Directional Operating Portion Function Assignment Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices with direction-indicating operating members are limited in their ability to change function assignments for direction keys, requiring sequential assignment of functions to each button, which hampers operability when assigning multiple direction functions.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with an assigning unit that allows different functions to be assigned to multiple operating portions, and a control unit that automatically assigns a predetermined function to other operating portions when it is assigned to one, improving operability by enabling simultaneous function assignment across all direction keys.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If functions are assigned one by one to each button of the four-way button, then each button can have a specific function assigned, but the operation becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the function assignment operation across multiple buttons by detecting a press on any direction button and automatically applying the same function to all direction buttons (up, down, left, right). This combines what would otherwise be four separate assignment operations into a single action, reducing operational complexity while maintaining full adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the function assignment process into two distinct phases: a setting phase where the user selects a function, and an application phase where the function is automatically distributed to all direction buttons. This segmentation allows the system to handle complex multi-button configuration through a simple two-step user interaction.
2Adaptability or versatility
If functions are assigned one by one to each button, then precise control over each button's function is achieved, but time is lost due to repeated operations
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of which direction button is pressed, then uses this information to automatically apply the function assignment to all relevant buttons in advance. This preliminary action eliminates the need for the user to repeatedly perform the assignment operation for each button, significantly reducing the time required while maintaining precise function assignment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system serves itself by automatically distributing the selected function to all direction buttons without requiring further user intervention. Once the user selects a function and presses any direction button, the system autonomously completes the assignment to all other direction buttons, eliminating redundant user actions and saving time.
3Reliability
If each direction key has a fixed function, then the operating member can issue operation instructions in corresponding directions, but the function of each direction key cannot be changed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the function assignment dynamic by allowing users to change the function of direction buttons at any time through a simple press operation. The system dynamically updates the function assignment for all direction buttons based on the user's current selection, enabling flexible adaptation while maintaining reliable operation instructions through the consistent directional mapping.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by enabling all direction buttons (up, down, left, right) to be assigned the same function simultaneously. This allows the operating member to serve multiple purposes - it can issue operation instructions in corresponding directions while also being capable of executing other functions through the assignable function mechanism, thereby increasing versatility without sacrificing reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device according to the present invention includes: an assigning unit capable of assigning respectively different functions to a plurality of operating portions of an operating member, the plurality of operating portions indicating respectively different directions; and a control unit configured to, in response to a predetermined function indicating a corresponding direction being assigned to any one of the plurality of operating portions from a state where the predetermined function is not assigned to any of the plurality of operating portions, perform control for also assigning the predetermined function indicating a corresponding direction to the other operating portion of the plurality of operating portions.