Dynamic Input Area Routing for Multitasking Mobile Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional input devices face challenges in providing effective input to interactive and multitasking applications on mobile devices, particularly when multiple applications need to be supported simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A game input area that can receive input for multiple applications, where the manner and location of input determine which application receives the input, allowing the same input area to be used for both gaming and non-gaming applications, and an input area that resembles the scene associated with an application to provide intuitive input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single input area is used for multiple applications, then device simplicity and ease of operation are improved, but input precision and application-specific functionality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The input area is segmented into multiple zones, each designated for specific applications. For example, a media player interface divides the input area into distinct regions for playback control, navigation, and menu selection, allowing precise input routing to different application functions while maintaining a unified input surface.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the input area are assigned different functional qualities based on the active application. When a game is active, certain zones are designated for game controls; when media player is active, the same zones are reconfigured for media controls. This local differentiation maintains input precision for each application while using a single unified input area.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple input devices are provided for different applications, then application-specific functionality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single input area is designed to serve multiple applications through dynamic reconfiguration. The input area can be programmed to respond to different input types (touch, press, gesture) and route them to appropriate applications based on the active context. This universal design eliminates the need for separate physical input devices for games, media playback, and other applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The functional assignment of the input area is dynamic rather than static. The system automatically adjusts the input area's behavior based on which application is currently active. For example, pressing the center of the input area might trigger a media playback function when the media player is active, but trigger a game action when a game is active, without requiring physical reconfiguration.
3Productivity
If input area locations are designated for different applications, then input efficiency is improved, but input area flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The input area maintains predetermined efficient locations for common functions while dynamically adapting its interpretation of inputs at those locations. For example, the upper right corner might be efficiently positioned for pause functions in media playback, but the same location can be reassigned for different game actions when a game is active, maintaining both efficiency and flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for providing input to interactive and multitasking applications are disclosed. A game input area (surface or plane) receives input for multiple applications including an interactive application executed in connection with a scene. The input received is directed to the appropriate application based on one or more locations (e.g., points, positions, regions, portions) of the input area effectively identified when input is received (or entered). In addition, the manner in which input is received (or entered) can be used to determine which application should receive the input. The input area can additionally resemble or approximate the shape of a scene (e.g., game scene) to allow a person to provide input in a more intuitive way. Accordingly, input can be provided in a simple and more intuitive manner by effectively allowing the user to interact with the input area in a way that mimics or approximates a desired action (e.g., moving a ball or bat around by inputting a rotational movement). Examples of such interaction include positional, directional (e.g., rotational), press or pressure input (or movement) which can easily be provided by a thumb or a finger, for example, on a touch screen.