Dynamic Macro Assignment for Program-Specific Peripheral Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computer systems lack the ability to create and customize computer macros based on the specific computer program being used, limiting user efficiency and flexibility in using peripheral devices.
Innovation Solution
A method that detects a computer program, assigns computer macros to keys or buttons on a peripheral device, assigns symbols to these macros, stores and displays the assignments on-screen, and executes the macros when activated, allowing users to customize and change macros based on their preferences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If function keys maintain fixed macros independent of the computer program being used, then the system is simple and reliable, but the adaptability and user efficiency are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic macro assignment where function keys can be reassigned to different macros based on the detected computer program. The system automatically detects the active program and assigns appropriate macros, transforming the static function key system into a dynamic one that adapts to different software contexts, thereby improving adaptability without requiring manual reconfiguration
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs automatic program detection and macro assignment, eliminating the need for users to manually configure macros for each application. The computer driver automatically detects the active computer program and assigns relevant macros to function keys, allowing the system to serve itself and reducing user burden while enhancing program-specific functionality
2Productivity
If manual macro configuration is required for each program, then system complexity is reduced, but user efficiency and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-configures macro assignments based on detected computer programs, preparing the appropriate macros in advance before the user needs them. By automatically detecting the active program and assigning relevant macros proactively, the system eliminates the time users would otherwise spend manually configuring macros, thereby improving productivity without increasing complexity
3Ease of operation
If macro assignments are not displayed on-screen, then the system is simpler, but ease of operation and user awareness are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an on-screen display (OSD) as an intermediary between the function keys and their assigned macros. The OSD visually presents the macro assignments and symbols corresponding to each function key, serving as a mediator that enhances user awareness and ease of operation without fundamentally altering the core macro execution system, thereby improving usability with minimal added complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A method for creating a computer macro, the computer macro being executed on a computer, the computer including a processor, a display screen, a peripheral device, and a memory accessible by the processor, peripheral device, the method comprising: detecting, by a computer driver being at least partially resident in the memory, a computer program being at least partially resident in the memory to be executed in the computer; assigning, by the computer driver, at least one computer macro relating to the detected computer program to a key and/or button on the peripheral device; assigning, by the computer driver, a computer macro symbol relating to the assigned computer macro; storing, in the memory, the computer macro, the key and/or button on the peripheral device assigned to the computer macro and/or the assigned computer macro symbol; displaying, on the display screen via the computer driver, an on-screen-display, OSD, wherein the OSD is configured to display the assigned stored computer macro symbol and a reference relating to the stored key and/or button on the peripheral device to which the assigned stored computer macro has been assigned; and executing, by the processor, the stored computer macro assigned to the stored computer macro in the computer program when the stored key and/or button on the peripheral device is actuated.