Smartwatch Obstruction-Free Interaction via Projection
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Solution Overview
Problem
User interactions with smartwatches are hindered by the small display area and poor resolution, often obstructed by the user's hand or fingers, leading to inefficient use and annoyance.
Innovation Solution
A smartwatch system that pairs with a companion device, using sensors and a camera to detect obstructions and project the smartwatch's display area onto a surface, creating a larger, higher-resolution viewing area for easier interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If the smartwatch display area is kept small for portability and wrist comfort, then the device can be worn comfortably on the wrist, but the display becomes difficult to view and interact with when obstructed by the user's hand or fingers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent projects the smartwatch display content from the two-dimensional wrist-mounted screen onto a larger surface in a different spatial dimension (such as a wall, table, or air display). This dimensional transition allows users to view and interact with content on a larger scale while the smartwatch remains compact on the wrist, effectively resolving the contradiction between small form factor and ease of interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a projector or display system as an intermediary device between the smartwatch and the user. This intermediary projects the display content to a larger surface, serving as a mediator that bridges the gap between the small smartwatch screen and the user's need for larger interaction area, allowing comfortable viewing without requiring the smartwatch itself to be larger.
2Measurement precision
If the smartwatch display resolution is increased for better visibility, then the display quality improves, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a projected copy of the smartwatch display content on a larger surface. Instead of increasing the resolution of the physical smartwatch screen, the system projects a high-resolution copy of the display to a larger area, allowing users to view fine details without requiring the smartwatch itself to have extremely high resolution, thus reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions the display from the constrained two-dimensional space of the smartwatch screen to a larger projection surface in a different dimension. This allows the same content to be displayed at higher effective resolution on the projected surface without requiring the smartwatch display hardware to be more complex or expensive.
3Area of stationary object
If the smartwatch display area is enlarged for easier viewing, then visibility improves, but the device size increases making it less comfortable to wear on the wrist
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the display function from the wearing function by projecting the display content to a larger surface in a different spatial dimension. The smartwatch remains small and lightweight on the wrist for comfort, while the projected display provides the enlarged viewing area needed for easy visibility and interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a projector or display system as an intermediary that provides the enlarged display area without requiring the smartwatch itself to be larger. This intermediary handles the function of providing large display area, allowing the smartwatch to remain compact and comfortable for wrist wear.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments include methods, systems, and computer program products method for obstruction free smartwatch interactions. The computer-implemented method includes pairing, using a processor, a smartwatch, and a companion device. The processor detects one or more obstructions to a display area of the smartwatch. The processor further determines that the one or more obstructions are caused by a user attempting to interact with the smartwatch. The method further projects content associated with the smartwatch onto a surface by the companion device in response to the one or more obstructions being caused by the user attempting to interact with the smartwatch. The method further receives a first input at the smartwatch via an interaction with the projected content associated with the smartwatch.