Key Array Distinction at System Startup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulty in identifying which keys to select during system startup to access various menus or functions in processing systems, leading to a complex and confusing user experience.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a processor to detect initial startup and selectively distinguish specific keys in a key array through visual or haptic means, using key distinction commands to illuminate or provide tactile feedback on keys corresponding to accessible menus or functions, thereby simplifying the user's selection process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple keys are provided for accessing different system menus and functions during startup, then system functionality and accessibility are improved, but user difficulty in identifying the correct keys increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies visual distinction mechanisms (such as lighting, color changes, or visual indicators) to highlight specific keys on the keyboard during system startup. This allows multiple functional keys to be provided while making them easily identifiable through visual cues, thereby maintaining system versatility while improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary identification and highlighting of relevant keys before the user needs to press them. During the startup phase, the system proactively illuminates or visually marks the keys that will be needed for menu navigation, allowing users to see which keys to press before they are actually needed.
2Ease of operation
If visual or haptic distinction mechanisms are added to keys, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a key distinction mechanism that serves multiple functions: it provides visual feedback during startup, highlights functional keys, and can adapt to different system states. This multi-functional approach allows the system to improve ease of operation without adding separate dedicated mechanisms for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically identifies and highlights the relevant keys based on the current startup state and detected user presence. The key distinction mechanism operates autonomously, detecting when startup occurs and automatically illuminating appropriate keys without requiring manual configuration or additional user input.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of distinguishing at least one key of a key array. The method can include, via a processor, detecting initial startup of a processing system. The method further can include, during the initial startup, distinguishing at least a first key of the key array from other keys of the key array, wherein the first key is selectable to access a system startup menu or system function.