Configurable Keypad for E-Reader with Dynamic Layout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic devices with fixed keypads can create visual clutter and detract from user experience by presenting unnecessary key functions, especially in contexts like reading electronic books, where the presence of full key functions can obscure useful buttons and discourage comfortable handling.
Innovation Solution
A configurable keypad system that dynamically changes button configurations based on user input and context, using a switch array with tactile feedback and a processor to manage different display modes, such as reading, searching, and multimedia modes, to provide only relevant key functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed keypad with all key functions is displayed, then all key functions are available, but visual clutter increases and user experience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The keypad configuration is made dynamic by allowing it to change based on the operational mode. The system transitions from a static fixed keypad to a dynamic configurable keypad that adapts its layout according to whether the device is in reading mode, searching mode, or multimedia mode, thereby providing only relevant keys for each context.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the keypad are activated or deactivated based on the operational mode. For example, in reading mode, only navigation and page-related keys are visible while other keys are hidden, creating a localized relevant interface for each specific function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed keypad with all key functions is displayed, then all key functions are available, but visual clutter obscures useful buttons
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts unnecessary keys from the complete keypad layout and removes them from the display based on the operational mode. Only the essential keys needed for the current mode (reading, searching, or multimedia) are extracted and displayed, while other keys are hidden, thereby eliminating visual clutter that would obscure useful buttons.
3Ease of operation
If a configurable keypad changes button configurations, then relevant key functions are displayed, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The configurable keypad serves multiple functions by adapting to different operational modes (reading, searching, multimedia). A single keypad structure handles all these different scenarios through configuration changes, eliminating the need for separate physical keypads for each mode and thereby managing complexity while providing versatility.
4Ease of operation
If a configurable keypad provides tactile feedback, then user interaction improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical tactile feedback mechanisms with a simpler configuration system that uses visual and haptic cues through software control. The tactile feedback is achieved through controlled actuation of specific keys based on the operational mode rather than through complex mechanical structures, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining user interaction quality.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic book reading device with a configurable keypad is described. The device includes a first display configured to display visual representations of content of an electronic book. The device further includes a second display configured to display a plurality of different button configurations, one button configuration being displayed at a time. The device also includes a switch array disposed under the second display, wherein the switch array is configured to receive user input and provide tactile feedback when the user input is received. The device includes a processor and memory in electronic communication with the processor. Instructions are stored in the memory. The instructions are executable to process the user input and change a button configuration on the second display from a first button configuration to a second button configuration.