Operation Button Marking for Fast Function Recognition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing input devices fail to provide clear visual cues for function allocation changes on operation buttons, making it difficult for users to recognize the functions assigned to these buttons.

Innovation Solution

The input device incorporates detachable mark members with fitting protrusions that attach to operation buttons, providing visual indicators for function recognition, and detachable operation buttons with unique shapes and protrusions for easy identification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If function allocation of operation buttons is changed, then the device can adapt to different applications, but the functions become unrecognizable by appearance alone

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunction allocationVSAvoidfunction recognition
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The mark member is separated from the operation button body, allowing independent attachment and detachment. The mark member includes a fitting protrusion that fits into a fitting groove on the button, enabling users to attach different mark members to indicate different functions without changing the button itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mark member features a top portion with marks (such as letters, numbers, or symbols) that provide visual indicators of the button's current function. Different mark members can have different colors or markings to represent different functions, making the function recognizable by appearance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

2Loss of information

If mark members are attached to operation buttons, then function recognition is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunction recognitionVSAvoidstructure
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mark member is designed as a separate component from the operation button, with a fitting protrusion that attaches to a fitting groove on the button. This segmentation allows the mark member to be independently manufactured, attached, and detached without affecting the button's core structure or functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fitting groove and protrusion design creates a universal attachment mechanism that can accommodate different mark members on the same button. The same fitting structure is used across multiple buttons, allowing standardized mark member attachment and simplifying the overall system design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4607324A1Input device
Publication Date: 2025.08.27 SONY INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT LLC
  • EP4607324A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4607324A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4607324A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is an input device which enables a user to quickly recognize a function allocated to an operation button. A controller (2000) includes a main body (2100), a plurality of second operation buttons (2120, 3200) that are attached to the main body and that each include an upper surface portion allowed to be pushed downward, and mark members (2400, 3400) detachably attached to the plurality of second operation buttons. Each of the mark members includes a top portion (2401, 3401) indicating a mark on the basis of which the user recognizes a function allocated to the corresponding second operation button of the plurality of second operation buttons.