Multi-Directional Key-Wheel for Customizable Button Configurations
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional computer peripheral devices, such as mice, often have a fixed number of side buttons, which can be insufficient for complex functions in computer games or leave buttons unused, failing to meet diverse user hot-key setting requirements as software evolves.
Innovation Solution
A computer peripheral device featuring multi-directional key-wheels with polygon-shaped pressing surfaces, each having a different number of buttons, allowing users to customize button configuration modes by exposing various surfaces, providing a range of button arrangements and numbers to match specific hot-key settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of side buttons is increased to handle complex functions, then the functionality for computer games is improved, but some buttons remain unused and the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the button configuration adjustable rather than fixed. The side buttons can be dynamically added or removed based on user needs through software control, allowing the device to adapt between having many buttons for complex games and fewer buttons for simpler tasks, thus resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of button quantity from a fixed value to a variable that can be adjusted according to different usage scenarios. By allowing users to configure the number of active side buttons through software, the device can optimize its functionality for different applications without permanently increasing its physical complexity.
2Device complexity
If the number of side buttons is fixed, then the device complexity is reduced, but the device cannot fulfill diverse hot-key setting requirements of different users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing a side button system that can serve multiple functions through software configuration. The same physical buttons can be assigned different hot-key settings based on user needs, allowing a fixed-number device to provide versatile functionality across different applications and user requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the button functionality dynamic by allowing users to reconfigure which buttons are active and what functions they perform. This dynamic configuration capability enables a fixed hardware design to adapt to diverse hot-key setting requirements without increasing physical complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If excessive side buttons are provided, then the hot-key settings for complex functions are improved, but buttons are left unused and ease of operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling users to independently configure which side buttons are active and what functions they perform through software. Users can tailor the button configuration to match their specific needs, ensuring that only the necessary buttons are used and maintaining ease of operation while still supporting complex functions when required.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer peripheral device includes a housing, and at least one multi-directional key-wheel. The multi-directional key-wheel is rotatably arranged along an axis in an abreast manner in the housing, and has a part exposed outside the housing. Each multi-directional key-wheel is polygon-shaped and has a plurality of pressing surfaces. Each pressing surface is equipped with at least one button. At least two pressing surfaces of one multi-directional key-wheel have a different quantity of buttons. Thus, the present invention can provide different button arrangement modes by exposing a different one of the pressing surfaces of the multi-directional key-wheel outside the housing. The button arrangement modes can also have a different quantity and arrangement manner of the keys.