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User interface and device for control and input of multiple parameters at small footprint

KeyWheel interface is based on technology described in US Patent # 7,519,748 "Stroke-based data entry device, system, and method" and provides an innovative user interface for control and input of multiply parameters or values at small footprint. This is a further development and symbiosis of Apple's TouchWheel and keypad approaches.

Detailed Description:
The main idea of the KeyWheel is to track sequences of activated sensors or keys. The principal feature is that keys of the keywheel are located along a closed circular curve - wheel. Therefore, the keywheel is one-dimensional input methods and its' input gestures are simple arc strokes. Each stroke is determined by the sequence of keys touched by a finger sweeping over a curve. The keywheel associates input operations with these strokes. The operations associated with strokes might be values, characters, digits, symbols or any other control commands inputs. Graphical legend symbols representing input means may be placed over keys of the keywheel, and/or be rendered at a display to facilitate user input. For example, 4 keys keywheel might provide control of temperatures of 4 burners, or light intensity of 4 lights, or control volume/channels and navigation in 2-dimensional menu.

In general, to enter an input command the user should touch the initial key of the corresponding input gesture and sweep around the curve to the position of the last key of the gesture. During the sweep the current input value may be displayed or indicated at a screen, so users might have simple visual feedback. The keywheel provides fast eye-free input for experienced users, because input gestures are determined by absolute positions of a very limited number of keys. Tactile marks and keyclicks also facilitate eye-free input.

KeyWheel interface and control devices based on it might be widely used for many applications: mobile electronics ( phones, players, radio ), home appliances (ovens, refrigerators, cooktops..), entertainment ( mixers, TV/game remotes ), industrial ( security multi-parameters controls), etc. Anywhere, where are necessary to change some values or input simple commands.

Advantages of KeyWheel are:

- All commands are represented by simple, uniform arc strokes. The keywheel main principles are easy for understanding and usage.

- Only a few large keys are necessary for operating a keywheel. That provides easy targeting for users and reduce error rate. Misprints can be easily corrected by back-sweeping.

-Due reduced number of keys the keywheel occupies a very small area. That reduces finger travel distance, muscular efforts and accelerates the input.

-The important feature of the keywheel is that command set is unlimited. Rare commands may be represented by longer sweeps. That also provides an easy control of continuous values and scrolling of large lists.

- The keywheel input is time independent. There are no delays or time limits dictating the speed of input. Novice or disabled users can slowly sweep over the keywheel with full control of results, meanwhile experienced users are able to enter symbols by short stokes very fast.

- The keywheel input is based on absolute positions of keys. A meaning of a gesture is changed only at the moments when user touch a new key. So after minimal training the user is able to enter keywheel gestures without eye control.

- The keywheel may be implemented using very different technologies: capacity or resistive sensors, regular contact switches, mecanical dials. It has a variety of layouts and shapes providing unlimited flexibility for a target device design. The keywheel is very simple in implementation, has no special system requirements and provides immediate input.

You can find additional information and images at www.keywheel.com

Subject idea's Champion:
Yevgeniy Kuzmin, I'm the inventor and worked many years in the area of user interfaces.

Problem the Invention, Patent, or IP addresses:
Modern devices tends to become more and more functional and requires advanced user interaction. From another side they becomes smaller, but control panels need too much surface space. Sophisticated controls require learning and are not intuitive, so most of user either use a small part of functions or don't buy a device looking too difficult to use.

Need the Invention, Patent, or IP answers:
Need for simple, uniform, intuitive user interface for control of modern, sophisticated devices.

How it saves money:
Smaller footprint and less basic components help to redesign devices or their controls and make them smaller and cheaper.

How it saves time:
It save time for learning how to operate a device, and save time during operation of devices due reduced finger traveling, uniform way of input, and simple error correction

How it saves resources:
It requires less components and materials

How it saves energy:
It can be used for control of energy consuming devices: A/C, light dimmers, refrigerators, etc

How it is safer:
It's one piece device, so has no small components dangerous for kids. It can be completely sealed, eliminating electrical problems.

How it is simpler:
Simple circular arcs control many parameters.

How it is more efficient:
Less finger travel, no learning of interface, fast input and correction

How its use is environmentally friendly:
It doesn't contain any dangerous materials

How its production is environmentally friendly:
Same as above

Target market(s):
Consumer electronics: phones, radio, players, TV/game/computer controls, remote controls
Appliances: ovens, cooktops, refrigerators, microwaves, security devices

Why will people/companies purchase it:
New, simple design will attract customers' attention and help companies to make smaller and/or more functional devices.

Weaknesses placing idea at a competitive disadvantage:
Lack of financial support, have no business links.
As any new technology needs to have marketing and education.

Opportunities that create a current demand for this IP:
Electronic devices tend to become smaller, but smarter.

Realistic timeline until IP is ready for commercialization:
6-9 months for simple device like TV remote using KeyWheel technology

I am interested in selling this IP

I am interested in licensing this IP

I would like funds to develop this IP

Patents:
US 7,519,748
GB 2,431,500

Funding requested:
US$200.00

Planned use of funds:
To create a simple control device using the technology, market it with leading electronic companies, publicize and advertise the technology, sell the device to customers and license the technology

Funding request #51

Contact the person requesting funds.

Date posted: 2009-09-08

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