Multimedia Terminal Key Functionality for Touch Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional portable communication terminals with touch sensitive displays face challenges in accuracy and usability, especially in moving vehicles, due to the small size and slippery surfaces, which complicates reliable interaction with the screen, and are not well-suited for multimedia applications.
Innovation Solution
A multimedia communication terminal with a touch sensitive display and a control unit that includes user keys for performing functions on audio and video outputs, along with a software program that allows for zoom and switch view functions, enhancing usability and accommodating multimedia applications by allowing users to adjust icon sizes and switch between different views.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the terminal size is reduced to make it portable, then the terminal becomes more compact and easier to carry, but the user interface becomes harder to operate accurately
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic key functionality where the same physical key can perform different functions depending on the current application state. The control unit dynamically assigns functions to keys based on whether audio or video applications are active, allowing the limited key count to provide sufficient functionality across different operating contexts without requiring a larger physical interface
Solution Approach 2:
The user keys are designed with multi-functionality, where each key can serve multiple purposes depending on the application context. For example, keys can function as navigation controls, selection buttons, or application-specific controls. This universal design allows a small number of physical keys to replace what would traditionally require many more keys or a complex touchscreen interface
2Ease of operation
If the contact area size is increased to improve touch accuracy, then the touch target becomes easier to hit, but the number of displayable areas on the screen decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the user interface into two distinct parts: a set of fixed physical user keys for input control and a touch-sensitive display area for visual information and optional touch interaction. This segmentation allows the physical keys to provide stable, easy-to-press input targets while the display can show multiple areas of information without being constrained by the need for large touch targets on a limited screen real estate
3Device complexity
If a touch sensitive display is used to replace the keypad, then the terminal design becomes more compact and modern, but the reliability of input in moving vehicles deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the advantages of both physical keypads and touchscreens by combining physical user keys with a touch-sensitive display. The physical keys provide reliable, tactile input that is not affected by hand tremors or slippery surfaces, while the touchscreen provides visual feedback and can display multimedia content. This hybrid approach retains the reliability of physical inputs while enabling modern multimedia capabilities
4Adaptability or versatility
If the terminal is designed for multimedia applications, then the functionality and versatility increase, but the conventional user interface becomes less suitable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic key functionality where the same physical key can perform different functions depending on the current application state. The control unit dynamically assigns functions to keys based on whether audio or video applications are active, allowing the limited key count to provide sufficient functionality across different operating contexts without requiring a larger physical interface
Solution Approach 2:
The user keys are designed with multi-functionality, where each key can serve multiple purposes depending on the application context. For example, keys can function as navigation controls, selection buttons, or application-specific controls. This universal design allows a small number of physical keys to replace what would traditionally require many more keys or a complex touchscreen interface
Data Source
AI summary
A multimedia terminal has a touch sensitive display that displays information and receives user inputs. A control unit controls the operation of the terminal in accordance with user inputs received by the touch sensitive display and selectively executes at least one audio application and at least one video application. There are a plurality of user keys. One of the keys changes an audio/video output of the terminal depending on the application being executed by the control unit at the time that the key is selected.