Dual-Surface Input Device Mode Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current input devices lack versatility and accidental key activation issues when transitioning between modes, such as from mouse to presenter mode, which affects user interaction efficiency and accuracy.

Innovation Solution

An input device with keys on two surfaces, featuring a processing module, transceiver, position tracking sensor, and mode sensor, allowing for wireless communication and mode switching, with a design that prevents inadvertent key presses by enabling/disabling keys based on mode and surface detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If keys are provided on both surfaces of the input device, then versatility and functionality are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The input device integrates multiple sets of keys on different surfaces (first surface with first set of keys, second surface with second set of keys) to provide multiple functions within a single device. This allows the device to serve various purposes such as mouse operations, presentation control, and media playback without requiring separate devices, thereby improving versatility while managing complexity through unified design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If mode switching is implemented, then adaptability is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to accidental key activation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemode switchingVSAvoidaccidental key activation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The input device dynamically changes its operational state based on detected mode through mode sensor(s). The processing module activates or deactivates specific keys based on the current mode, allowing the device to adapt its functionality. This dynamic control prevents accidental activation by ensuring keys are inactive when not needed for the current mode, thereby maintaining reliability during mode transitions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The device incorporates mode sensor(s) that provide feedback about the current operational mode to the processing module. This feedback mechanism allows the system to automatically adjust key activation states accordingly, preventing accidental key presses during mode switching by ensuring only appropriate keys are active in each mode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If multiple mode sensor are provided, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemode detectionVSAvoidnumber of sensors

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The input device divides the sensing function into separate mode sensor(s), each dedicated to detecting specific operational modes. This segmentation allows for simplified individual sensor design and easier mode detection logic, improving ease of operation while managing overall complexity through modular sensor architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS8928499B2Input device with multiple sets of input keys

Publication Date: 2015.01.06 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC

AI summary

An input device is disclosed that includes keys on a first surface and a second surface of the input device. At least some of the keys are operably coupled to a matrix including a switch for each key therein. When one of the keys is pressed, the corresponding switch is activated to provide a signal indicative thereof.