Single-Handed Input Interface Using Digit Flexion Pressure Sensors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional user interfaces require two hands and do not effectively account for individual differences in how users interact with buttons, leading to inefficiencies in inputting characters and commands due to varying hand kinematics and ergonomics.

Innovation Solution

A single-handed interface device with pressure sensors aligned with the user's digits, a coincidence detector, character mapping, and user profile, which determines pressure data from digit flexions to input characters and commands, allowing for ergonomic and efficient input based on user-specific pressure thresholds and kinematics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional user interfaces with binary buttons are used, then device complexity is reduced, but input efficiency and ergonomics deteriorate due to requiring two hands and not accounting for individual user differences

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinput efficiencyVSAvoidinterface complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The interface device is segmented into multiple pressure sensors, each corresponding to a specific digit position. This segmentation allows independent detection of pressure from each finger, enabling efficient single-handed input while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular sensor arrangement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The interface transitions from binary button presses (one dimension) to multi-dimensional pressure detection across multiple sensor points. By detecting pressure magnitude and distribution across the surface, the system captures richer input information without proportionally increasing complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

If pressure sensors are added to detect digit flexions, then input precision and user adaptability improve, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure detection precisionVSAvoidsensor system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pressure sensor array serves multiple functions: detecting digit flexion, determining character input, and adapting to individual user pressure patterns. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering precise measurement capabilities across diverse input scenarios

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system monitors changes in pressure parameters over time to detect digit flexion events. By analyzing pressure magnitude, rate of change, and temporal patterns, the system achieves high measurement precision while managing complexity through parameter-based detection algorithms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If the interface is designed for single-handed operation, then ease of operation improves, but the range of detectable inputs may be limited compared to two-handed interfaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesingle-handed operation easeVSAvoidinput range

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The interface dynamically adapts to single-handed input patterns by detecting which digits are actively used and adjusting sensitivity thresholds accordingly. This dynamic adaptation maintains ease of single-handed operation while preserving input versatility through real-time parameter adjustment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that learn from user input patterns over time. By analyzing which digit combinations are frequently used and adjusting detection parameters accordingly, the interface maintains versatility for various input types while optimizing for ease of single-handed operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 ergonomic single-handed input of characters, symbols, and commands by accurately interpreting digit flexions and pressure data, accommodating individual user differences and preferences, thus improving input efficiency and ergonomics.

Implementation Method 1

pressure sensors may be positioned on the user interface device, wherein different sensors are configured to align with the digits on a user's hand... the pressure sensors may be configured to determine pressure data, wherein the pressure data is associated with an amount of pressure applied by flexions of the user's digits

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure detection: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS10146330B2Systems and methods for character and command input

Publication Date: 2018.12.04 LAWRENCE MATTHEW SWAN

AI summary

Embodiments disclosed herein describe systems and methods for a user interface allowing a user to input characters, numbers, commands, symbols, etc. with a single hand. Embodiments of the user interface may be a hardware device configured to conform to a user's grip, wherein the device is configured to determine pressure caused by flexions of each of the digits on the user's hand.