Dual-Functionality Input Mechanism for Communication Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Public safety personnel face delays when interacting with software applications on communication devices, as they require multiple inputs through touch screens, and mechanical interfaces are not efficiently integrated to support both public safety and personal communication functions.
Innovation Solution
A communication device with a mechanical interface that can perform primary actions independent of software applications and secondary actions when user inputs are received simultaneously with touch screen inputs, allowing for dual-functionality and efficient interaction with software applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple touch screen inputs are used to access software application functions, then the software application functionality is accessible, but the interaction time and delay increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the mechanical interface and touch screen interface into a unified input system. The mechanical interface (button, knob, or switch) is merged with the touch screen to provide both primary public safety functions and secondary software application controls, allowing users to access software functions with a single mechanical input rather than multiple touch inputs.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical interface is designed to perform multiple functions: primary actions for public safety operations (radio transmissions, channel changes) and secondary actions for software application control (minimizing applications, switching between applications). This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate controls for different task types.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical interface is re-programmed with software application functionality, then software access is improved, but the default public safety functionality is overridden
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical interface operates dynamically with two distinct modes: primary mode for public safety functions and secondary mode for software application control. The system automatically switches between modes based on the input pattern detected, ensuring that default public safety functionality remains available while enabling software access when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The input functionality is segmented into primary actions (public safety operations) and secondary actions (software control). The electronic processor distinguishes between single inputs (triggering primary actions) and simultaneous multiple inputs (triggering secondary actions), allowing both function sets to coexist without conflict.
3Reliability
If mechanical interface operates independently of software applications, then public safety functions are reliable, but software application interaction efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic processor acts as an intermediary that receives inputs from both the mechanical interface and touch screen, determines whether inputs are simultaneous, and routes them to appropriate handlers. This mediator enables coordinated operation between the independent mechanical interface and software applications, allowing the mechanical interface to trigger software actions without compromising its independent public safety functions.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication device and methods for operating the same. One communication device includes a memory storing a software application, an electronic processor, a mechanical interface receiving a first user input, and a touch screen receiving a second user input. The touch screen is also configured to display an output generated by the software application. The electronic processor is configured to execute a software application stored in the memory, determine when the second user input is received simultaneously with the first user input, perform a first action based on the first user input when the second user input is not received simultaneously with the first user input, the first action being unrelated to operation of the software application, and perform a second action based on the first user input when the second user input is received simultaneously with the first user input, the second action relating to the operation of the software application.