User Interface Control via Displacement Rate Zones

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing user interfaces for controlling systems are relatively unresponsive, relying on binary distance-based cues that lead to transitions between functionalities, resulting in cluttered and confusing interactions.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that make at least a perceptible part of the user interface available based on the rate of displacement of a user's body part, using multiple zones to change configurations and provide intuitive, responsive control by linking the rate of body part movement to user interface changes, thereby simplifying and expanding user control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If binary distance-based cues are used for user interface control, then the system is simple to implement, but the user interface becomes unresponsive and cluttered

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser interface responsivenessVSAvoidcontrol mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the control parameter from binary distance thresholds to continuous rate-of-displacement measurement. By measuring how fast a user's body part moves rather than just where they are, the system creates multiple discrete zones based on movement speed, enabling responsive user interface configurations that adapt to user intent while maintaining implementation simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts user interface configurations based on real-time rate-of-displacement measurements. Different user interface versions are made available depending on the observed rate of body part displacement, creating a dynamic and adaptive control mechanism that responds to user actions more intuitively

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple functionalities are made available simultaneously, then the system is versatile, but the user interface becomes cluttered and confusing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser interface configuration rangeVSAvoiduser interface clarity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the user interface into different versions or configurations, each associated with specific functionalities. By dividing the control mechanism into discrete zones based on rate of displacement, the system presents only relevant controls to the user at any given time, reducing clutter while maintaining versatility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different parts of the user interface are made available locally based on the observed rate of displacement. The system provides appropriate controls for each zone, ensuring that only relevant functionality is presented to the user in their current interaction context, improving clarity while maintaining adaptability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP2227729B1Method of providing a user interface
Publication Date: 2022.10.19 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV
  • EP2227729B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2227729B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2227729B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method of providing a user interface for controlling a system (1;27) includes observing a presence of a body or body part of a user in a certain environment of a device (6,14-17;30). At least a perceptible part (28,34) of the user interface is made available to the user in association with a particular functionality for interacting with the system (1;27) controlled by the user interface in dependence on a rate of displacement of the body or body part of the user observed in the certain environment.