Pointing Stick Vertical Displacement Detection for Menu Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing information processing apparatuses, such as laptops, face difficulties in displaying settings menu screens efficiently using pointing sticks, leading to low usability in navigating device settings.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus with a pointing stick that detects displacements in both its installation plane and vertical directions, utilizing a double-tap operation to trigger the display of a menu screen, and a control unit that manages the display and hiding of the menu based on user input and keyboard combinations, enhancing usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a pointing stick is used to navigate through start menu screens to access settings, then the device can maintain a standard interface design, but the user interface usability deteriorates due to the complexity and time required to access settings
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of the pointing stick operation pattern (double-tap in vertical direction) and pre-prepares to display the settings menu screen, eliminating the need for users to navigate through multiple menu layers to access settings
2Adaptability or versatility
If the pointing stick only detects displacement in the installation plane direction, then the device structure remains simple, but the functionality deteriorates due to inability to detect vertical direction operations
Solution Approach 1:
The pointing stick is designed to perform multiple functions by detecting both plane displacement (for pointer movement) and vertical displacement (for menu activation), allowing a single device to serve multiple operational purposes
Solution Approach 2:
The detection capability is extended from two-dimensional plane displacement to three-dimensional displacement by adding vertical direction detection, enabling the system to recognize double-tap operations and trigger settings menu display
Data Source
AI summary
The information processing apparatus includes a pointing stick which is disposed on a keyboard, has an operable stick and is possible to detect a displacement in an installation plane direction of the stick and a displacement in a direction which is vertical to the installation plane and a main control unit which displays a predetermined menu screen on a display unit in a case where the pointing stick detects a specific operation which includes the displacement of the stick in the vertical direction.