Measuring Device Shortcut Input Assignment

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Modern measuring devices, such as oscilloscopes, offer numerous configuration options, leading to complexity and time consumption in accessing and activating functions.

Innovation Solution

A measuring device with a user input device, a shortcut input device, and an assignment device that allows users to assign specific first user inputs to shortcut user inputs based on user commands, reducing the need for extensive navigation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a large number of user inputs are provided to cover all measurement functions, then the device functionality and versatility are improved, but the device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The user inputs are segmented into two categories: shortcut user inputs (first set) for frequently used functions and regular user inputs (second set) for comprehensive function access. This segmentation allows the interface to be divided into a simplified shortcut section and a complete function section, resolving the contradiction by providing both quick access and full functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Shortcut user inputs act as intermediaries between the user and the complete set of measurement functions. These shortcuts serve as a mediating layer that provides direct access to frequently used functions without requiring navigation through complex menus, while still maintaining the ability to access all functions through the regular user inputs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a large number of user inputs are provided to cover all measurement functions, then the device functionality is improved, but the time required to access functions increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoidtime consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The most frequently used measurement functions are pre-selected and assigned to shortcut user inputs before the user needs them. This preliminary assignment of common functions to easily accessible shortcuts eliminates the need for users to navigate through menus during measurement tasks, significantly reducing access time while maintaining full functionality availability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If shortcut user inputs are added to provide quick access, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The shortcut user inputs are designed to be universal and multi-functional, where each shortcut can be dynamically assigned to different measurement functions based on user needs. This multi-functionality allows the same physical shortcut input to serve multiple purposes, reducing the need for additional dedicated inputs and thereby minimizing the increase in device complexity while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11209912B2Measuring device and configuration method
Publication Date: 2021.12.28 ROHDE & SCHWARZ GMBH & CO KG
  • US11209912B2 patent drawing
  • US11209912B2 patent drawing
  • US11209912B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A measuring device comprises a user input device, which comprises a first number of first user inputs for a user of the measuring device, a shortcut input device, which comprises a second number of shortcut user inputs for the user, and an assignment device, which assigns a respective one of the first user inputs to a respective one of the shortcut user inputs based on a received user command.