Digital Pen Button Function Mapping via EMR and BLE Signals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electronic devices lack an intuitive method to link input tools, such as digital pens, with specific functions, leading to inconvenience for users.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device capable of intuitively mapping functions to button inputs of a digital pen using various signals, allowing users to conveniently set up their environment by associating functions with button events through a combination of electromagnetic resonance and Bluetooth Low Energy signals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional input tools are used without function mapping, then the device structure remains simple, but user convenience and interaction efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser convenienceVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by pre-defining multiple function templates (e.g., copy, paste, undo, redo, screenshot) that can be mapped to button inputs. This allows the device to anticipate user needs and provide pre-configured functional mappings, improving ease of operation without requiring complex real-time processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary layer (the function mapping system) between the button input and the device functions. This intermediary automatically matches button inputs with predefined functions based on context, shielding users from system complexity while enabling sophisticated interactions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If multiple signal types are used for button input detection, then input accuracy and function mapping precision improve, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinput detection accuracyVSAvoidsignal processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple signal types (electromagnetic resonance signals from the digital pen and Bluetooth Low Energy signals from the button) into a unified input detection system. By combining these signals, the system achieves higher input detection accuracy while managing complexity through integrated processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The button input system is designed with multi-functionality to detect and process different signal types (EMR and BLE). This universal detection capability allows the same button to serve multiple input methods, improving measurement precision without requiring separate detection systems for each signal type.

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

3Productivity

If function mapping is implemented for digital pen buttons, then user interaction efficiency improves, but ease of manufacture deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinteraction efficiencyVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The function mapping system operates autonomously, automatically detecting button inputs and matching them with appropriate functions based on predefined templates. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual configuration during manufacturing, improving interaction efficiency without significantly increasing manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables dynamic parameter changes by allowing function mappings to be adjusted through software configuration rather than hardware modification. This flexibility improves interaction efficiency while maintaining ease of manufacture, as changes can be made without physical reassembly or complex manufacturing processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables intuitive and convenient mapping of functions to button inputs, enhancing user interaction by providing a seamless link between user inputs and device functions, improving usability and user experience.

Implementation Method 1

a first signal indicating that the button of the pen is pushed using a first wireless communication circuit, and a second signal indicating that the button is released using a second wireless communication circuit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic resonance: Resonance

Implementation Method 2

receiving a first signal indicating that the button of the pen is pushed using a first wireless communication circuit, and a second signal indicating that the button is released using a second wireless communication circuit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWireless signal detection: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3903174B1Electronic device and method for mapping function to button input
Publication Date: 2024.06.12 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3903174B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3903174B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3903174B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed is an electronic device capable of intuitively allocating a function to a button of a digital pen using different types of signals generated from an input tool, and that can more conveniently set a user environment by intuitively mapping a function to a button input of the digital pen.