Multi-Functional Human Interface Device with Segmented Input Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional text input devices and pointing devices are typically used separately, leading to frequent hand movement between text input, pointing location input, and pointer execution instructions, which degrades work efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A human interface device that integrates pointing location information input regions with text input devices, featuring a switching unit to seamlessly switch between text input and pointing modes, minimizing hand movement and improving efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If text input devices and pointing devices are provided separately, then each device can be optimized for its specific function, but the user's hand must move frequently between devices, degrading work efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines text input device and pointing device into a single integrated human interface device. The text input region and pointing location information input region are merged into one device, allowing users to perform both text input and pointing operations without moving their hands between separate devices, thereby improving work efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated human interface device performs multiple functions: it can operate as a text input device, a pointing device, or both simultaneously. The switching unit enables the device to switch between different input modes (text input mode and pointing location information input mode), providing universal functionality that eliminates the need for separate dedicated devices
2Productivity
If text input device and pointing device are integrated in one device, then product size and cost are reduced, but the device must switch between different input modes requiring a switching unit
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs dynamic mode switching capability where the switching unit can change the operational state of the device between text input mode and pointing location information input mode. This dynamic adaptation allows the single device to fulfill multiple functional roles, reducing the need for separate static devices while maintaining specialized functionality through mode transitions
3Ease of operation
If pointing location information input region is provided on text input region, then hand movement is minimized, but the input regions may interfere with each other
Solution Approach 1:
The input region is segmented into distinct functional zones: text input regions and pointing location information input regions. These segmented regions can be spatially separated or selectively activated, allowing the device to receive different types of input signals from different areas without interference, maintaining input accuracy while enabling integrated operation
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-functional human interface device includes a control unit and a first multi-functional input button. The first multi-functional input button includes a cover unit configured to receive a touch input of a user's finger, an electrode unit including a transmitter and a receiver to form an electric field, an elastic unit configured to move from a first height to a second height when a first pressure is applied from the cover unit and configured to move back to the first height when the first pressure from the cover unit is released, and a switch unit configured to generate an electric signal representing an input of a predetermined letter.