Navigation Mode Switching Controller for Portable Devices

Solution Overview

Problem

Current navigation methods on portable devices often require separate hardware for discontinuous and continuous navigation modes, which can be cumbersome and inefficient, especially on small screens where space is limited.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus with a controller that switches between continuous and discontinuous navigation modes based on predefined inputs from distinct navigation devices, allowing for seamless transitions between modes without the need for multiple hardware inputs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate hardware inputs are provided for discontinuous and continuous navigation modes, then both navigation modes can be supported, but device complexity increases and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenavigation mode supportVSAvoidhardware complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling a single navigation input device to perform both discontinuous and continuous navigation functions. The controller detects different input patterns from the same device to distinguish between discontinuous navigation inputs (first input pattern) and continuous navigation inputs (second input pattern), eliminating the need for separate hardware inputs for each mode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate hardware inputs are provided for discontinuous and continuous navigation modes, then both navigation modes can be supported, but the device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenavigation mode supportVSAvoiddevice area

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling a single navigation input device to perform both discontinuous and continuous navigation functions. The controller detects different input patterns from the same device to distinguish between discontinuous navigation inputs (first input pattern) and continuous navigation inputs (second input pattern), eliminating the need for separate hardware inputs for each mode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple navigation input devices are provided, then both discontinuous and continuous navigation can be achieved, but ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenavigation mode capabilityVSAvoidnavigation operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the navigation input device adaptable to multiple operational modes. The controller dynamically switches between discontinuous and continuous navigation modes based on the detected input pattern, allowing the same physical device to change its functional behavior. This dynamic adaptation simplifies operation by providing mode switching without requiring separate hardware inputs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS8495522B2Navigation in a display

Publication Date: 2013.07.23 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY

AI summary

An apparatus including a controller configured to switch a continuous navigation mode to a discontinuous navigation mode in response to a predefined discontinuous navigation input and configured to switch a discontinuous navigation mode to a continuous navigation mode in response to a predefined continuous navigation input.