Power Key Multi-Function OSD Control for Micro Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional key control systems for on-screen display (OSD) in display apparatuses are bulky and costly due to the need for multiple keys to handle various functions, making them unsuitable for micro display devices like handheld projectors.
Innovation Solution
A key control system with a hierarchical menu structure and a power key that functions as a starting mechanism to open multiple layers of menus, combined with a key module that provides selecting and adjusting mechanisms, reducing the number of physical keys required by utilizing a power key and a minimal number of additional keys to perform the functions of multiple conventional keys.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple keys are used to handle various OSD functions, then the functionality and ease of operation are improved, but the device complexity, size, and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power key is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the power on/off key and the menu opening key. When the display is off, pressing the power key turns on the display; when the display is on, pressing the same key opens the OSD menu. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of keys needed while maintaining full OSD control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the power key function with the menu opening function into a single key. Instead of having separate keys for power control and menu access, the same physical key triggers different operations based on the current display state, thereby simplifying the keyboard structure and reducing its size.
2Ease of operation
If multiple keys are used to handle various OSD functions, then the ease of operation is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power key is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the power on/off key and the menu opening key. When the display is off, pressing the power key turns on the display; when the display is on, pressing the same key opens the OSD menu. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of keys needed while maintaining full OSD control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the power key function with the menu opening function into a single key. Instead of having separate keys for power control and menu access, the same physical key triggers different operations based on the current display state, thereby simplifying the keyboard structure and reducing its size.
3Device complexity
If a minimal number of keys are used, then the device complexity and cost are reduced, but the ease of operation may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The key control system employs dynamic key function assignment where the same physical key performs different operations based on the current system state. The power key's function changes dynamically: it activates the display when off, opens menus when the display is on, and provides navigation functions within the OSD hierarchy. This dynamic behavior maintains full operational capability with fewer physical keys.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a temporal and contextual dimension to key operation. Instead of requiring separate keys for different functions, the system uses the same key at different times and contexts to achieve different outcomes. The hierarchical menu structure provides an additional dimension for organization, allowing complex OSD control to be achieved through sequential key presses rather than requiring multiple simultaneous key options.
Data Source
AI summary
A key control system disposed in a display apparatus includes a hierarchical menu, a power key, and a key module. The hierarchical menu includes a first layer menu and a second layer menu. The first layer menu has an item corresponding to the second layer menu. The power key is adapted to turn on the power supply of the display apparatus. The key control system is used to execute a key control method includes steps of defining the function of the power key as opening the first layer menu of the hierarchical menu after the power supply is turned on; defining the function of the key module as selecting the item of the first layer menu when the first layer menu is opened; and defining the function of the power key as opening the second layer menu after the item of the first layer menu is selected.