Wearable Device Motion Gesture Interface Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wearable computing devices face challenges in user interaction, particularly when users are engaged in activities that prevent precise speech or touch inputs, such as cycling or attending events, as they require focus and control that may not be feasible in these situations.

Innovation Solution

A wearable computing device that detects specific movements associated with predefined patterns, allowing users to navigate through a visual stack of content cards without the need for voice commands or precise touch inputs, by altering the presentation and arrangement of the cards based on detected motion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If speech input or touch input is used for GUI interaction, then input precision can be achieved, but user focus and control are required that may not be feasible during immersive activities

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinput precisionVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces speech input and touch input mechanisms with motion detection mechanisms. The wearable device uses motion sensors to detect specific movement patterns (such as wrist rotations or hand gestures) to trigger GUI navigation actions, eliminating the need for speech or precise touch inputs during activities like cycling or cooking.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces motion detection technology as an intermediary between the user and the GUI. Instead of directly interacting with the interface through speech or touch, the user performs natural movements that are detected and translated into navigation commands, serving as a mediator that works during immersive activities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If conventional input methods (speech, touch) are required, then control precision is improved, but battery power is consumed due to continuous processing requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoidbattery power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic motion detection sampling rather than continuous processing. The motion sensor takes periodic readings and only triggers processing when a predefined movement pattern is detected, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining control precision when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the device's natural movement during normal use to provide input signals, eliminating the need for dedicated input actions. The motion detection leverages the device's own operational context (being worn and moved during activities) to generate navigation commands without requiring additional energy-intensive processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If speech commands or precise touch inputs are used, then input accuracy is maintained, but false inputs may occur during immersive activities

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinput accuracyVSAvoidinput reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by defining specific, localized movement patterns that correspond to specific GUI actions. Rather than accepting any input, the system recognizes predetermined motion patterns (such as a specific wrist rotation direction or gesture) to trigger navigation, reducing false inputs while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Measurement precision

If the device requires focus and control for input, then input precision is achieved, but user immersion in activities is disrupted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinput precisionVSAvoidadaptability to activities
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the input mechanism universal by using natural body movements that occur during various activities (cycling, cooking, exercising, etc.) as the input method. The same motion detection system works across different contexts and activities, making the device adaptable to immersive situations while maintaining input precision through pattern recognition.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3164785B1Wearable device user interface control
Publication Date: 2018.05.16 GOOGLE LLC
  • EP3164785B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3164785B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3164785B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3C

AI summary

A wearable computing device is described that displays a visual stack of content cards in a first arrangement from a plurality of arrangements. The wearable computing device has a motion sensor that detects movement of the wearable computing device. Responsive to determining that the movement of the wearable computing device corresponds to a predefined movement, the wearable computing device selects, based on the predefined movement, a second arrangement from the plurality of arrangements, the second arrangement being different from the first arrangement, and displays the visual stack of content cards in the second arrangement.