to control the activation state of the projected user interface. The sensor continuously monitors body position and provides feedback to the controller, which adjusts the interface activation state accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that balances accessibility and energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If the projected user interface is continuously activated, then user accessibility to information is improved, but spurious inputs from incidental touches increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser accessibility to informationVSAvoidinput accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs periodic activation of the projected user interface based on detected body position. The interface is activated only during periods when the user's body position indicates intent to interact, and deactivated during periods when interaction is not intended, creating a periodic on-off pattern that conserves energy while maintaining accessibility when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from body position sensors to control the activation state of the projected user interface. The sensor continuously monitors body position and provides feedback to the controller, which adjusts the interface activation state accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that balances accessibility and input accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Use of energy by moving object

If body position detection is added to control interface activation, then energy efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery lifeVSAvoidsensor and processing requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the user's own body position as the triggering mechanism for interface activation. The body position itself serves as the control signal, eliminating the need for separate control inputs or complex recognition algorithms. The system essentially uses the natural movement and positioning of the user's body to automatically control interface activation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces traditional mechanical or manual control mechanisms (such as buttons, switches, or voice commands) with a sensor-based body position detection system. The physical position of the user's body is detected by sensors and translated into control signals for interface activation, substituting mechanical control with a more automated sensing and processing system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS10061387B2Method and apparatus for providing user interfaces

Publication Date: 2018.08.28 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY

AI summary

An apparatus, method, and computer program product are provided for generating a projected user interface. The apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured, with the processor, to cause the apparatus to receive information regarding a detected position of the user's body and to determine whether the detected position is an activation position, in which case the projection of a user interface may be provided. The user interface may be projected on an area on the user's body, such as a hand or a forearm, or on the surface of an object. The activation position may thus be a predefined position of the user's body in which effective projection of the user interface onto the surface and user interaction with the user interface is facilitated.