How Devices Predict Your Next Move Using Gestures and History

A patent for a smart interface that tracks your physical gestures and past habits to predict what you want to do next, showing custom options on a screen to save you time.

What it covers

The patent describes a control system that combines two types of user data to predict actions. First, it tracks path-dependent inputs, which are physical motion gestures that change over time, such as a swipe or hand wave. Second, it tracks path-independent inputs, which are static choices or settings. A controller processes these inputs alongside stored historical data of the user's past activities. It then calculates the most likely action the user wants to perform and displays a tailored sequence of programming options on a screen. For example, if a user performs a specific hand gesture while a certain TV show is broadcasting, the system recognizes the gesture, recalls the user's past viewing habits at that hour, and automatically displays a prompt to record the show.

What it doesn't cover

• —Does not cover systems that respond to physical gestures with fixed, hardcoded actions instead of predicting the user's intent based on past behavior history.
• —Does not cover interfaces that rely solely on static button presses or text inputs without tracking any time-dependent motion gestures.
• —Does not cover predictive systems that execute actions silently in the background without presenting a sequence of selectable programming options on a display.

The clever bit

Instead of treating gestures as simple, static commands, the system analyzes the path and timing of a motion gesture in tandem with the user's historical context to guess their intent before they finish the action.

Why it matters

This patent is a foundational document in the evolution of smart user interfaces, bridging the gap between physical remotes and modern gesture-controlled smart homes. Its broad claims on combining gesture recognition with predictive user history have made it a significant point of reference in patent litigation and licensing discussions involving smart TVs, streaming devices, and automotive infotainment systems.

Real-world examples

• 1.Smart TV interfaces that suggest channels or apps based on viewing history and remote control movements
• 2.Automotive infotainment systems that predict navigation destinations or media choices based on gesture controls and daily driving habits
• 3.Smart home hubs that adjust lighting or temperature when detecting specific user movement patterns at certain times of day