Wearable Device Gesture Input Interface

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current input methods for smart glasses, such as voice commands, are inadequate for text input, limiting user interaction and control.

Innovation Solution

A wearable device that sets an input region based on user motion and provides a virtual input interface, using a glasses-type wearable device with an image sensor and display to recognize gestures and display a corresponding interface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If voice command is used for control, then the wearable device can be operated hands-free, but text input capability is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehands-free operationVSAvoidtext input capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an air interface as an intermediary between the user and the wearable device. This virtual interface is projected into the user's field of view and can be interacted with through gesture recognition, combining the benefits of hands-free operation with text input capability. The air interface acts as a mediator that translates gestures into text input commands.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical input methods (physical keyboards, buttons) with a gesture-based air interface system. The image sensor detects gestures in the air space, and the processor translates these gestures into text input, eliminating the need for physical contact while maintaining text input functionality.

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

2Device complexity

If traditional input methods are used, then the device structure remains simple, but user interaction versatility is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structureVSAvoiduser interaction methods
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the wearable device multi-functional by enabling it to perform both voice command recognition and gesture-based text input through the air interface. The same image sensor and processor that handle voice commands are also used to detect gestures and generate text input, allowing one system to serve multiple input purposes.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds a spatial dimension to user interaction by creating a three-dimensional air interface that extends beyond the device itself. Users can interact with the interface in the air space in front of them, adding depth and spatial awareness to the input method while maintaining device structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If air interface is projected, then text input versatility is improved, but display energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetext input capabilityVSAvoiddisplay energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic or on-demand activation of the air interface display rather than continuous operation. The display can be activated when text input is needed and deactivated when not in use, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining text input capability when required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The air interface display characteristics (brightness, size, position) can be dynamically adjusted based on user needs and environmental conditions. The display may be dimmed or reduced in size during operation to conserve energy while remaining sufficiently visible for text input tasks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 easy and versatile input control through a virtual interface on actual or virtual objects, enhancing user interaction beyond voice commands.

Implementation Method 1

an image sensor configured to sense a gesture image of a user setting a user input region

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImage sensing: Photography

Implementation Method 2

a display configured to present a virtual input interface corresponding to the user input region

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentEP4239456B1Method and glasses type wearable device for providing a virtual input interface
Publication Date: 2025.07.09 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4239456B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1d
  • EP4239456B1 patent drawingFigure 1e~2
  • EP4239456B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~4a

AI summary

Provided is a wearable device including: an image sensor configured to sense a gesture image of a user setting a user input region; and a display configured to provide a virtual input interface corresponding to the set user input region.