Keypad Symbol Readability via Colored Light and Transparent Boards
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Solution Overview
Problem
Handheld electronic devices with complex keypads confuse users due to the difficulty in distinguishing between Arabic numerals, English, and Chinese phonetic alphabets, especially when switching between portrait and landscape orientations.
Innovation Solution
An input device with a substrate, light-emitting devices, and transparent boards of complementary colors that switch between displaying symbols by altering the light sources, enhancing readability through color mixing principles, where complementary colors generate white or low-energy light to make symbols more or less visible based on operation mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types of symbols (Arabic numerals, English alphabets, Chinese phonetic alphabets) are displayed on the same keypad, then the functionality of the electronic device is enhanced, but the readability and distinguishability of symbols deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes by using different colored transparent boards (first color and second color) that can be selectively positioned over keypads. When a first colored light source illuminates the first colored transparent board, it transmits light of that color to highlight specific symbols (e.g., Arabic numerals). Similarly, a second colored light source with a second colored transparent board highlights different symbol types (e.g., English alphabets). This color-based differentiation allows multiple symbol types to coexist on the same keypad while maintaining clear visual distinction and readability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the symbol display state changeable through the selective positioning and illumination of different colored transparent boards. The system can dynamically switch between highlighting different symbol types by moving the appropriate transparent board into position and activating the corresponding light source. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the keypad to adapt its visual presentation based on the current operational context, enhancing both versatility and readability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the screen is rotated to switch between portrait and landscape orientations, then different display modes are achieved, but the complexity of discrimination between keypad contents increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the complexity issue by introducing color as an additional dimension of differentiation. Instead of relying solely on spatial orientation changes, the system uses color-coded transparent boards and light sources to create distinct visual groups for different symbol types. This allows users to quickly identify and discriminate between keypad contents through color cues, reducing the cognitive load associated with orientation-based discrimination and simplifying the overall device complexity.
3Area of stationary object
If small symbols are used to fit more keypads, then the device size is reduced, but the symbol distinguishability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent effectively addresses the symbol distinguishability problem by applying color changes to small symbols. Even when symbols are reduced in size to accommodate more keypads within a compact device, the selective illumination through colored transparent boards enhances their visual contrast and distinguishability. The colored light sources illuminate specific small symbols, making them stand out clearly despite their reduced size, thus maintaining both compact device dimensions and adequate symbol distinguishability.
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
Improves symbol readability and user convenience by making the correct symbols more obvious in different orientations, reducing confusion and increasing the usability of input devices.
Implementation Method 1
a first light-emitting device deployed on the substrate for generating a first colored light source
Implementation Method 2
a first transparent board made of a translucent material of a first color for displaying a first symbol, and deployed on the first light-emitting device
Implementation Method 3
a second light-emitting device deployed on the substrate for generating a second colored light source different from the first colored light source
Implementation Method 4
a second transparent board made of a translucent material of a second color for displaying a second symbol, and deployed on the first light-emitting device and the second light-emitting device
Implementation Method 5
A combination color of the first color and the third color is a complementary color to the first colored light source, and a combination color of the second color and the third color is a complementary color to the second colored light source
Data Source
AI summary
An input device capable of enhancing symbol readability for an electronic product includes a plurality of keypads for displaying a plurality of first kind symbols and a plurality of second kind symbols; a detection unit for detecting an operation mode of the electronic device; and a control unit coupled to the detection unit and the plurality of keypads for controlling the plurality of keypads to display the plurality of first kind symbols or the plurality of second kind symbols according to a detection result of the detection unit.