Ergonomic Slider Selector for Gaming Input Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional interface devices, such as computer mice and keyboards, lack the speed and accuracy needed for quick and accidental-free selection and activation of processes during online gaming and other applications, leading to suboptimal controllability.
Innovation Solution
A device with a transducer for generating displacement signals and a selector with a terminal that can be positioned along a straight pathway to select and activate processes, combined with a sensor for generating instruction signals to communicate with a computing device, allowing for precise and rapid execution of processes without accidental activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional computer mice and keyboards are used for process selection and activation, then the device complexity is low and ease of operation is maintained, but the speed of selection and activation is insufficient and accidental activation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the selection and activation functions into separate components: a selector mechanism for process selection and a separate activation mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, enabling faster and more accurate process selection while reducing accidental activation by requiring deliberate action on the activation mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary selector mechanism between the user input and the process activation. This selector acts as a mediator that first determines which process should be activated, then enables activation only when the user intentionally engages the activation mechanism. This intermediary layer prevents accidental activation while maintaining ease of operation for intentional commands.
2Measurement precision
If conventional mice and keyboards are used, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the accuracy of process selection is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The device applies local quality by providing different interaction characteristics for different functions: the selector mechanism provides precise positional feedback for accurate process selection, while the activation mechanism provides clear tactile feedback for intentional activation. Each component is optimized for its specific operational requirements, maintaining ease of operation while improving selection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms that provide immediate confirmation of selection and activation states. The selector provides feedback about which process is currently selected, and the activation mechanism provides feedback when activated. This feedback loop ensures accurate process selection while maintaining ease of operation by confirming user actions.
3Reliability
If conventional interface devices are used, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability of avoiding accidental activation is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs preliminary action by requiring the user to first select the desired process using the selector mechanism before activation can occur. This preliminary selection step ensures that the user intentionally chooses the correct process, preventing accidental activation. The activation mechanism can only be engaged when a process is already selected, adding a layer of reliability without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic control where the activation mechanism's functionality changes based on the selection state. When a process is selected, the activation mechanism becomes active and responsive to user input. When no process is selected, the activation mechanism is inactive or provides no feedback. This dynamic behavior prevents accidental activation while maintaining simplicity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution significantly improves the speed and accuracy of selecting and activating processes, reducing accidental activations and enhancing user controllability, particularly in gaming and graphic design applications, by enabling precise positioning and operation of the selector and sensor for executing specific commands.
Implementation Method 1
a transducer for generating displacement signals from displacement detected thereby and for communicating the displacement signals to a computing device
Implementation Method 2
a sensor being operable for generating instruction signals... the instruction signals are communicable to the computing device for executing thereon the process associated with one of the plurality of positions along the pathway whereat the terminal is positioned
Data Source
AI summary
A device connectable to a computer is disclosed. The device comprises a selector defining a pathway and a plurality of positions along the pathway, the selector having a terminal displaceable along the pathway and positionable at one of the plurality of positions, the pathway being substantially straight, each of the plurality of positions having a process associated therewith. The device further comprises a sensor being operable for generating instruction signals. More specifically, the instruction signals are communicable to the computing device for executing thereon the process associated with one of the plurality of positions along the pathway whereat the terminal is positioned.