Apparatus for controlling a mobile device
An apparatus 10 for controlling a mobile device 12 includes a mounting base 14 for securely attaching a mobile device 12 , a sensing system 18 with a camara 20 for capturing user gestures and a microphone 22 for monitoring user commands and device audio. A carriage assembly 24 incorporates a movable stylus assembly 26 with styluses 28 for interacting with the device's touchscreen 30 through actions like swiping and scrolling. A processing system analyzes visual and auditory signals, actuating the stylus assembly 26 for manipulating the touchscreen 30 . The apparatus 10 supports multiple interaction methods, including EEG and EMG signals, enhancing accessibility for users with mobility impairments. The system's AI-driven audio analysis engine detects the end of media playback, prompting automatic scrolling actions, ensuring seamless navigation and personalized user experience across various touchscreen devices.
1 . An apparatus for use by a user for controlling a mobile device of the user, the apparatus comprising:
a mounting base to which the mobile device of the user is mounted in use, the mounting base including mounting means for mounting the mobile device of a user relative to the mounting base;
a sensing system including:
a visual input system for monitoring visual signals received from the user; and
an audio input system for monitoring audio signals from the user and for monitoring audio signals received from the mobile device;
a carriage assembly including:
a movable stylus assembly which is movable relative to the base, and
a connector assembly for movably and adjustably connecting the mounting base and the stylus assembly to one another,
the movable stylus assembly including at least one stylus for engaging and interacting with a touchscreen of the mobile device of the user and for performing and registering one or more of the following actions on the touchscreen of the mobile device of the user: swiping, scrolling, and/or selecting; and
a processing system for processing the visual and auditory signals received from the sensing system and for actuating the movable stylus assembly in response thereto;
wherein the mounting means of the mounting base is in the form of an electrical connector for electrically connecting the mobile device of the user to the base, via the electrical connector;
wherein the electrical connector is configured to be received within an electrical connector port of the mobile device, such as the charging port of the mobile device;
whereby the electrical connector provides for both electrical and mechanical connection of the mobile device to the mounting base;
wherein the connector assembly further includes a connector adjustment means for adjusting the location of the electrical connector relative to the connector assembly; and
wherein the connector adjustment means comprises:
an adjustment knob rotatably mounted to the connector assembly;
an input gear that is connected to the adjustment knob; and
a geared connector pin having a fixed end fixedly connected to the mounting base, and a geared opposite end for engaging the input gear.
2 . The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the movable stylus assembly includes two styluses.
3 . The apparatus as claimed in claim 2 , wherein the movable stylus assembly includes a rotatable stylus supporting shaft, with each stylus of the pair of styluses mounted to the shaft and projecting outwardly from the shaft in a configuration in which each stylus points in opposite directions.
4 . The apparatus as claimed in claim 3 , wherein the rotatable stylus supporting shaft is rotatably mounted within a recess formation provided at an underside of the stylus assembly, such that rotation of the stylus supporting shaft causes each, stylus of the pair of styluses to be brought into contact with the touchscreen of the mobile device of the user, in use.
5 . The apparatus as claimed in claim 4 , wherein the rotation of the stylus supporting shaft allows the styluses to create and register one or more gestures on the screen of the mobile device of the user, said one or more gestures including swiping, selecting, and/or scrolling the touchscreen of the mobile device of the user.
6 . The apparatus as claimed in claim 5 , wherein the movable stylus assembly includes an electrical motor for powering the rotatable stylus supporting shaft.
7 . The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the processing system is configured for detecting an end of a video clip displayed on the mobile device based on audio signals received from the audio input system of the apparatus and/or from metadata of the video clip.
8 . The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the sensing system is configured for receiving auditory signals including finger snapping, whistling, or other sounds made by the user.
9 . The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the sensing system includes an electroencephalogram (EEG) input means for receiving electrical brain signals from the user.
10 . The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the sensing system includes an electromyography (EMG) input means for receiving electrical signals from nerves and muscles of the user.
11 . The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the connector assembly includes lateral displacement means for displacing the movable stylus assembly relative to the connector in a lateral direction which is perpendicular to the height direction of motion of the connector when displaced by the connector adjustment means.
12 . The apparatus as claimed in claim 11 , wherein the lateral displacement means includes a pair of parallel rails projecting outwardly from the connector assembly.
13 . The apparatus as claimed in claim 12 , wherein the lateral displacement means further includes a lateral displacement electrical motor for displacing the stylus assembly relative to the connector assembly.
14 . The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the processing system includes a machine learning algorithm for tracking and learning swiping and/or scrolling behavior of the user.
15 . The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the mounting base includes a power supply port which is connectable to a connector of a power supply for supplying power to the mounting base and to the apparatus.