Touch Input Signature Generation for Discrete Cursor Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Touch screen devices lack precise and discrete input ability, particularly for cursor movement, leading to user frustration and errors due to the inability to accurately position the cursor, which is exacerbated by variations in user input styles, including those from users with disabilities.

Innovation Solution

A computing system with a touch input analysis module and a touch input signature generation module that analyzes signals from sensors to generate a touch input signature for discrete cursor movement, allowing for precise cursor control without additional hardware, by de-noising and analyzing training touch inputs to create a personalized touch input profile.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional touch screen input methods are used, then the device maintains simplicity and requires no additional hardware, but the cursor movement precision and discrete control capability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecursor positioning precisionVSAvoidinput system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical input devices (mouse, trackpad) with a touch-based system that utilizes sensor signals from the touch screen itself. The system substitutes mechanical cursor control with signal analysis of touch patterns, including tap location, duration, and intensity, to achieve precise cursor positioning without additional mechanical components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a cursor control module as an intermediary between the touch screen sensors and the cursor display system. This module processes sensor signals, analyzes touch patterns, and translates them into precise cursor movements, acting as a mediator that enhances control precision while maintaining the simplicity of the existing touch screen hardware.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If standardized touch input thresholds are used, then the system maintains simplicity and quick response, but the adaptability to different user input styles and abilities deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser input style adaptabilityVSAvoidinput recognition system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a training phase where the system collects and analyzes multiple touch inputs from each user before establishing personalized input profiles. This preliminary action allows the system to learn individual user patterns, including tap location variations, hold durations, and movement characteristics, creating customized thresholds that adapt to each user's input style without requiring complex real-time adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates dynamic, user-specific touch input thresholds that adapt based on individual user patterns rather than using fixed standardized values. The system continuously refines acceptance criteria based on learned user behaviors, allowing the input recognition system to become increasingly tailored to each user's abilities and styles over time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If touch screen devices are used without additional hardware, then the device portability and simplicity are maintained, but the discrete input capability and cursor control precision deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediscrete cursor controlVSAvoidhardware components
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the existing touch screen serve multiple functions: it acts as both the display interface and the input sensing mechanism. By analyzing various aspects of touch interactions (location, duration, intensity, patterns) from the same touch screen sensors, the system achieves discrete cursor control capabilities without requiring separate input hardware, maximizing the utility of existing components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables the touch screen device to provide its own precise input capabilities through software-based signal analysis rather than requiring external input devices. The system uses the touch screen's inherent sensing capabilities, combined with pattern recognition algorithms, to generate discrete cursor control functions that would traditionally require additional hardware like mice or trackpads.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3195097B1Generation of a touch input signature for discrete cursor movement
Publication Date: 2020.07.29 HEWLETT PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LP
  • EP3195097B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3195097B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3195097B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Example techniques to generate a touch input signature for discrete cursor movement are disclosed. In one example implementation according to aspects of the present disclosure, a plurality of signals generated by a sensor of a computing system is analyzed. The plurality of signals correspond to a series of training touch inputs received on a surface of the computing system. A touch input signature for discrete cursor movement is then generated based on the plurality of signals corresponding to the series of training touch inputs.