Handwritten Input Device Screen Mirroring for Line of Sight

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing handwritten information inputting devices require users to frequently shift their gaze from the screen to the device to operate operational elements, making the input process inefficient and inconvenient.

Innovation Solution

A tablet device with an operation switch section that includes capacitive-type operational elements, allowing users to detect touches and assign functions to depression operations, enabling operations without leaving the screen's view and displaying operational element information only when needed to avoid obstructing the image.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If operational buttons are provided on the handwritten information inputting device, then various processing functions can be executed, but the operator must shift line of sight from the screen to the device to operate the buttons

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing functionsVSAvoidline of sight shifting
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent displays a copy of the operational button array on the screen that mirrors the physical buttons. When a button is pressed, its corresponding display is highlighted on the screen, allowing the operator to see both the physical button position and its function representation without shifting line of sight. This visual copy enables continuous screen viewing while operating physical buttons.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides immediate visual feedback by highlighting the pressed button's display on the screen in real-time. This feedback mechanism confirms the button press action and shows the corresponding function, allowing the operator to verify operations without looking away from the screen, thus resolving the line of sight shifting problem.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If operational element information is continuously displayed on the screen, then the operator can confirm functions without shifting line of sight, but the display of operational element information may obstruct the image of handwritten information

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunction confirmationVSAvoiddisplay area
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The operational element information display is made dynamic rather than static. The display content changes based on which button is pressed, highlighting only the relevant button information at any given moment. This dynamic updating minimizes the display area used while maximizing the information provided, preventing obstruction of handwritten content.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of displaying all operational element information simultaneously across the screen, the system applies local quality by displaying only the specific button information relevant to the current press action. This localized display approach concentrates information where needed without obstructing the overall handwritten information display area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

Enables efficient and convenient operation of handwritten information inputting by allowing users to perform functions on the tablet device without looking away from the screen, with operational element information displayed only when necessary to maintain visibility of the input image.

Implementation Method 1

a touch sensor provided on the surface of an operation key

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP2631771B1Handwritten information inputting device and portable electronic apparatus including handwritten information inputting device
Publication Date: 2018.10.31 WACOM CO LTD
  • EP2631771B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2631771B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2631771B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3C

AI summary

A handwritten information inputting device includes an inputting region into which handwritten information is inputted with a pointer such as an electronic pen or a finger. The device also includes a function disposition region in which a plurality of operational elements (e.g., graphic icons) are disposed, each assigned a process related to the inputted handwritten information such as enlarging or rotating the inputted handwritten information. In response to a continuous operation for a defined period of time of any of the operational elements, operational element disposition information regarding the operational elements disposed in the function disposition region is displayed on an external display apparatus, to which the handwritten information inputting device is connected. Also, the operated (selected) operational element is displayed visually distinguishable from the rest of the operational elements. Thus, an operator can confirm his operation of the operational elements without taking his eyes off the external display apparatus.