Wearable Tap Detection for Portable Device Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing input devices for portable electronic devices, such as mobile phones and music players, are cumbersome to use due to the need to extract them from pockets or bags for volume adjustments and other operations, leading to difficulties in executing precise inputs, especially with small keys and complex gestures that can confuse daily actions with intended operations.
Innovation Solution
An input device that detects body movements by tapping, using a detection unit and input information determination unit to identify tap positions based on varying detection data, allowing for input operations without physically interacting with the device, such as arranging input areas on the user's arm for controlling portable music players.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If input keys are arranged in a small bracelet-type input device, then the device can be worn on the user's body, but it becomes difficult to execute input operations and recognize the input keys
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a small bracelet-type device with physical keys to a wearable device that utilizes the user's arm as the input interface. By detecting tap positions on different parts of the arm, the system expands the input dimension from a compact form factor to a distributed body-area interface, resolving the contradiction between wearability and input ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a detection unit as an intermediary between the user's tap input and the control unit. This detection unit captures body movement data and enables the system to interpret tap positions on the arm, serving as a mediator that translates physical gestures into actionable commands without requiring small physical keys.
2Adaptability or versatility
If only one type of ON/OFF operation is used, then the input method is simple, but it is difficult to realize operations corresponding to a plurality of functions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by associating different functions with different tap positions on the user's arm. Each region of the arm corresponds to specific input areas that trigger different operations, allowing a single input method (tapping) to control multiple functions based on the location of the tap rather than requiring multiple input device types.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple gestures with complex actions are used as input operations, then more functions can be controlled, but it becomes difficult to distinguish the input operations from daily actions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses local quality by defining specific input areas on the user's arm where taps are detected. By combining the detection of tap position (location) with tap intensity (force), the system can distinguish intentional input operations from daily actions while maintaining a simple and reliable input method that reduces input errors.
4Productivity
If the user needs to extract the device from a pocket or bag for input operations, then the device can be operated, but it increases operational time and may cause input errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by making the user's own body (arm) the input interface. The detection unit worn on the user's body detects tap positions directly, eliminating the need to extract the device from a pocket or bag. This self-service approach allows the user to control the device at any time without additional manipulation steps, significantly improving both productivity and ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
An input device comprises: a detection unit that detects a body movement generated by tapping a user body as detection data; and an input information determination unit that refers to the detection data, determines a tap position based on a fact that the detection data varies depending on the tap position, and outputs an operation command associated with the determined tap position.