Handheld Field Device Orientation Selection for Blueprint Entry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing handheld field devices for blueprint data entry require multiple taps or clicks to change line segment directions, leading to inefficiency and increased chances of input errors due to non-intuitive controls and limited input capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A handheld field device with a graphical user interface that allows users to change line segment directions by tapping or clicking directly on a 360° orientation selection area, reducing the need for incremental key presses and providing visual feedback through directional arrows and vector selection elements for intuitive data entry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If incremental key presses are used to change line segment direction, then device control is simplified, but the number of input commands increases and input time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a 360° orientation selection area that allows direct angular selection instead of incremental key presses. Users can tap anywhere within the orientation area to set the desired angle immediately, transforming the one-dimensional sequential key pressing process into a two-dimensional direct selection process, thereby reducing input commands from multiple taps to a single tap.
Solution Approach 2:
The orientation selection area pre-defines multiple angular options (e.g., 0°, 45°, 90°, 135°, 180°, etc.) that are ready for selection before the user needs to change direction. This preliminary preparation of directional options eliminates the need for users to incrementally adjust angles through repeated key presses, allowing immediate direction changes with a single tap.
2Device complexity
If incremental key presses are used to change line segment direction, then device structure is simplified, but the chance of input errors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The graphical user interface provides visual feedback by displaying the current directional arrow and updating it in real-time as users tap different orientations in the orientation selection area. This immediate visual confirmation allows users to verify their input before finalizing, reducing the chance of undetected errors that could occur with incremental key pressing where the cumulative effect of multiple taps may not be immediately apparent.
3Measurement precision
If multiple taps are required to change direction, then control precision is maintained, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains directional control precision by providing a 360° orientation selection area with pre-defined angular options (e.g., 0°, 45°, 90°, 135°, 180°, etc.), allowing users to select exact orientations in a single tap. This approach preserves the precision of directional control while dramatically improving productivity by eliminating the need for multiple incremental adjustments.
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2a~2b
AI summary
Handheld field device (1) for use with outdoor application equipment (7) for measuring and/or surveying, adapted for entry and display of blueprint data, comprising a graphical user interface (2) for providing line segment data entry fields and for displaying input line segments (15), and storing and calculation means adapted for accepting, storing and editing line segment data associated with said input line segments (15), wherein the line segment data comprises a starting point (12), an orientation and a length of each line segment (15), characterized in that the storing and calculation means are designed for the provision of a multitude of defined orientations, and the graphical user interface (2) is designed for the provision of a defined orientation selection area (130), comprising a multitude of orientation selection fields (131-138) for entry of an orientation of a line segment (15), wherein each of the orientation selection fields (131-138) is assigned to one of the defined orientations.