Radial Button Layout for More Comfortable Handheld Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Some users find existing input devices uncomfortable to control, leading to difficulties in effective interaction.
Innovation Solution
The input device features a body with a central control button and multiple peripheral control buttons arranged along its outer edge, where the outer edges of these buttons extend beyond the body's edge, providing a comfortable grip and control surface for users.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the control buttons are arranged within the body boundaries, then the device structure is compact, but users have difficulty feeling comfortable controlling the device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the control buttons in the radial direction beyond the body's circumferential edge, utilizing the vertical/dimensional space outward from the body rather than confining all controls within the body's planar boundaries. This dimensional extension provides users with better finger access and comfort while maintaining a relatively compact body structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the control interface into two distinct zones: controls within the body boundaries and controls extending beyond the body boundaries. This segmentation allows different control functions to be optimally positioned - frequently used controls within the body for compactness, and additional controls extending outward for enhanced user comfort and accessibility.
2Ease of operation
If the control buttons extend beyond the body edge, then user comfort is improved, but the device occupies more space
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of expanding the device footprint horizontally, the patent extends controls vertically outward from the body's circumferential edge. This utilizes the third dimension (radial extension) rather than increasing the planar area, thereby improving user comfort without significantly increasing the device's footprint on a surface.
3Adaptability or versatility
If more control buttons are added, then functionality is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent arranges control buttons in a radial pattern extending outward from the body, utilizing the circumferential dimension around the body rather than simply adding buttons linearly. This radial distribution naturally organizes multiple controls in an ergonomic circular layout, enhancing functionality while maintaining aesthetic and functional simplicity through the inherent symmetry of the arrangement.
Data Source
AI summary
To provide an input device that can make control comfortable for users who have difficulty in feeling comfortable controlling existing input devices. A controller includes a body of the controller, a first control button having a top surface portion for placing a hand and attached to the body, and a plurality of second control buttons arranged along an outer circumferential edge of the first control button, and attached to the body. The plurality of second control buttons have outer circumferential portions extending outward beyond an outer circumferential edge of the body.