Multi-function Button with Visual Feedback for Interface Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing user interfaces in electronic measurement devices, such as spectrum analyzers, often feature numerous buttons that increase complexity and cost, making them difficult to operate intuitively and leading to potential wrong user inputs.
Innovation Solution
A user interface control device with a single input key that can have different functions based on the duration of the key press, providing visual feedback through graphical elements like progress bars or timers to indicate the required pressing time for each function.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple single-function buttons are used on the user interface, then each function can be clearly assigned to a specific button, but the number of buttons increases the complexity and overall cost of the measurement device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-function button that can perform different operations based on the duration of the press. A short press (first time period) triggers one function, while a long press (second time period exceeding the first) triggers a different function. This allows a single button to replace multiple single-function buttons, reducing device complexity while maintaining clear function assignment through temporal differentiation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple single-function buttons are used on the user interface, then each function can be clearly assigned to a specific button, but a large number of buttons can make it difficult to intuitively operate the device and can lead to wrong user input
Solution Approach 1:
By implementing a multi-function button with time-based differentiation, the patent reduces the total number of buttons on the interface, making it less overwhelming and more intuitive to operate. The temporal distinction between short and long presses provides an intuitive operational model that is easier to learn and remember compared to navigating numerous similarly-shaped buttons.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates visual feedback mechanisms that indicate to the user which function will be executed based on the current press duration. This feedback helps users understand whether they need to continue pressing or release the button, preventing wrong inputs and making the device more intuitive to operate.
3Device complexity
If a multi-function button with time-based operations is implemented, then the number of buttons can be reduced, but an inexperienced user might not know for how long the multi-function button needs to be touched to initiate the different types of touch operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses the information gap by implementing visual feedback that displays the current press duration and indicates the threshold for switching between functions. This real-time feedback provides users with the necessary information about how long to press the button, preventing wrong inputs while maintaining the benefits of a reduced button count.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares visual indicators in advance that show users the required press duration before the function is executed. This preliminary information provision allows users to adjust their pressing duration appropriately, ensuring they understand the time requirement before committing to a function selection.
4Device complexity
If a multi-function button with time-based operations is implemented, then the number of buttons can be reduced, but wrong user input can occur if the button is unintentionally touched for too long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous visual feedback during the button press that indicates the current state and warns users as they approach the threshold for triggering a function. This feedback mechanism allows users to consciously control the press duration and avoid unintentional long-press inputs, thereby maintaining high input accuracy while using fewer buttons.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides preliminary warnings or visual cues before the long-press threshold is reached, allowing users to consciously prevent the unintended function from being triggered. This preliminary anti-action mechanism helps users avoid wrong inputs by giving them the opportunity to release the button before the unwanted function is activated.
Data Source
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Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
The invention relates to a user interface control device, comprising display; an input key that can be pressed by a user, and a processor configured to register a starting time and a duration of a key press on the input key, wherein the processor is configured to assign a first function to the input key if the duration of the key press is shorter or equal to a threshold time value, and wherein the processor is configured assign a second function to the input key if the duration of the key press exceeds the threshold time value, wherein the display is configured to display a graphical element, which indicates a duration of the key press at least until the threshold time value is reached.