Calculator Menu Input Error Detection via Visual Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

In scientific electronic calculators, users face difficulties in identifying and correcting erroneous key operations during menu input, as non-corresponding key presses are not clearly distinguished from valid instructions, leading to loss of input and the need to restart calculations.

Innovation Solution

An arithmetic processing device with a key input unit, menu displaying unit, and display controller that allocates numeric keys to arithmetic processings and displays a specific mark when non-corresponding keys are pressed during menu operations, allowing users to recognize invalid inputs and easily correct errors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a menu screen is displayed with numeric keys allocated to functions, then the device can handle multiple arithmetic processings with limited keys, but the user cannot distinguish between valid and invalid key operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of arithmetic processingsVSAvoidkey operation recognition

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies visual feedback by changing the display state (analogous to color changes) to indicate invalid key operations. When a non-allocated key is pressed during menu input, the display shows a specific pattern or message that clearly distinguishes it from valid operations, enabling users to recognize erroneous inputs without confusion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

2Device complexity

If numeric keys are allocated to multiple functions via menu, then device complexity is reduced, but error detection capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvekey allocation structureVSAvoiderroneous operation detection

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements immediate feedback by detecting when a key pressed during menu display does not correspond to any allocated function. The system provides visual feedback by displaying a specific indication (such as a error marker or message) that informs the user the operation is invalid, enabling real-time error detection without increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If no indication is provided for invalid keys, then the device operates simply, but loss of time occurs due to repeated input

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinput validation mechanismVSAvoidtime to correct errors

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary indication mechanism between the key press and the system response. When an invalid key is detected, the system inserts a visual indicator (such as a specific display pattern or error message) that mediates the communication between user input and system state, clearly signaling the error without requiring complex validation routines or causing time loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS7672988B2Arithmetic processing device with invalid input keystroke recognition and menu return function

Publication Date: 2010.03.02 CASIO COMPUTER CO LTD

AI summary

An arithmetic processing device includes a menu displaying unit which displays a menu screen for a plurality of arithmetic processings when the predetermined key is operated, each of the arithmetic processings being assigned to one of a plurality of numeric keys; an arithmetic processing unit which, when a numeric key allocated to any one of the arithmetic processings is operated, executes an arithmetic processing corresponding to the operated key; and a display controller which, when a key other than the numeric keys assigned to the arithmetic processings is operated, displays a specific mark.