Shake Gesture Translation Switching via Accelerometer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current translation systems require users to restart the process or perform complex input sequences to obtain an alternate translation result, especially when the initial translation is incorrect, which is inconvenient and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A device equipped with an accelerometer, display, and input device that allows users to shake the device to switch between probable translation alternatives presented on the screen, enabling easy selection of alternative translations without restarting the process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the translation system provides the most likely translation result, then translation accuracy is improved, but the user cannot obtain alternative translations without restarting the process

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetranslation accuracyVSAvoidease of obtaining alternative translations

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between displaying the most likely translation and alternative translations based on user interaction. When the device is shaken, the display transitions from showing only the most likely translation to showing alternative translations, allowing users to access different translation options without restarting the translation process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The accelerometer acts as an intermediary between the user and the translation system. By detecting device shaking, it triggers the display of alternative translations, providing a simple physical gesture that mediates access to multiple translation results without requiring complex input sequences or process restarts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the user restarts the translation process to obtain a different translation result, then alternative translations can be obtained, but time is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to obtain different translation resultsVSAvoidtime to obtain alternative translations

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing multiple probable translation alternatives along with their confidence scores. When the user shakes the device, these pre-computed alternatives are immediately displayed without requiring the translation process to be restarted, thus eliminating the time loss associated with re-running the translation engine.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If the user re-enters text to obtain a new translation, then alternative translations can be obtained, but operational complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to obtain different translation resultsVSAvoidinput sequence complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system extracts the essential function of obtaining alternative translations by separating it from the complex input processes. Instead of requiring users to re-enter text or perform complex input sequences, the system allows users to access alternative translations through a simple device shake gesture, extracting and isolating this function for easy access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

Provides a user-friendly interface for switching between translation options, allowing users to easily select alternative translations without restarting the process, improving user experience and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

Based on an accelerometer signal, the processor may determine whether the device is being shaken

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAccelerometer signal detection: Accelerometer

Data Source

PatentUS8954314B2Providing translation alternatives on mobile devices by usage of mechanic signals

Publication Date: 2015.02.10 GOOGLE LLC

AI summary

Disclosed is subject matter that provides a technique and a device that may include an accelerometer, a display device, an input device and a processor. The input device may receive textual information in a first language. The processor may be configured to generate a plurality of probable translation alternatives for a translation result. Each probable translation alternative may be a translation of the textual information into a second language. The processor may present a first of the plurality of probable translation alternatives on the display device in an alternate translation result dialog screen. Based on an accelerometer signal, the processor may determine whether the device is being shaken. In response to a determination the device is being shaken, the processor may present a second of the plurality of probable translation alternatives on the display device in place of the first of the plurality of probable translation alternatives.