Dual-Pointing Input System for CAD Workflows
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pointing devices in computer systems, such as mice, lead to inefficient work processes in design applications like electrical design CAD systems, where operators face interruptions and difficulties in selecting and manipulating objects due to reliance on a single dominant hand, leading to reduced efficiency and increased time spent searching for targets within enlarged images.
Innovation Solution
The use of a dual-pointing device system, where a mouse operated by the dominant hand performs selection and manipulation tasks, and a touchpad operated by the non-dominant hand handles navigation, zooming, and menu operations, allowing for simultaneous and efficient interaction without hand dominance, enabling continuous work without losing sight of the target object.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single pointing device is used for all operations, then the device complexity is low, but the productivity and ease of operation deteriorate due to hand dominance limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the input operations into two segments: one for the dominant hand (mouse) and one for the non-dominant hand (touchpad). Each hand has a dedicated input device for specific functions, allowing simultaneous operations without interference and eliminating the need to switch between devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal input system where both the mouse and touchpad can be used for various operations including object selection, menu navigation, zooming, and panning. The system accepts input from either device for any operation, making the input method flexible and adaptable to different user preferences and tasks.
2Ease of operation
If the pointer is moved to select menu items, then the ease of operation is improved for menu selection, but the loss of time increases due to interruption in finding target objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by displaying the pointer position and target object information before the user completes the selection operation. This allows the user to maintain spatial awareness and continue searching for objects without waiting for the menu selection to complete, reducing interruption time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous useful action by allowing the user to simultaneously perform menu navigation with one hand while maintaining visual search with the other hand. The system processes operations from both devices concurrently, eliminating idle time and maintaining continuous productivity.
3Manufacturing precision
If the displayed image is enlarged for detailed work, then the manufacturing precision is improved for detailed operations, but the loss of time increases due to scrolling to find lost targets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism that tracks the relationship between the original image position and the enlarged image position. The system uses this intermediary information to automatically calculate and display the corresponding location in the original image, allowing users to quickly navigate between views without manual scrolling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent provides feedback by displaying information about the target object's position in both the original and enlarged images. This feedback allows users to understand where they are looking and where the target object is located, reducing the time needed to find and re-locate objects during detailed work.
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~1(e)
Figure 2(a)~2(c)
Figure 3
AI summary
An input information processing system, which is configured so as to enable an operator to efficiently conduct work without interruption, and processes input information that has been inputted using an input device, is configured so as to comprise: a display means for displaying data to be processed on a display screen; a first input device for inputting first input information; a second input device for inputting second input information; an acquisition means for acquiring a predetermined position in the data to be processed, which is displayed on the display screen of the display means, on the basis of the first input information inputted using the first input device; and control means for clearly showing the predetermined position in the data to be processed which was acquired by the acquisition means on the data to be processed displayed on the display screen of the display means, and for controlling the data to be processed which is displayed on the display screen of the display means on the basis of the second input information inputted using the second input device.