Wearable UI Redirection for Hands-Free Accessibility Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices face challenges in user interface control access when multimedia content is redirected from a smaller device to a larger display, particularly when the user's hands are occupied or unclean, leading to potential soiling of the device.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves dynamically redirecting user interface controls from the primary electronic device to a wearable companion device, such as a smartwatch, when predefined accessibility and proximity criteria are met, allowing gesture-based control using predefined gestures in three-dimensional space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If multimedia content is redirected from a smartphone to a larger display device, then the viewing experience is improved, but user interface control access becomes difficult when hands are occupied

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay sizeVSAvoidinterface control access

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A wearable device acts as an intermediary between the user and the content presentation system. The wearable receives control signals from the user and transmits them to the content player on the larger display, enabling control without direct interaction with the main device. This mediator approach resolves the contradiction by providing indirect control access when direct access is difficult.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical/tactile control interfaces (buttons, touchscreens) with wireless communication-based control through the wearable device. The control signals are transmitted wirelessly from the wearable to the content player, substituting the need for physical interaction with the main device interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Illumination intensity

If the electronic device is docked for content presentation, then the viewing experience is improved, but the user cannot easily access the device for control

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay sizeVSAvoiddevice accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The wearable device serves as a mobile intermediary that bridges the gap between the user and the docked electronic device. It receives control inputs from the user and relays them to the docked device via wireless communication, eliminating the need for the user to physically access the docked device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The control interface is moved from the spatial dimension of the docked device to the wearable device worn on the user's body. This dimensional shift allows control access independent of the docked device's physical location, resolving the accessibility issue.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of operation

If the user touches the electronic device to control it, then control is achieved, but the device may become soiled when hands are unclean

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol capabilityVSAvoidcontamination

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces direct tactile contact with the device with wireless communication through the wearable device. Control signals are transmitted wirelessly, eliminating the mechanical contact that would transfer contaminants from the user's hands to the device surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The wearable device acts as a hygienic intermediary that the user can touch (or gesture near) without contaminating the main electronic device. It receives control inputs and transmits them wirelessly to the docked device, protecting the main device from contamination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12481251B2Electronic devices and corresponding methods for redirecting user interface controls during accessibility contexts

Publication Date: 2025.11.25 MOTOROLA MOBILITY LLC

AI summary

A method in an electronic device includes detecting, with one or more processors, a communication device electronically in communication with both a content presentation companion device operating as a primary display for the electronic device and a wearable companion device while an application operating on the one or more processors presents content on the content presentation companion device, one or more sensors of the electronic device determine an accessibility context of the electronic device meets at least a first predefined criterion and a proximity context of the electronic device meets at least a second predefined criterion. In response, the one or more processors redirect one or more user interface controls from a user interface of the electronic device to a user interface of the wearable companion device.