Programmable Bezel Button for Mobile Terminal Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing number of functions in mobile terminals limits the size of the display screen due to the need for user input, as traditional keypads become less efficient with larger screens, and existing solutions like touch screens do not fully address the need for intuitive and space-efficient user interaction.
Innovation Solution
A programmable button system on the bezel of a mobile terminal, utilizing a touch sensor, multiple displays, and a controller to map objects from the primary display to buttons on secondary displays around the bezel, allowing users to perform actions by gesturing on these buttons.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the display screen size is increased, then the display area is improved, but the user input capability deteriorates due to the need for keypads and touch screens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by moving the button controls from the traditional 2D touchscreen interface to the 3D bezel area surrounding the display. This allows the display screen to expand to full area while maintaining physical button input capability on the bezel edges, resolving the contradiction between large display area and user input capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the user interface by separating the display function (on the screen) from the input function (on the bezel buttons). This segmentation allows the display to maximize its area while the bezel provides dedicated input mechanisms, eliminating the need for touchscreen interaction and maintaining ease of operation.
2Ease of operation
If traditional keypads are used for user input, then the user input capability is maintained, but the display screen size is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates the keypad functionality from the traditional keyboard layout to the bezel area, utilizing the three-dimensional space around the display. This dimensional transition enables full-size display area while preserving physical button input capability, directly resolving the contradiction between keypad functionality and display size.
3Area of stationary object
If touch screens are employed to increase screen size, then the display area is improved, but the intuitiveness and space efficiency of user interaction deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions user interaction from the two-dimensional touchscreen to the three-dimensional bezel area with physical buttons. This dimensional shift provides intuitive tactile feedback and efficient space utilization, as the buttons are positioned on the bezel edges rather than occupying screen real estate, thereby maintaining ease of operation while maximizing display area.
Data Source
AI summary
A terminal and a method for a programmable button on a bezel of the terminal are provided. For a mobile terminal comprising a touch sensor, a first display and at least one second display disposed at the bezel, the bezel at least partially surrounding the first display, the method includes mapping an object displayed on the first display to a button on the at least one second display, displaying the button on the at least one second display, and when the displayed button is actuated, performing an action corresponding to the object.