Input Device Folder Navigation via Pressing Load Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face inefficiencies in navigating complex hierarchical structures of folders on touch panel devices, requiring repetitive operations to open and close folders across multiple hierarchies, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive.
Innovation Solution
An input device with a load detection unit and control unit that differentiate between pressing loads to control the opening and closing of folders, using predefined load standards to simplify folder operations by detecting changes in pressing force, allowing for sequential opening and closing of folders with reduced user effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a touch panel is used to display and interact with folder hierarchies, then the device can provide intuitive operation and flexible configuration, but users must repeatedly touch to open and close folders across multiple hierarchies, increasing operation time and effort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by enabling the touch panel to detect varying pressing loads and dynamically respond with different folder navigation actions. Instead of a static single-action touch interface, the system adapts its behavior based on the intensity of the pressing force, allowing users to navigate deeper folder hierarchies with stronger presses and close folders with weaker presses, thereby reducing the number of discrete touch operations needed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by using the pressing load intensity as a variable parameter to differentiate between various folder operations. The control unit interprets different pressing load thresholds to trigger different actions (open parent folder, open child folder, close folder), transforming a single-parameter touch interface into a multi-parameter control system that reduces operational steps while maintaining intuitive interaction
2Productivity
If multiple pressing load thresholds are implemented to control folder operations, then folder navigation becomes more efficient with fewer operations, but the device complexity increases due to additional detection and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the universality principle by making the existing touch panel serve multiple functions: it not only detects the presence of a touch but also measures pressing load intensity and determines touch duration. This multi-functional use of the touch panel eliminates the need for separate hardware components, allowing the system to differentiate between folder opening, closing, and navigation actions while maintaining a simple overall device structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements mechanics substitution by replacing what would traditionally require separate mechanical buttons or switches for different folder operations with a single electronic touch panel system. The control unit processes varying electrical signals from the touch panel based on pressing load intensity, substituting multiple mechanical input devices with one electronic system that achieves the same functional complexity through software-based differentiation
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 users to efficiently navigate and manage folders across multiple hierarchies with reduced operational effort, allowing for simple and prompt folder operations without the need for repeated inputs, enhancing usability and speed.
Implementation Method 1
a load detection unit detecting a pressing load with respect to the input unit
Data Source
AI summary
An input device is disclosed. An input device comprises a display unit, an input unit, a load detection unit and a control unit. The display unit displays an object of a folder with a hierarchical structure. The input unit receives pressing inputs with respect to the display unit. The load detection unit detects a pressing load with respect to the input unit. The control unit opens and closes folders based on a change in the pressing load.