Auxiliary Input Device for Mobile Data Filtering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users of mobile electronic devices face cumbersome processes when filtering data lists, as they often need to navigate to separate screens to specify search parameters, which can be time-consuming and impractical, especially on touch-sensitive displays that require frequent cleaning and may not provide a tactile experience preferred by some users.

Innovation Solution

The integration of auxiliary input devices such as optical trackpads or trackballs that allow users to pause navigation and filter data lists directly from the displayed list, eliminating the need for separate screens and providing a more efficient and tactile interaction method.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If users navigate to separate screens to specify search parameters for filtering data lists, then the device can provide comprehensive filtering functionality, but the user interaction becomes time-consuming and cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefiltering functionalityVSAvoidtime to filter data

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the filtering control interface with the data list display interface. The auxiliary input device is integrated into the display screen, allowing users to interact with both the data list and filtering options on a single screen. This eliminates the need to navigate to separate screens for specifying search parameters, thereby reducing time loss while maintaining comprehensive filtering functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The auxiliary input device serves as an intermediary between the user and the filtering function. Instead of requiring users to navigate through multiple screens using the touchscreen, the auxiliary input device provides a dedicated interface for selecting filter parameters while the touchscreen displays the data list. This intermediary mechanism streamlines the interaction process and reduces time consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a touch-sensitive display is used for user input, then the device can be compact and wireless, but the display requires frequent cleaning and lacks tactile feedback

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice form factorVSAvoiduser interaction comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The input interface is segmented into two distinct components: the touch-sensitive display for visual interaction and the auxiliary input device for tactile interaction. This segmentation allows each component to serve its specific function optimally - the touchscreen provides visual feedback and device compactness, while the auxiliary input device provides tactile feedback and ease of operation without requiring frequent cleaning of the display surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The auxiliary input device acts as an intermediary that bridges the gap between the user and the touch-sensitive display. Users can interact with the filtering functionality through the auxiliary input device, which provides tactile feedback, while the touchscreen displays the visual information. This intermediary approach allows users to avoid direct contact with the touchscreen for input purposes, reducing the need for frequent cleaning while maintaining device compactness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a virtual keyboard interface is implemented on a touch-sensitive display, then the device remains compact, but users prefer physical keyboards for tactile distinction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice compactnessVSAvoidkey input comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The input system is segmented into the touch-sensitive display for visual presentation and the auxiliary input device for physical interaction. This segmentation allows the device to maintain compactness through the touchscreen while providing physical keyboard-like tactile feedback through the auxiliary input device, eliminating the need for a full physical keyboard while satisfying users' preference for tactile distinction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS9152951B2Filtering data entries on mobile electronic devices having auxiliary input devices

Publication Date: 2015.10.06 MALIKIE INNOVATIONS LTD

AI summary

A method of filtering data entries on a mobile device includes displaying a list of data entries on a display device of the mobile device. An indication of one of the data entries of the list is received at one of an input device and an auxiliary input device. Highlighting the data entry in response to the indication is performed. At an auxiliary input device, a pause of the indication is received. A filter for data entries that match the value of a predetermined field of the highlighted data entry is then executed. Results of the filter are displayed on the display device.