Proximity Input Guard Range Visual Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing touch screen technologies face challenges in providing intuitive and versatile user interactions, particularly in controlling input objects to hover near the screen without touching it, which can lead to unintentional touches and difficulties in managing mid-air movements.
Innovation Solution
A proximity detection system that uses capacitive or other sensors to detect objects in close proximity to the screen, generating a three-dimensional virtual user interface item that adapts its appearance based on distance and position, enabling intuitive hovering interactions and preventing accidental touches by alerting the user through visual and tactile feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If hovering input is enabled to allow mid-air control, then user interaction versatility is improved, but control precision deteriorates due to difficulty in controlling input object position
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides visual feedback by displaying a virtual representation of the input object and its trajectory, allowing users to see exactly where their input object is positioned in mid-air. This feedback loop enables users to adjust their hovering control precision by observing the virtual object's position relative to the virtual interface elements.
Solution Approach 2:
A virtual representation of the input object is introduced as an intermediary between the physical input object and the interface elements. This virtual object serves as a mediator that makes the invisible mid-air position visible and controllable, bridging the gap between physical gesture and digital interaction.
2Adaptability or versatility
If proximity detection is used to enable hovering input, then input versatility is improved, but unintentional touches increase due to difficulty in preventing contact
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by providing advance warning when the input object approaches the guard range near interface elements. The visual feedback shows the trajectory and position, allowing users to correct their path before accidental contact occurs, thus preventing unintentional touches proactively.
Solution Approach 2:
Real-time visual feedback displays the position of the input object relative to interface elements, creating awareness of proximity. This feedback mechanism allows users to maintain appropriate distance and avoid unintentional touches while still benefiting from hovering input capabilities.
3Ease of operation
If three-dimensional virtual interface items are displayed to improve hovering control, then user interface intuitiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of creating complex three-dimensional virtual interface elements, the system uses a simplified copying approach by displaying a two-dimensional virtual representation of the input object (such as a stylus tip or finger icon) on the screen. This virtual copy provides intuitive visual feedback without requiring complex 3D rendering capabilities.
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
Enables reliable and intuitive hovering interactions by providing visual and tactile cues, preventing unintentional touches and enhancing user control over input modes, thereby improving user interface experience.
Implementation Method 1
A proximity detection system or unit (120) configured to detect when an input object (100), such as a finger or a stylus, is brought into close proximity to, but not into contact with, an input surface (112)
Data Source
Figure 1~4b
Figure 2~3
Figure 4c~4f
AI summary
In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided for controlling display operations in an electronic device. The electronic device provides an input mode, in which a first function is associated with a hovering input and a second function is associated with a touch input to an input surface. A three- dimensional virtual user interface item is displayed, and in response to detecting an input object within a guard range in relation to the input surface, the virtual user interface item is adapted to alert a user to avoid unintentionally touching the input surface.