APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR OPERATING A USER INTERFACE OF A
DEVICE
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS/INCORPORATION BY
REFERENCE
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. patent application serial
number 13/786,641 filed on March 6, 201 3 . This application makes reference to
United States Patent Application Serial No. 13/736,241 filed on January 8,
2013. The entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by
reference.
FIELD
[0002] Various embodiments of the disclosure relate to a user interface.
More specifically, various embodiments of the disclosure relate to an apparatus
and method for operating a user interface of a device.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Generally, devices include a user interface that enables users to
interact with and operate the device. A user interface may function as an input
mechanism that may receive a user input. In certain scenarios, a user interface
may also function as an output mechanism that displays results of an operation
performed based on a user input. Examples of a user interface may be a button
on a device and/or a remote control associated with a device, a touch screen, a
voice-based user interface, a display screen, and the like. Generally, a user
interface of a device may be integrated with the device and/or may be
implemented on another device communicatively coupled to the device. A user
may operate a user interface of a device by directly interacting with the user
interface. Moreover, a user may be required to remember a complex sequence
of keys of a user interface and/or navigate through menu hierarchies to operate
a user interface. Furthermore, a user interface implemented using a certain
technology may restrict the ways in which a user may operate the user
interface.
[0004] Further limitations and disadvantages of conventional and traditional
approaches will become apparent to one of skill in the art, through comparison
of described systems with some aspects of the present disclosure, as set forth
in the remainder of the present application, with reference to the drawings.
SUMMARY
[0005] An apparatus and/or a method for operating a user interface of a
device substantially as shown in, and/or described in connection with, at least
one of the figures, as set forth more completely in the claims.
[0006] These and other features and advantages of the present disclosure
may be appreciated from a review of the following detailed description of the
present disclosure, along with the accompanying figures in which like reference
numerals refer to like parts throughout.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating operating a user interface of a
device based on a movement of an object within a pre-defined distance, in
accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.
[0008] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an exemplary apparatus for operating a
user interface of a device, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.
[0009] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a pre-defined distance
within which an object may move, in accordance with an embodiment of the
disclosure.
[0010] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of determining a direction
of movement of an object based on vector analysis, in accordance with an
embodiment of the disclosure.
[001 1] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an exemplary device that may be
operated based on a movement of an object within a pre-defined distance, in
accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.
[0012] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example implementation of
operation of a lamp based on a movement of an object within a pre-defined
distance, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.
[0013] FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating exemplary steps for generating a
control signal in an apparatus for operating a user interface of a device based
on a movement of an object within a pre-defined distance, in accordance with
an embodiment of the disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] Various implementations may be found in an apparatus and/or a
method for operating a user interface of a device. The apparatus may detect a
movement of an object within a pre-defined distance from a surface. The
apparatus may generate one or more signals in response to the detected
movement. The apparatus may generate a control signal corresponding to the
one or more generated signals to operate the user interface of the device.
[0015] The apparatus may track the movement of the object along a path
within the pre-defined distance. The tracking may comprise determining one or
more locations of the object along the path. The apparatus may determine a pair
of coordinates in a two-dimensional coordinate system corresponding to each of
the one or more determined locations. Each of the determined pair of
coordinates is indicative of position of each of the determined one or more
locations in the two-dimensional coordinate system. The apparatus may
determine a closed region formed by a plurality of the determined pair of
coordinates in the two-dimensional coordinate system. The apparatus may
determine a polarity of an area of the determined closed region. The apparatus
may determine a direction of the movement based on the determined polarity of
the area. The determined direction of the movement corresponds to an
operation associated with the device.
[0016] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating operating a user interface of a
device based on a movement of an object within a pre-defined distance, in
accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. In reference to FIG. 1, there
is shown a device 102, an apparatus 104 for operating a user interface of the
device 102, a surface 106, and an object 108 for interacting with the surface
106.
[0017] The device 102 may correspond to a machine that may be operated
by a user. The device 102 may perform one or more operations when operated
by a user. The device 102 may be an electrical device, a mechanical device, an
electronic device, and/or a combination thereof. Examples of the device 102
may include, but are not limited to, mobile phones, laptops, tablet computers,
televisions, Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) devices, vehicles, home
appliances, media playing devices, and/or any other device operable by a user.
[0018] The apparatus 104 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces,
and/or code that may be operable to operate the user interface of the device
102 based on a movement of the object 108 within a pre-defined distance from
the surface 106. In an embodiment, the pre-defined distance may be located
above and/or below the surface 106. The apparatus 104 may create an
operating space at the pre-defined distance above the table. An operating
space corresponds to a three-dimensional (3D) volume relative to the surface
106 within which a user may move the object 108. The apparatus 104 may
determine the pre-defined distance based on the sensitivity of a plurality of
sensors associated with the apparatus 104.
[0019] In an embodiment, the apparatus 104 may be communicatively
coupled with the device 102 via a wired or wireless communication network.
Examples of the communication network may include, but are not limited to, a
Bluetooth network, a Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) network, and/or a ZigBee network.
In another embodiment, the apparatus 104 may be integrated with the device
102.
[0020] The surface 106 may correspond to any surface. The surface 106
may be composed of various materials, such as wood, glass, plastic, metal,
cardboard, and concrete. Examples of the surface 106 may include, but are not
limited to, a table top, a wall, a floor, a cover of the device 102, and/or any
surface. In an embodiment, the surface 106 may be a part of the device 102.
In an embodiment, the surface 106 may not be a part of the device 102. In
another embodiment, the surface 106 may be a surface on which the device
102 is placed and/or fixed. In another embodiment, the device 102 may not be
in contact with the surface 106.
[0021] The apparatus 104 may be coupled to the surface 106. In an
embodiment, the apparatus 104 may be fixed on the surface 106. For example,
a table top may be used as the surface 106. The apparatus 104 may be fixed
above and/or below the table top. In another embodiment, the apparatus 104
may be embedded in the surface 106. In another embodiment, the surface 106
may be an integrated part of the apparatus 104. For example, a cover of the
apparatus 104 may correspond to the surface 106. Notwithstanding, the
disclosure may not be so limited and any part of the body of the apparatus 104
may correspond to the surface 106 without limiting the scope of the disclosure.
[0022] The apparatus 104 may effectively convert a surface into an input
mechanism that enables a user to operate a user interface of the device 102.
For example, the apparatus 104 may be coupled to a table. The apparatus 104
may create an operating space at a pre-defined distance above the table. User
interface controls of the device 102 may be mapped to locations within the pre
defined distance. A user may operate the user interface of the device 102 by
interacting with the table within the pre-defined distance.
[0023] A user may interact with the surface 106 in many ways using one or
more objects, such as the object 108. Examples of the object 108 may include,
but are not limited to, a hand of a user, a stylus, a prosthetic device, and/or any
object capable of moving relative to the surface 106. A user may move the
object 108 relative to the surface 106 within a pre-defined distance. Examples
of the movement of the object 108, relative to the surface 106 may include, but
are not limited to, a clockwise and/or a counter-clockwise movement of the
object 108 above and/or below the surface 106. A clockwise movement and/or
a counter-clockwise movement may be such that a closed region is formed as a
result of the movement.
[0024] In an embodiment, a user may move the object 108 on the surface
106 such that the object 108 is in contact with the surface 106. In another
embodiment, a user may move the object 108 above the surface 106 such that
the object 108 is not in contact with the surface 106. In another embodiment, a
user may move the object 108 below the surface 106 such that the object 108 is
not in contact with the surface 106. Based on the movement, a user may
operate one or more operations of the device 102.
[0025] In operation, the apparatus 104 may be coupled to the surface 106.
The apparatus 104 may create an operating space at a pre-defined distance
above and/or below the surface 106 for moving the object 108 relative to the
surface 106. A user may move the object 108 relative to the surface 106 within
the pre-defined distance such that a closed region is formed as a result of the
movement. The apparatus 104 may detect the movement of the object 108. In
response to the detected movement, the apparatus 104 may generate one or
more signals. The apparatus 104 may generate a control signal corresponding
to the one or more generated signals. The apparatus 104 may communicate
the generated control signal to the device 102 to operate a user interface of the
device 102.
[0026] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an exemplary apparatus for operating a
user interface of a device, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.
The block diagram of FIG. 2 is described in conjunction with the block diagram
of FIG. 1.
[0027] In reference to FIG. 2, there is shown the apparatus 104. The
apparatus 104 may comprise one or more processors, such as a processor 202,
a memory 204, at least one pair of sensors (such as a first sensor 206a and a
second sensor 206b), a receiver 208, and a transmitter 210. The first sensor
206a and the second sensor 206b may be collectively referred to as sensors
206.
[0028] The processor 202 may be communicatively coupled to the memory
204, and the sensors 206. Further, the receiver 208 and the transmitter 2 10
may be communicatively coupled to the processor 202, the memory 204, and
the sensors 206.
[0029] The processor 202 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, and/or
interfaces that may be operable to execute at least one code section stored in
the memory 204. The processor 202 may be implemented based on a number
of processor technologies known in the art. Examples of the processor 202 may
include, but are not limited to, an X86-based processor, a Reduced Instruction
Set Computing (RISC) processor, an Application-Specific Integrated Circuit
(ASIC) processor, and/or a Complex Instruction Set Computer (CISC)
processor.
[0030] The memory 204 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces,
and/or code that may be operable to store a machine code and/or a computer
program having the at least one code section executable by the processor 202.
Examples of implementation of the memory 204 may include, but are not limited
to, Random Access Memory (RAM), Read Only Memory (ROM), Hard Disk
Drive (HDD), and/or a Secure Digital (SD) card. The memory 204 may further
be operable to store data, such as configuration settings of the apparatus 104,
settings of the sensors 206, direction-operation mapping data, and/or any other
data.
[0031] The sensors 206 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces,
and/or code that may be operable to detect a movement of the object 108.
Examples of the sensors 206 may include, but are not limited to, an ultrasonic
sensor, an infra-red sensor, and/or any sensor operable to detect a movement
of the object 08 and generate signals in response to the detected movement.
In an embodiment, the first sensor 206a and the second sensor 206b may form
a pair of transmitter and receiver. For example, the first sensor 206a and the
second sensor 206b may be ultrasonic sensors. The first sensor 206a may act
as an ultrasonic transmitter that transmits ultrasonic signals. The second
sensor 206b may act as an ultrasonic receiver that receives the ultrasonic
signals transmitted by the first sensor 206a. In another example, the first sensor
206a and the second sensor 206b may be infra-red sensors. The first sensor
206a may act as an infra-red transmitter that transmits infra-red signals. The
second sensor 206b may act as an infra-red receiver that receives the infra-red
signals transmitted by the first sensor 206a. Notwithstanding, the disclosure
may not be so limited and any other sensors operable as a pair of transmitterreceiver
may be used without limiting the scope of the disclosure.
[0032] In an embodiment, the sensors 206 may be an integral part of the
apparatus 104. The apparatus 104 may be coupled to the surface 106 in such
a manner that the sensors 206 may be in contact with the surface 106. In
another embodiment, the sensors 206 may be external to the apparatus 104.
The sensors 206 may be coupled to and/or embedded in the surface 106. In an
embodiment, the apparatus 104 may be communicatively coupled to the
sensors 206 via a wired or wireless communication medium. Examples of the
communication medium may include, but are not limited to, a Bluetooth network,
a Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) network, and/or a ZigBee network.
[0033] In an embodiment, the first sensor 206a and the second sensor 206b
are positioned orthogonally. In an embodiment, a manufacturer of the
apparatus 104 may specify the position of the sensors 206 on the surface 106.
In another embodiment, a user associated with the apparatus 104 may
customize the position of the sensors 206 on the surface 106.
[0034] In another embodiment, the first sensor 206a and the second sensor
206b may be infra-red sensors. The first sensor 206a and the second sensor
206b may be coupled to the surface 106, such that an infra-red signal from the
first sensor 206a is transmitted to the second sensor 206b via air above the
surface 106. A region above the surface 106 via which the infra-red signal
travels may correspond to a pre-defined distance located above the surface
106.
[0035] The receiver 208 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces,
and/or code that may be operable to receive data and messages. The receiver
208 may receive data in accordance with various known communication
protocols. In an embodiment, the receiver 208 may receive the signal
generated by the sensors 206 external to the apparatus 104. The receiver 208
may implement known technologies for supporting wired or wireless
communication between the apparatus 104 and the sensors 206 external to the
apparatus 104.
[0036] The transmitter 210 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces,
and/or code that may be operable to transmit data and/or messages. The
transmitter 2 10 may transmit data, in accordance with various known
communication protocols. In an embodiment, the transmitter 2 10 may transmit
a control signal to operate the user interface of the device 102.
[0037] In operation, the apparatus 104 may be coupled to the surface 106.
A user may interact with the surface 106 using the object 108. The apparatus
104 may allow a user to operate the user interface of the device 102 based on
the interaction with the surface 106. The user may interact within a pre-defined
distance from the surface 106 to operate the user interface of the device 102.
In an embodiment, a user may interact with the surface 106 using a hand. For
example, a user may move the object 108 (such as rotate a hand) clockwise
within the pre-defined distance to form a closed region. In another example, a
user may move the object 108 (such as rotate a hand) counter-clockwise within
a pre-defined distance to form a closed region. In another embodiment, a user
may perform a gesture within the pre-defined distance using the object 108. An
example of the gesture may be drawing a closed shape.
[0038] In response to the interaction of the object 108 with the surface 106,
the sensors 206 may sense the movement of the object 108 within the predefined
distance. The sensors 206 may generate one or more signals that
correspond to the sensed movement. The processor 202 may generate a
control signal that corresponds to the generated one or more signals to operate
the user interface of the device 102.
[0039] The sensors 206 may be operable to track a movement of the object
108 along a path within a pre-defined distance. The sensors 206 may be
operable to track a movement by determining one or more locations of the
object 108 along a path. The processor 202 may be operable to represent each
of the determined one or more locations in a two-dimensional (2D) coordinate
system. The processor 202 may be operable to determine a pair of coordinates
in a 2D coordinate system corresponding to each of the one or more determined
locations. Each pair of coordinates may correspond to a point in the 2D
coordinate system. Each point in the 2D coordinate system represents a
location of the object 108 while moving along a path within a pre-defined
distance. Each of the determined pairs of coordinates is indicative of the
position of the determined one or more locations of the object 108 in the 2D
coordinate system.
[0040] A plurality of points corresponding to a plurality of pairs of coordinates
in the 2D coordinate system, when connected together, may form a closed
region. An example of such a closed region may be a polygon. The processor
202 may determine the closed region formed by the plurality of points. The
processor 202 may determine an area of the determined closed region. The
processor 202 may further determine a polarity of the determined area. The
polarity of the determined area may be positive or negative. In an embodiment,
the processor 202 may determine an area of a closed region and a polarity of
the area based on vector analysis.
[0041] The processor 202 may be operable to determine a direction of
movement of the object 108 based on the determined polarity of the area of the
closed region. For example, a positive polarity of the determined area may
correspond to a clockwise movement of the object 108. In another example, a
negative polarity of the determined area may correspond to a counter-clockwise
movement of the object 108. The determined direction of movement
corresponds to an operation associated with the device 102.
[0042] The processor 202 may generate a control signal based on the
determined direction of movement. The control signal may correspond to an
operation of the device 102 to be operated in response to the movement. The
processor 202 may communicate the generated control signal to the device 102
via the transmitter 2 10 . The device 102 may process the received control signal
and perform the operation that corresponds to the control signal. In an
embodiment, the processor 202 may determine a control signal that
corresponds to the determined direction of movement based on directionoperation
mapping data stored in the memory 204. The direction-operation
mapping data may specify an operation of the device 102 to be operated in
response to a movement of the object 108 within a pre-defined distance.
[0043] In an embodiment, the direction-operation mapping data may be pre
defined. In an embodiment, the manufacturer associated with the apparatus
104 may define an operation of the device 102 that corresponds to a direction of
movement of the object 108 within a pre-defined distance. In another
embodiment, a user operating the apparatus 104 may define an operation of the
device 102 to be operated that corresponds to a direction of movement of the
object 108 within a pre-defined distance. For example, the manufacturer and/or
the user may define that a clockwise movement of the object 108 may
correspond to volume-up control operation of a television. Hence, by moving
the object 108 clockwise, a user may increase volume of the television. In
another example, the manufacturer and/or the user may define that a counter
clockwise movement of the object 108 may correspond to channel change
operation of a television. Thus, by moving the object 108 counter-clockwise, a
user may change channels of the television. In an embodiment, a user may
customize a pre-defined mapping defined by the manufacturer.
[0044] In an embodiment, the processor 202 may receive one or more
configuration settings that correspond to the apparatus 104. Examples of the
one or more configuration settings may include, but are not limited to, one or
more settings associated with the sensors 206 and/or one or more operations to
be performed by the device 102 in response to a movement of the object 108
within a pre-defined distance from the surface 106. In an embodiment, the
processor 202 may allow a user to configure the one or more configuration
settings. In another embodiment, the manufacturer of the apparatus 104 may
specify the one or more configuration settings. The one or more configuration
settings may be stored in the memory 204.
[0045] In an embodiment, the processor 202 may be operable to register one
or more devices (such as the device 102). In an embodiment, the processor
202 may prompt a user to specify the one or more devices with which a user
may interact using the apparatus 104. The processor 202 may register the one
or more devices as specified by the user. In an embodiment, the processor 202
may communicate the generated control signal to the registered device.
[0046] In an embodiment, the processor 202 may search for one or more
devices to interact with based on receiving an identification signal from the one
or more devices. In another embodiment, the transmitter 210 may transmit the
identification signal to the one or more devices. The processor 202 may receive
an acknowledgement of the identification signal from the one or more devices.
The processor 202 may register the one or more devices that may acknowledge
the transmitted identification signal as the devices with which the apparatus 104
may interact. Examples of the identification signal may include, but are not
limited to, a radio frequency signal, an infrared signal, an ultra high frequency
signal, and the like. In an embodiment, the manufacturer of the apparatus 104
may specify the device 102 with which the apparatus 104 may interact.
[0047] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a pre-defined distance
within which an object may move, in accordance with an embodiment of the
disclosure. FIG. 3 is described in conjunction with the block diagrams of FIG. 1
and FIG. 2.
[0048] With reference to FIG. 3, there is shown the surface 106, a pre
defined distance 302 from a point 304 on the surface 106, an operating space
306, the first sensor 206a, and the second sensor 206b. The first sensor 206a
and the second sensor 206b may create the operating space 306 at the predefined
distance 302 on either side, above and/or below the surface 106.
[0049] The point 304 may correspond to any point on the surface 106. A
location of the point 304 on the surface 106 may be selected based on one or
more of: size of the surface 106, shape of the surface 106, sensitivity of the first
sensor 206a and/or the second sensor 206b, surface area detected by the first
sensor 206a and/or the second sensor 206b, and/or a required size, location,
and/or an orientation of the operating space 306. Notwithstanding, the
disclosure may not be so limited and the location of the point 304 on the surface
106 may be selected based on other factors without limiting the scope of the
disclosure.
[0050] The pre-defined distance 302 may be above and/or below the surface
106 such that the operating space 306 may extend above and/or below the
surface 106. The pre-defined distance 302 may be determined based on the
sensitivity of the first sensor 206a and the second sensor 206b. The pre
defined distance 302 may depend on a surface area detected by the first sensor
206a and the second sensor 206b.
[0051] In an embodiment, the pre-defined distance 302 from the point 304
may be determined in such a way that the operating space 306 may enclose the
surface 106. For example, the first sensor 206a and the second sensor 206b
may be located on opposite edges of a table. The point 304 may be determined
such that the point 304 is equidistant from the first sensor 206a and the second
sensor 206b. The pre-defined distance 302 may be determined such that the
operating space 306 is created around the table. A user may move the object
108 within the operating space 306 around the table.
[0052] In another embodiment, the pre-defined distance 302 may be
determined in such a way that the operating space 306 may be associated with
a part of the surface 106. For example, the first sensor 206a and the second
sensor 206b may be located near a center of a table. The point 304 may be
determined such that the center of the table corresponds to the point 304. The
pre-defined distance 302 may be determined such that the operating space 306
encloses a part of the table around the center of the table. A user may move
the object 108 within the operating space 306 above the center of the table.
Notwithstanding, the disclosure may not be so limited and the pre-defined
distance 302 may be determined in any other way without limiting the scope of
the disclosure.
[0053] In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the operating space 306 may
correspond to a sphere of radius equal to the pre-defined distance 302. In
another embodiment, the operating space 306 may be an irregular shape with
different pre-defined distances from the surface 106. Notwithstanding, the
disclosure may not be so limited and the operating space 306 may be of any
shape without limiting the scope of the disclosure. A location, size, shape,
sensitivity level, and/or an orientation of the operating space 306 may depend
on the position of one or both of the first sensor 206a and/or the second sensor
206b. In an embodiment, the first sensor 206a and the second sensor 206b on
the surface 106 may be at a fixed and unchanging position relative to one
another. Thus, the pre-defined distance 302, and a size, shape, location,
orientation, and/or sensitivity level of the operating space 306 would remain
fixed. In another embodiment, a user may adjust a position of the first sensor
206a with respect to the position of the second sensor 206b. Thus, a user may
adjust the pre-defined distance 302, and a size, location, shape, orientation,
and/or sensitivity level of the operating space 306.
[0054] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of determining a direction
of movement of an object based on vector analysis, in accordance with an
embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 4 is described in conjunction with the block
diagrams of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 . The example of determining a direction of
movement of an object based on vector analysis is explained with reference to a
Cartesian coordinate system. Notwithstanding, the disclosure may not be so
limited and any other 2D coordinate system may be used without limiting the
scope of the disclosure.
[0055] In reference to FIG. 4, there is shown a 2D Cartesian coordinate
system 400. The Cartesian coordinate system 400 comprises an X-axis 402, a
Y-axis 404, and a plurality of points, such as a first point 406a, a second point
406b, and the like. The first point 406a, the second point 406b, and the like,
may be collectively referred to as a plurality of points 406. The plurality of points
406, when connected, may form a closed region 408.
[0056] The sensors 206 may track a movement of the object 108 along a
path while moving within a pre-defined distance from the surface 106. The
sensors 206 may track the movement by determining one or more locations of
the object 108 along the path. The plurality of points 406 may correspond to the
determined one or more locations of the object 108 along the path traversed by
the object 108.
[0057] Each point in the Cartesian coordinate system 400 (for example, the
first point 406a and the second point 406b) is associated with a pair of
coordinates. The processor 202 may determine a pair of coordinates in the
Cartesian coordinate system 400 corresponding to each of the one or more
determined locations. Each pair of coordinates in the Cartesian coordinate
system 400 may comprise an X coordinate and a Y coordinate. Table 1
illustrates X coordinates and Y coordinates corresponding to each point of the
Cartesian coordinate system 400.
Table 1
[0058] As shown in Table 1, Xk corresponds to an X coordinate value and Yk
corresponds to a Y coordinate value corresponding to a k h point in the
Cartesian coordinate system 400. For example, X coordinate value (Xi)
corresponding to the first point 406a is 1 and Y coordinate value (Yi)
corresponding to the first point 406a is 2.
[0059] The processor 202 may determine a difference between X coordinate
values of each pair of subsequent points in the Cartesian coordinate system
400. For example, the processor 202 may determine a difference between the
X coordinate value of the first point 406a and the X coordinate value of the
second point 406b. Similarly, the processor 202 may determine differences
between X coordinate values of the second point 406b and a third point 406c, X
coordinate values of the third point 406c and a fourth point 406d, and so forth.
Table 1 shows an example difference between the X coordinate values of pairs
of subsequent points as Xk - Xk+1. For example, as shown in Table 1, a
difference (Xi - X2) between X coordinate value (Xi = 1) of the first point 406a
and X coordinate value (X2 = 3) of the second point 406b is equal to -2.
[0060] Similarly, the processor 202 may determine a sum of Y coordinate
values of each pairs of subsequent points in the Cartesian coordinate system
400. For example, the processor 202 may determine a sum of Y coordinate
value of the first point 406a and Y coordinate value of the second point 406b.
Similarly, the processor 202 may determine sum of Y coordinate values of the
second point 406b and the third point 406c, Y coordinate values of the third
point 406c and the fourth point 406d, and so forth. Table 1 shows an example
sum of Y coordinate values of pairs of subsequent points as Yk + Yk+i . For
example, as shown in Table 1, a sum (Yi + Y2) of Y coordinate value (Yi = 2) of
the first point 406a and Y coordinate value (Y2 = 3) of the second point 406b is
equal to 5 .
[0061] The processor 202 may determine a product of the determined
difference between X coordinate values and the determined sum of Y
coordinate values, which correspond to a pair of subsequent points. In table 1,
Product shows the determined product. For example, a pair of subsequent
points may be the first point 406a and the second point 406b. The processor
202 may determine a product of the difference between X coordinate values (Xi
- X2 = -2) of the pair of the first point 406a and the second point 406b and the
sum of Y coordinate values (Yi + Y2 = 5) of the pair of first point 406a and the
second point 406b. As shown in Table 1, the determined product ((Xi - X2) x (Yi
+ Y2)) is equal to - 10. The processor 202 may determine the product for each
pair of the subsequent points.
[0062] The processor 202 may determine a sum of the determined products
for each pair of the subsequent points. The processor 202 may determine an
area of the closed region 408 formed by the plurality of points 406 based on the
determined sum of the determined products for each pair of the subsequent
points. In an embodiment, the processor 202 may determine an area of the
closed region 408 based on the equation:
1 n
Area = - å (Xk - Xk+i ) (Yk + Yk+i )
k=l
[0063] The processor 202 may determine a polarity of the area of the closed
region 408. The polarity of the area of the closed region 408 corresponds to a
direction of a movement of the object 108. The direction of the movement of the
object 108 corresponds to an operation associated with the device 102. For
example, in reference to Table 1, an area of the closed region 408 may be
determined as
[0064] Area = (-1 0-8-1 2+1 3+28+26+9) / 2 = +23
[0065] The polarity of the determined area of the closed region 408 is
positive. The positive polarity of the determined area may correspond to a
clockwise movement of the object 108. The clockwise movement of the object
108 may correspond to switching on a home appliance, for example.
[0066] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an exemplary device that may be
operated based on a movement of an object within a pre-defined distance, in
accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. The block diagram of FIG. 5
is described in conjunction with the block diagrams of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 .
[0067] In reference to FIG. 5, there is shown the device 102. The device 102
may comprise one or more processors and/or circuits, such as a processor 502,
a memory 504, a receiver 506, and a transmitter 508, an input/output device
5 10 (hereinafter referred to as I/O device 5 10), and the apparatus 104. The I/O
device 5 10 and the apparatus 104 may be optional as represented by dashed
box in the block diagram of FIG. 5 .
[0068] The processor 502 and/or the one or more circuits may be
communicatively coupled to the memory 504, the receiver 506, the transmitter
508, and the I/O device 5 10 .
[0069] The processor 502 and/or the one or more circuits may comprise
suitable logic, circuitry, and/or interfaces that may be operable to execute at
least one code section stored in the memory 504. The processor 502 may be
implemented based on a number of processor technologies known in the art.
Examples of the processor 502 may include, but are not limited to, an X86-
based processor, a Reduced Instruction Set Computing (RISC) processor, an
Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) processor, and/or a Complex
Instruction Set Computer (CISC) processor.
[0070] The memory 504 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces,
and/or code that may be operable to store a machine code and/or a computer
program having the at least one code section executable by the processor 502.
Examples of implementation of the memory 504 may include, but are not limited
to, Random Access Memory (RAM), Read Only Memory (ROM), Hard Disk
Drive (HDD), and/or a Secure Digital (SD) card. The memory 504 may further
be operable to store data, such as configuration settings of the device 102,
configuration settings of the apparatus 104, signal-operation mapping data,
and/or any other data.
[0071] The receiver 506 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces,
and/or code that may be operable to receive data and messages. The receiver
506 may receive data in accordance with various known communication
protocols. In an embodiment, the receiver 506 may receive a control signal from
the apparatus 104. In another embodiment, the receiver 506 may receive an
identification signal from the apparatus 104. The receiver 506 may implement
known technologies for supporting wired or wireless communication with the
apparatus 104 via a communication network.
[0072] The transmitter 508 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces,
and/or code that may be operable to transmit data and/or messages. The
transmitter 508 may transmit data in accordance with various known
communication protocols. In an embodiment, the transmitter 508 may transmit
an identification signal to the apparatus 104.
[0073] The I/O device 5 10 may comprise various input and output devices
that may be operably coupled to the processor 502. The I/O device 5 10 may
comprise suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces, and/or code that may be operable to
receive input from a user operating the device 102 and provide an output.
Examples of the input devices may include, but are not limited to, a keypad, a
stylus, and/or a touch screen. Examples of the output devices may include, but
are not limited to, a display and a speaker.
[0074] In an embodiment, the apparatus 104 may be integrated with the
device 102. In such a case, any surface associated with the device 102 may
correspond to the surface 106 for the apparatus 104. In an embodiment, the
body of the device 102 may correspond to the surface 106. For example, a
cover of a remote control may be used as the surface 106 to interact with the
remote control. The sensors 206 of the apparatus 104 may create a pre-defined
distance above and/or below the cover of the remote control. A user operating
the remote control may move the object 108 (for example, a hand) within the predefined
distance associated with the cover of the remote control. The apparatus
104 may generate a control signal to operate various operations of the remote
control in response to a movement of the object 108 relative to the cover of the
remote control.
[0075] In another embodiment, a surface in contact with the device 102 may
correspond to the surface 106. For example, a surface of a table on which a
mobile phone is placed may be used as the surface 106 for interacting with the
mobile phone. The sensors 206 of the apparatus 104 may create a pre-defined
distance above and/or below the table. A user may operate the mobile phone by
moving the object 108 (for example, a hand) within the pre-defined distance
associated with the table. The apparatus 104 may generate a control signal in
response to a movement of the object 108 relative to the table to switch on
and/or switch off the mobile phone.
[0076] In operation, a user may interact with the surface 106 using the object
108. The sensors 206 of the apparatus 104 may create an operating space at a
pre-defined distance above and/or below the surface 106. A user may move
the object 108 relative to the surface 106 within the pre-defined distance. For
example, a user may move the object 108 clockwise and/or counter clockwise
such that a closed region is formed as a result of the movement of the object
108. The apparatus 104 may detect a movement of the object 108 within the
pre-defined distance. The apparatus 104 may determine a direction of the
movement. The apparatus 104 may generate a control signal in response to
the determined direction of the movement. The apparatus 104 may
communicate the generated control signal to the processor 502 and/or the one
or more circuits to operate the user interface of the device 102. The processor
502 and/or the one or more circuits may receive the transmitted control signal
from the apparatus 104, via the receiver 506. The received control signal may
correspond to an operation of the device 102 to be operated in response to the
interaction. The processor 502 and/or the one or more circuits may determine
an operation of the device 102 to be operated based on the received control
signal. The processor 502 and/or the one or more circuits may operate a user
interface of the device 102 based on the determined operation.
[0077] In an embodiment, the processor 502 and/or the one or more circuits
may determine the operation of the device 102 to be operated based on the
signal-operation mapping data stored in the memory 504. The signal-operation
mapping data may specify an operation of the device 102 to be operated
corresponding to a received control signal. The signal-operation mapping data
stored in the memory 504 of the device 102 may correspond to the directionoperation
mapping data stored in the memory 204 of the apparatus 104. In an
embodiment, a user may store the signal-operation mapping data that
corresponds to the direction-operation mapping data in the memory 504. In
another embodiment, the apparatus 104 may transmit the signal-operation
mapping data that corresponds to the direction-operation mapping data to the
processor 502 and/or the one or more circuits.
[0078] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example implementation of
operating a lamp based on a movement of an object within a pre-defined
distance, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 6 is
described in conjunction with the block diagrams of FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 5 .
[0079] In reference to FIG. 6, there is shown a lamp 602 and a table 604.
The lamp 602 may be placed on the table 604, for example. The apparatus 104
may be coupled to the table 604 (not shown in FIG. 6). In an embodiment, the
apparatus 104 may be fixed under the table top. Notwithstanding, the
disclosure may not be so limited and the apparatus 104 may be connected to
other parts of the table 604 without limiting the scope of the disclosure.
[0080] The table 604 may correspond to the surface 106. The sensors 206
of the apparatus 104 may create an operating space at a pre-defined distance
above and/or below the table 604. The apparatus 104 may be operable to
interact with the lamp 602. A user associated with the lamp 602 may move the
object 108 (for example, a hand) relative to the table 604. A user may move the
object 108 within the pre-defined distance associated the table 604 to operate a
user interface of the lamp 602. For example, a user may move the object 108
within the pre-defined distance clockwise to operate the lamp 602. A user may
form a closed region by moving the object 108 within the pre-defined distance.
The sensors 206 of the apparatus 104 may detect the movement of the object
108 relative to the table 604. The sensors 206 may generate one or more
signals in response to the detected movement of the object 108. The processor
202 of the apparatus 104 may determine a direction of movement of the object
108. Based on the determined direction of movement, the processor 202 may
generate a control signal to operate the lamp 602. The apparatus 104 may
communicate the control signal to the lamp 602. For example, a control signal
that corresponds to a clockwise movement of the object 108 may correspond to
a command to switch off the lamp 602. Based on the received control signal,
the lamp 602 may be switched off. In another example, a control signal that
corresponds to a counter-clockwise movement of the object 108 may
correspond to a command to switch on the lamp 602. Based on the received
control signal, the lamp 602 may be switched on.
[0081] In another example implementation, a table on which a laptop is
placed may correspond to the surface 106. The apparatus 104 may be coupled
to the bottom surface of the table. The sensors 206 of the apparatus 104 may
create a pre-defined distance on the table to convert the table into an input
mechanism. A user may move the object 108 (such as a hand and/or a
prosthetic device) clockwise within the created pre-defined distance such that a
closed region is formed as a result of the clockwise movement. The sensors
206 may detect the clockwise movement of the object 108 within the pre-defined
distance. Based on the detected movement, the sensors 206 may generate a
signal. The processor 202 may determine a direction of the movement based
on the generated signal. The processor 202 may generate a control signal that
corresponds to the determined direction. The generated control signal that
corresponds to the clockwise movement of the object 108 may correspond to a
right button of a mouse associated with the laptop. Similarly, a user may move
the object 108 counter-clockwise within the pre-defined distance. The
processor 202 may determine a direction of the movement based on the
generated signal. The processor 202 may generate a control signal that
corresponds to the counter-clockwise movement. The generated control signal
that corresponds to the counter-clockwise movement may correspond to a left
button of the mouse associated with the laptop, for example.
[0082] Notwithstanding, the disclosure may not be limited only to the above
example implementations of the surface 106, interactions, and/or the device 102
that may be operated. Any surface may be used as the surface 106 for
interacting with different types of devices using various types of interactions
without limiting the scope of the disclosure.
[0083] FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating exemplary steps for generating a
control signal in an apparatus for operating a user interface of a device based
on a movement of an object within a pre-defined distance, in accordance with
an embodiment of the disclosure. In reference to FIG. 7, there is shown a
method 700. The method 700 is described in conjunction with the block
diagram of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 .
[0084] The method begins at step 702. At step 704, the sensors 206 may
detect a movement of the object 108 within a pre-defined distance from the
surface 106. At step 706, the sensors 206 may generate one or more signals in
response to the detected movement. At step 708, the sensors 206 may track
the movement of the object 108 along a path within the pre-defined distance.
The sensors 206 may track the movement by determining one or more locations
of the object 108 along the path. At step 7 10, the processor 202 may determine
a pair of coordinates in a 2D coordinate system corresponding to each of the
one or more determined locations. Each of the determined pair of coordinates
is indicative of the position of each of the determined one or more locations on
the 2D coordinate system. At step 7 12, the processor 202 may determine a
closed region formed by a plurality of the pair of coordinates in the 2D
coordinate system. At step 714, the processor 202 may determine a polarity of
an area of the determined closed region. In an embodiment, the processor 202
may determine a polarity of an area of the determined closed region based on
vector analysis. At step 716, the processor 202 may determine a direction of
the movement based on the determined polarity of the area. The determined
direction of the movement corresponds to an operation associated with the
device 102. At step 7 18, the processor 202 may generate a control signal
based on the determined direction of the movement. The control signal may
correspond to the one or more generated signals to operate the user interface
of the device 102. The method 700 ends at step 720.
[0085] Although various embodiments of the disclosure have been described
with reference to implementation in an apparatus and/or a method for operating
a user interface of a device, the disclosure may not be so limited. Various
embodiments of the disclosure may also be implemented in apparatus and
methods performing other operations without limiting the scope of the
disclosure. An example of such an operation may be to detect the presence of
a user and/or an object in any given area, such as a room. Another example
may be determining a direction of movement of an object and/or a user in a
room. Based on the detected presence, the detected movement, and/or the
detected direction of movement, one or more operations of one or more devices
present in the room may be operated.
[0086] In an embodiment, the apparatus 104 may be implemented to operate
a device within a room based on a movement of air in the room. The apparatus
104 may be operable to interact with one or more devices in the room. A lamp
and/or a fan may be examples of a device with which the apparatus 104 may
interact.
[0087] In an embodiment, the apparatus 104 may be coupled to a floor
and/or a ceiling of a room. For example, the apparatus 104 may be embedded
in the floor and/or the ceiling such that the sensors 206 may be operable to
detect a movement of air in the room. Notwithstanding, the disclosure may not
be so limited and the apparatus 104 may be placed at various locations in the
room floor without limiting the scope of the disclosure. In an embodiment, a
single apparatus may interact with one or more devices in a room. In another
embodiment, each device in a room may be operated by a separate apparatus.
[0088] The sensors 206 of the apparatus 104 may detect a movement of air
in the room caused by a movement of a user and/or objects in the room, and/or
any other factors. The processor 202 of the apparatus 104 may determine the
direction of movement of the air. The processor 202 may generate a control
signal that corresponds to the detected direction of movement of the air. The
processor 202 may operate the various devices (such as a lamp and a fan) in
the room in accordance to the generated control signal. In another example,
based on the detected movement, the processor 202 may be operable to
determine environmental changes, such as an earthquake and/or a cyclone.
[0089] In accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure, an apparatus
104 (FIG.1 ) for operating a user interface of a device 102 (FIG. 1) may comprise
a plurality of sensors, such as sensors 206 coupled to a surface 106 (FIG. 1) .
The plurality of sensors may be operable to detect a movement of an object 108
(FIG. 1) within a pre-defined distance 302 (FIG. 3) from the surface 106. The
plurality of sensors may be operable to generate one or more signals in
response to the detected movement. The apparatus 104 may further comprise
one or more processors, such as a processor 202 (FIG.2) communicatively
coupled to the plurality of sensors. The one or more processors may be
operable to generate a control signal that corresponds to the one or more
generated signals to operate the user interface of the device 102.
[0090] The pre-defined distance 302 is based on a surface area detected by
the plurality of sensors. The pre-defined distance 302 extends above and/or
below the surface 106. The plurality of sensors may be operable to track the
movement of the object 108 along a path within the pre-defined distance 302.
The plurality of sensors may track the movement by determining one or more
locations of the object 108 along the path. The one or more processors may be
operable to determine a pair of coordinates in a 2D coordinate system, such as a
Cartesian coordinate system 400 (FIG. 4), corresponding to each of the one or
more determined locations, such as a pair of coordinates (Xk, Yk) corresponding
to a plurality of points 406 (FIG. 4). Each of the determined pair of coordinates
(Xk, Yk) is indicative of a position of each of the determined one or more locations
in the 2D coordinate system. The one or more processors may be operable to
determine a closed region 408 (FIG. 4) formed by a plurality of the determined
pair of coordinates in the 2D coordinate system. The one or more processors
may be operable to determine a polarity of an area of the determined closed
region 408. The one or more processors may be operable to determine a
direction of the movement based on the determined polarity of the area. The
determined direction of the movement corresponds to an operation associated
with the device 102.
[0091] The movement comprises one or both of: a clockwise movement
and/or a counter-clockwise movement resulting in the determined closed region.
The plurality of sensors comprises an ultrasonic sensor and/or an infra-red
sensor.
[0092] In accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure, a device 102
(FIG. 1) for interaction may comprise one or more processors, such as a
processor 502 (FIG. 5) and/or circuits. The device 102 is communicatively
coupled to an apparatus 104 (FIG. 1) . The one or more processors and/or
circuits may be operable to receive a control signal from the apparatus 104. The
control signal may be generated by the apparatus 104 in response to detection
of a movement of an object 108 (FIG.1 ) within a pre-defined distance 302 from a
surface 106 (FIG. 1) . The one or more processors and/or circuits may be
operable to operate a user interface of the device 102 based on the received
control signal. The movement comprises one or both of: a clockwise movement
and/or a counter-clockwise movement resulting in a closed region.
[0093] Other embodiments of the disclosure may provide a non-transitory
computer readable medium, and/or storage medium, and/or a non-transitory
machine-readable medium and/or storage medium, having stored thereon, a
machine code and/or a computer program having at least one code section
executable by a machine and/or a computer, thereby causing the machine
and/or computer to perform the steps comprising detecting a movement of an
object within a pre-defined distance from a surface. One or more signals may
be generated in response to the detected movement. A control signal may be
generated corresponding to the one or more generated signals to operate the
user interface of the device.
[0094] Accordingly, the present disclosure may be realized in hardware, or a
combination of hardware and software. The present disclosure may be realized
in a centralized fashion, in at least one computer system, or in a distributed
fashion, where different elements may be spread across several interconnected
computer systems. Any kind of computer system or other apparatus adapted
for carrying out the methods described herein may be suited. A combination of
hardware and software may be a general-purpose computer system with a
computer program that, when being loaded and executed, may control the
computer system such that it carries out the methods described herein. The
present disclosure may be realized in hardware that comprises a portion of an
integrated circuit that also performs other functions.
[0095] The present disclosure may also be embedded in a computer
program product, which comprises all the features enabling the implementation
of the methods described herein, and which when loaded in a computer system
is able to carry out these methods. Computer program, in the present context,
means any expression, in any language, code or notation, of a set of
instructions intended to cause a system having an information processing
capability to perform a particular function either directly, or after either or both of
the following: a) conversion to another language, code or notation; b)
reproduction in a different material form.
[0096] While the present disclosure has been described with reference to
various embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that
various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without
departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, many
modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the
teachings of the present disclosure without departing from its scope. Therefore,
it is intended that the present disclosure not be limited to the particular
embodiment disclosed, but that the present disclosure will include all
embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

CLAIMS
What is claimed is:
1. An apparatus for operating a user interface of a device, said apparatus
comprising:
a plurality of sensors coupled to a surface, wherein said plurality of sensors
are operable to:
detect a movement of an object within a pre-defined distance from said
surface; and
generate one or more signals in response to said detected movement; and
one or more processors communicatively coupled to said plurality of
sensors, wherein said one or more processors are operable to generate a control
signal corresponding to said one or more generated signals to operate said user
interface of said device.
2 . The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said pre-defined distance is based on a
surface area detected by said plurality of sensors.
3 . The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said pre-defined distance extends above
and/or below said surface.
4 . The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said plurality of sensors are operable to
track said movement of said object along a path within said pre-defined distance.
5 . The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said plurality of sensors are operable to
track said movement by determining one or more locations of said object along said
path.
6 . The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said one or more processors are operable
to determine a pair of coordinates in a two-dimensional coordinate system
corresponding to each of said one or more determined locations.
7 . The apparatus of claim 6, wherein each of said determined pair of
coordinates is indicative of a position of each of said determined one or more
locations in said two-dimensional coordinate system.
8 . The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said one or more processors are operable
to determine a closed region formed by a plurality of said determined pair of
coordinates in said two-dimensional coordinate system.
9 . The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said one or more processors are operable
to determine a polarity of an area of said determined closed region.
10 . The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said one or more processors are
operable to determine a direction of said movement based on said determined
polarity of said area, wherein said determined direction of said movement
corresponds to an operation associated with said device.
. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said movement comprises one or both of:
a clockwise movement and/or a counter-clockwise movement resulting in said
determined closed region.
12 . The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said plurality of sensors comprises an
ultrasonic sensor and/or an infra-red sensor.
3 . A method for operating a user interface of a device, said method comprising:
detecting a movement of an object within a pre-defined distance from a
surface;
generating one or more signals in response to said detected movement; and
generating a control signal corresponding to said one or more generated
signals to operate said user interface of said device.
14. The method of claim 3, further comprising tracking said movement of said
object along a path within said pre-defined distance.
15 . The method of claim 4, wherein said tracking comprises determining one or
more locations of said object along said path.
6 . The method of claim 5, further comprising determining a pair of coordinates
in a two-dimensional coordinate system corresponding to each of said one or more
determined locations, wherein each of said determined pair of coordinates is
indicative of a position of each of said determined one or more locations in said
two-dimensional coordinate system.
17 . The method of claim 16, further comprising determining a closed region
formed by a plurality of said determined pair of coordinates in said two-dimensional
coordinate system.
18 . The method of claim 17, further comprising determining a polarity of an area
of said determined closed region.
19 . The method of claim 18, further comprising determining a direction of said
movement based on said determined polarity of said area, wherein said determined
direction of said movement corresponds to an operation associated with said
device.
20. A device for interaction, said device comprising:
one or more processors and/or circuits in said device that is communicatively
coupled to an apparatus, wherein said one or more processors and/or circuits are
operable to:
receive a control signal from said apparatus, wherein said control signal is
generated by said apparatus in response to detection of a movement of an object
within a pre-defined distance from a surface; and
operate a user interface of said device based on said received control signal.
21. The device of claim 19, wherein said movement comprises one or both of: a
clockwise movement and/or a counter-clockwise movement resulting in a closed
region.