Wearable Input Management via Contextual Tactile Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wearable devices often unintentionally perform actions due to accidental activation of input components, leading to undesired results, as they cannot distinguish between intentional and unintentional tactile inputs.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a software-based system in wearable devices to analyze contextual information such as input duration, display state, orientation, and motion to determine whether to accept or reject tactile inputs, allowing for intentional actions to be performed while rejecting unintentional ones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If input components are prominently featured for ready access, then ease of operation is improved, but unintentional activation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Dynamics principle by making the input component's functionality dynamic rather than static. The button can operate in different modes (first mode for immediate action, second mode for delayed confirmation) based on the detected state of the device. This dynamic behavior allows the same physical component to serve different purposes depending on context, resolving the contradiction between ease of access and reliability by adapting its response characteristics to the operational situation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs the Parameter changes principle by altering the temporal parameter of the button's response. Instead of a fixed immediate response, the system modifies the time delay parameter based on device state - immediate execution in one state, delayed confirmation in another. This parameter adjustment allows the input component to maintain accessibility while improving reliability by introducing confirmation delays when appropriate.
2Productivity
If the device performs actions immediately upon input activation, then productivity is improved, but harmful factors increase due to unintended actions
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts its response behavior based on the detected state. When the device is in a stable, expected state, it executes actions immediately for high productivity. When the device detects an unexpected state that might indicate accidental activation, it switches to a confirmation mode that delays execution. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize for speed when safe and prevent harmful unintended actions when risky.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by introducing a confirmation step before executing actions when the device state suggests potential accidental activation. This preliminary check acts as a preventive measure that counters the potential harmful effect of unintended actions. The system proactively detects risky states and pre-empts harmful actions by requiring additional user confirmation before proceeding.
3Reliability
If contextual analysis is added to distinguish intentional from unintentional inputs, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Universality principle by using existing multi-functional sensors already present in the wearable device. The accelerometer, gyroscope, and other motion sensors originally designed for fitness tracking and device orientation detection are repurposed to also detect accidental activation patterns. This multi-functional use of existing components improves reliability through contextual analysis without adding dedicated hardware complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies the Self-service principle by having the device analyze its own operational data to detect accidental activation. Rather than requiring external monitoring or additional specialized sensors, the device uses its own existing sensor data (motion, orientation, usage patterns) to self-diagnose and distinguish between intentional and unintentional inputs. This self-service approach improves reliability while minimizing additional system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Wearable electronic devices, such as watches, can be provided with an ability to detect whether a tactile input provided to an input component, such as a button, is intentional or unintentional. For example, a wearable device can analyze the context in which a tactile input is received, such as attributes of the tactile input and/or operational parameters of the wearable device at the time the tactile input is received. By further example, a wearable device can infer whether a tactile input is a result of an activity, such as exercising, random movement, or collision with an object. The wearable devices can accept or reject the tactile input and determine whether an action associated with the tactile input should be performed.