Contextually-based functional assignment for a user-manipulable element on an input device

Abstract

In certain embodiments, a computer-implemented method includes detecting a selectable control element on a graphical user interface (GUI), determining an editable parameter associated with the selectable control element, associating a control of the editable parameter with a user-manipulable element on an input device, and generating and sending, to the input device, control data causing the input device to assign a performance characteristic to the user manipulable element based on properties of the editable parameter. In some aspects, the user manipulable element can be a rotatable knob on the input device. The performance characteristic may include a rotation resistance of the knob, a rotational input resolution of the knob (e.g., rotation sensitivity), setting a ratchet or non-ratchet mode of operation to the knob based on the properties of the editable parameter (e.g., by controlling an electro-magnetic actuator to set the ratchet or non-ratchet modes), or a depressible knob.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a non-provisional application and claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 433,187, filed on Dec. 12, 2016, and titled “CONTEXTUALLY-BASED FUNCTIONAL ASSIGNMENT FOR A USER-MANIPULABLE ELEMENT ON AN INPUT DEVICE,” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.BACKGROUND[0002]Peripheral devices generally include any auxiliary device that can be used to interface human and computer. Some common peripheral devices include keyboards, computer mice, image scanners, speakers, microphones, web cameras, and more.[0003]Keyboards and computer mice, in particular, have improved in function and performance over the last few decades to increase user productivity. For instance, the advent of function keys, key pads, programmable hot keys, scroll wheels, and the like, have helped users become more efficient by placing commonly used functions in quickly accessible locations. H...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a computer-implemented method and system for controlling a user-manipulable element on a graphical user Interface (GUI) of a computer device. The method involves detecting the selectable control element on the GUI, determining an editable parameter associated with the control element, and sending control data to the input device to assign a performance characteristic to the user-manipulable element. The performance characteristic can include properties such as rotation resistance, input resolution, or mode of operation. The system can also include a touch sensor on the knob for additional control functions. The technical effect of this patent is to provide a more intuitive and customizable user experience on the GUI of a computer device.

Problems solved by technology

However, despite these improvements, more powerful, feature-laden software (e.g., Photoshop®) still requires users to navigate cumbersome and sometimes non-intuitive interfaces with nested menus and windows that still can make for highly inefficient work-sessions, especially for software users that are not highly experienced or steeped in the particular software.

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