Rotating Crown Input for Smartwatch UI Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for manipulating user interface objects on small form factor personal electronic devices, such as smartwatches, are inefficient and lack precision.
Innovation Solution
A user interface system utilizing a physical crown component that can rotate, push, pull, and be rocked, converting these movements into electrical signals to navigate and manipulate user interface objects on a touchscreen, allowing for efficient and precise control through crown-based input methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If existing touch-based methods are used to manipulate user interface objects on small form factor devices, then the device maintains simplicity, but the manipulation efficiency and precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
A physical crown component is introduced as an intermediary input mechanism between the user and the touchscreen interface. The crown converts physical rotations, pushes, pulls, and rocking movements into electrical signals that navigate and manipulate user interface objects, providing a mediator that enhances manipulation precision without requiring direct touchscreen interaction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical button presses and touch gestures with a sophisticated crown mechanism that detects multiple types of physical movements (rotation, push, pull, rock) and converts them into precise digital commands. This mechanical-to-digital substitution enables more efficient and precise control compared to direct touchscreen manipulation
2Measurement precision
If existing touch-based methods are used to manipulate user interface objects, then the interface remains simple, but the manipulation precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The crown serves as a precision intermediary device that translates subtle physical movements into accurate digital commands for navigating and manipulating user interface objects. This intermediary mechanism provides finer control precision than direct touch gestures while maintaining operational simplicity through intuitive physical movements
Solution Approach 2:
The crown is designed to detect multiple dynamic input modes including rotation in different directions, pushing motions, pulling motions, and rocking movements. This dynamic capability allows the single component to provide diverse precise control options, enhancing manipulation precision while maintaining ease of operation through natural hand movements
3Measurement precision
If a physical crown component is added for precise control, then manipulation precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The crown component is designed as a universal input mechanism that performs multiple functions: detecting rotations in different directions, pushing motions, pulling motions, and rocking movements. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate components, achieving enhanced manipulation precision while minimizing the increase in device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The crown acts as a sophisticated intermediary that consolidates multiple input detection capabilities into a single component. By serving as a multi-functional mediator between the user and the digital interface, it provides precise control without proportionally increasing device complexity
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 efficient and precise navigation and manipulation of user interface objects on small form factor devices, improving user interaction by allowing for intuitive control of multiple screens and icon management through crown movements.
Implementation Method 1
a user interface system utilizing a physical crown component that can rotate, push, pull, and be rocked, converting these movements into electrical signals
Data Source
AI summary
User interface navigation on a personal electronics device based on movements of a crown is disclosed. The device can select an appropriate level of information arranged along a z-axis for display based on crown movement. The navigation can be based on an angular velocity of the crown.