Programmable Key Assignment for Compact Electronic Controls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices with decreasing hard keys, such as video cameras, face operability issues as users struggle to access and remember assigned functions, leading to cumbersome operation due to limited key functionality and difficulty in assigning multiple functions to a single key.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a display panel and multiple keys allows users to assign desired functions by displaying items, selecting a desired item, and assigning a function to a key, enabling quick access to setting screens for both menu and non-menu items, thereby improving operability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the number of hard keys is decreased to make the device smaller, then the device size is reduced, but the operability deteriorates because users cannot quickly access functions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent assigns multiple functions to each key through a function assignment screen. Users can configure each key to perform different functions in different contexts (e.g., playback mode, recording mode, menu mode), allowing a reduced number of physical keys to provide access to numerous functions across various operating modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The key functions are made dynamic and context-dependent rather than fixed. The same key can serve different purposes based on the current playback mode, recording mode, or menu state, allowing the system to adapt key functionality to the situation rather than requiring separate keys for each function.
2Ease of operation
If many keys are provided to improve operability, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each key is designed to perform multiple functions through software configuration rather than requiring dedicated physical keys for each function. The function assignment screen allows users to map different functions to the same key depending on the operational context, reducing the total number of keys needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a software configuration dimension to key functionality. Instead of increasing the physical dimension (number of keys), it utilizes the functional dimension through programmable key assignments and context-dependent behavior, allowing one key to serve multiple purposes across different modes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If only one function is assigned to one key, then the key function is simple and easy to remember, but the versatility deteriorates because not all user needs can be met
Solution Approach 1:
Key functions are made dynamic and context-dependent. The same key can perform different functions based on the current playback mode, recording mode, or menu state, providing high versatility without requiring users to remember multiple static key assignments.
Solution Approach 2:
Users can freely configure key functions according to their own preferences and needs through the function assignment screen. The system allows users to customize which functions are assigned to which keys, enabling each user to optimize the interface for their specific usage patterns.
4Volume of moving object
If functions are sequentially assigned to one key, then the number of keys is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates because users cannot quickly access desired functions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements context-dependent key functionality where the same key provides direct access to different functions based on the current operational mode. This eliminates the need for sequential access while maintaining a reduced number of physical keys, as each key is dynamically assigned to the most relevant function in the current context.
Data Source
AI summary
At step ST2, an assign key changing item is selected from menu items. At step ST3, an assign key to which a function is assigned is selected. At step ST4, a function to be assigned is selected. The selected function is assigned to the selected assign key. At step ST5, a setting result indication screen appears. When one of two paired functions is assigned, a message which prompts a user to assign the other function. After the message has appeared for a predetermined time, the latest assigned states appear. At step ST6, the latest assign key information is stored to a non-volatile memory. To quit an assigning process, a menu button 8 is pressed and the menu is closed (at step ST8).