Touch Input Location Correction Under Device Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Handheld electronic devices face inaccuracies in touch-based inputs due to unintended motion caused by external forces, such as bumps or vibrations, leading to incorrect targeting of virtual buttons or controls.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a motion sensing system that detects relative motion between the device and the user's input member, using data from wearable devices and onboard sensors to determine if a touch input was affected by external forces, and applying corrections to accurately determine the intended input location based on pre-contact motion data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If motion sensing and correction systems are implemented, then touch input accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the motion detection and correction functionality into separate modules: a motion sensing system for detecting device motion, a touch sensor for detecting contact locations, and a processor for determining relative motion and applying corrections. This modular segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while working together to improve touch input accuracy without overwhelming the overall device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary motion detection before the touch contact is registered. The motion sensing system continuously monitors device motion, and the processor determines relative motion for a time period prior to contact detection. This preliminary action allows the system to prepare correction data in advance, enabling accurate input location determination when the touch occurs without adding significant processing delay.
2Measurement precision
If relative motion detection is performed for all touches, then input accuracy is improved, but processing time and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies motion correction selectively rather than universally. The processor determines whether relative motion exceeds a threshold before applying correction to the touch input location. This partial action approach ensures that correction processing is performed only when necessary (when significant relative motion is detected), reducing unnecessary processing time and energy consumption for touches that occur during stable device conditions while still maintaining accuracy when motion is present.
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
This solution enhances the accuracy of touch inputs by compensating for unintended motion, ensuring that users can reliably interact with electronic devices even in dynamic environments, such as vehicles or during physical activities, by correctly identifying intended targets and reducing errors.
Implementation Method 1
detecting motion of the electronic device, and determining the relative motion between the input member and the input surface based at least in part on the motion of the user's wrist and the motion of the electronic device
Implementation Method 2
capturing, with the camera, video of the input member, and analyzing the video of the input member to determine the relative motion between the input member and the input surface
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes a housing, a display at least partially within the housing, a cover positioned over the display and defining an input surface of the electronic device, a motion sensing system configured to detect a motion of the electronic device, and a touch sensor configured to detect, within a time window after the motion of the electronic device is detected, a contact of an input member of a user on the input surface of the electronic device. The electronic device is configured to determine, for a time prior to the detection of the contact, a relative motion between the input member and the input surface. In accordance with a determination that a characteristic of the relative motion satisfies a threshold condition, the electronic device may determine a second input location based at least in part on the location of the contact and the relative motion.