Removable Display Region for Function Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current handheld devices require complex and time-consuming operations to switch between functions, as users must repeatedly navigate through menus to access different functionalities, such as music players or cameras, which is inconvenient and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A function selection system that utilizes a display unit with a removable specific region within a display area, where the position of this region determines the active function, allowing users to easily switch between functions by moving the region, and displaying corresponding data and control interfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If users navigate through menus to switch between functions, then functions can be accessed, but the operation becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunction switching operationVSAvoidtime spent on function switching

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The display area is segmented into multiple specific regions, with each region corresponding to a different function. By moving the specific region to different positions, users can quickly switch between functions without navigating through complex menus, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and time consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The specific region is made movable within the display area, allowing dynamic repositioning to switch functions. This dynamic approach enables rapid function switching by simply moving the region to the desired position, eliminating the need for static menu navigation and significantly reducing the time required to switch between functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple functions are integrated in handheld devices, then device functionality is enhanced, but operation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoidoperation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The display area serves multiple functions by accommodating different specific regions that represent different functions. A single display area can showcase multiple functions simultaneously, and users can switch between them by moving the specific region, thus maintaining versatility while simplifying operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of organizing functions through hierarchical menu structures (vertical dimension), the patent uses spatial positioning of specific regions within the display area (horizontal/dimensional space). This dimensional change allows users to access multiple functions through simple positional movement rather than navigating complex menu hierarchies, reducing operational complexity while maintaining multi-functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS8477107B2Function selection systems and methods

Publication Date: 2013.07.02 HTC CORP

AI summary

Function selection system and method for use in an electronic device are provided. The system includes a display unit and a processing unit. The display unit has a display area, and displays a specific region within the display area. The processing unit selects one of a plurality of functions according to a position of the specific region in the display area. The specific region is removable, and used to display data generated by the selected function.