Keyboard Key Deactivation System for Gaming Interruption Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Players often unintentionally activate the 'WINDOWS' key during PC gaming, leading to interruptions and decreased gaming satisfaction due to the key's proximity to modifier keys on human interface devices like keyboards.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that allows for the deactivation of specific keys on human interface devices, such as keyboards and gamepads, using a deactivation key or button that temporarily impedes the execution of the key's associated function, allowing players to continue gaming without accidental menu activations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the WINDOWS key is placed on the keyboard near modifier keys for easy access, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to unintentional activation during gaming
Solution Approach 1:
The keyboard implements dynamic key functionality where the WINDOWS key can switch between its default system function and a deactivated gaming mode. The system dynamically changes the key's behavior based on the active application or user preference, allowing it to be disabled during gaming sessions while remaining functional for system operations otherwise
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameter of the WINDOWS key from a fixed state to a variable state. Through software configuration, the key's function can be modified - either completely disabled during gaming applications or reassigned to alternative functions - thereby adjusting its behavior to prevent unintentional activation while maintaining accessibility when needed
2Reliability
If a deactivation key system is implemented to prevent unintentional key activation, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The deactivation key system is designed to work across multiple applications and games universally. Rather than requiring separate solutions for each game, the system provides a general mechanism that can be configured to work with any application, reducing overall system complexity through standardization
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows users to self-configure which keys should be deactivated and under what conditions. Through accessible software settings, users can independently manage their own key deactivation preferences without requiring complex system-wide configurations or technical assistance
Data Source
AI summary
Personal computer (PC) and online gaming are gaining popularity around the world. Typically players use human interface devices (HIDs) such as keyboards and mice for playing PC games. Many of the modern PC games use a control scheme commonly known as the “WASD/Mouse” which is a combination of the “WASD” keyboard keys and the mouse as means for interacting with the PC games. Additionally, for expansion on existing game control functions, modifier keys are used in conjunction with other keyboard keys to serve as shortcut keys for activating such game control functions. However, due to close positioning of the “WINDOWS” key with the modifier keys on the keyboards, the “WINDOWS” menu might be activated accidentally during normal PC game play especially when players frequently access the shortcut keys. An embodiment of the invention describes a system and method for deactivating keys selectable on human interface devices.