Multi-Direction Input Key for Mobile Device Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile communication devices face challenges in fully utilizing their limited space for input/output devices, making it difficult to efficiently control multifunctional operations using traditional navigation keys.
Innovation Solution
A mobile communication device and method utilizing a first input key that can be manipulated in at least two directions and a second input key enabling two-direction inputs, generating signals for controlling predetermined operations, such as a joystick, touch pad, or track ball for directional manipulation and direction keys for scrolling, integrated with a control unit to perform various operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional navigation keys are used for controlling mobile communication devices, then the device structure remains simple, but the device cannot fully utilize various additional functions and control operations
Solution Approach 1:
The first input key is designed to perform multiple functions: it can be manipulated in at least two directions to generate direction input signals, and can also be pressed to generate pressing input signals. This multi-functional design allows a single key to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate keys, thereby improving control operation capability while maintaining relatively simple device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The first input key is designed with dynamic manipulation capabilities, allowing it to be moved in multiple directions and pressed. The control unit dynamically interprets different input signals based on the key's manipulation state, enabling versatile control operations for various device functions including web browsing, image viewing, and game execution.
2Adaptability or versatility
If more input keys are added to provide various control operations, then control capability is improved, but the limited space of mobile communication devices is exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple input functions into two keys: the first input key handles both directional manipulation and pressing operations, while the second input key handles directional manipulation. This consolidation reduces the total number of keys required compared to traditional designs that would need separate keys for each function, thereby improving control capability within limited device space.
Solution Approach 2:
Each input key is designed to perform multiple functions. The first input key can generate direction input signals when manipulated in at least two directions and pressing input signals when pressed. The second input key similarly generates direction input signals when manipulated in at least two directions. This multi-functionality allows comprehensive control operations with minimal keys, optimizing space utilization.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional single-direction input keys are used, then the device structure is simple, but various additional functions cannot be fully utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second input keys are designed with dynamic manipulation capabilities in at least two directions. The control unit dynamically processes different input signals based on manipulation direction and type, enabling flexible and intuitive control for various additional functions such as web browsing, image viewing, and game execution, thereby improving both adaptability and ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile communication device, method and computer program product for generating a first signal upon manipulation of a first input key that can be manipulated in at least two directions, generating a second signal upon manipulation of a second input key which enables at least two direction inputs, and controlling a predetermined operation in response to at least one of the first and second signals.