Rolling Input Apparatus Sensitivity Automation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users find it troublesome to set the sensitivity of rolling type input apparatuses, such as trackballs, as it is a subjective index that varies with individual habits and equipment types, requiring lengthy trial-and-error processes to find suitable settings.

Innovation Solution

A method that detects the speed and amplitude of user operations to automatically set the threshold value for generating interrupts, thereby adjusting sensitivity, using a rolling type input apparatus with modules for interrupt generation, detection, and response to optimize cursor movement on screens.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If sensitivity is set manually by users through trial and error, then users can find suitable settings for their habits, but the process requires lengthy time and multiple attempts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensitivity setting accuracyVSAvoidtime for setting sensitivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects user operation parameters (rolling speed, amplitude, frequency) and uses these to determine optimal sensitivity settings without requiring manual user adjustment. The rolling type input apparatus serves itself by analyzing its own usage patterns and configuring sensitivity accordingly, eliminating the time-consuming trial-and-error process while maintaining personalized accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If sensitivity parameters are different among different brands or types of electronic equipment, then each device can be optimized for its specific design, but users have to make several attempts to identify suitable parameters when using new equipment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice-specific optimizationVSAvoidease of sensitivity adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors user interaction with the rolling device and uses this feedback to automatically adjust sensitivity parameters. By detecting operation characteristics such as rolling speed, amplitude, and frequency, the system adapts sensitivity settings in real-time, making the transition between different device brands seamless without requiring users to manually re-adjust parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes sensitivity parameters based on detected operation characteristics. Instead of fixed parameters specific to each device type, the sensitivity is adjusted by modifying threshold values and response parameters according to actual user behavior patterns, enabling universal adaptability across different equipment while maintaining device-specific optimization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If manual sensitivity setting is provided, then users have control over cursor movement speed, but the subjective nature of sensitivity makes it difficult to quantify and set precisely

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser control over sensitivityVSAvoidsensitivity quantification

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces the subjective mechanical adjustment process with objective automated detection and calculation. Instead of users manually adjusting sensitivity based on subjective perception, the system objectively measures operation parameters (rolling distance, time, speed) and calculates optimal threshold values, transforming a subjective control problem into an objective measurement and computation process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach automates the sensitivity setting process, reducing user effort and adapting to new equipment types, providing a higher degree of automation and personalized sensitivity settings without the need for prolonged user experimentation.

Implementation Method 1

A Hall component is provided in the middle (inside) and in each of the up, down, left and right directions of the trackball 11, respectively. When a user rolls the trackball 11, the Hall components will detect a rolling direction and rolling distance (or angle) of the trackball 11

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHall effect: Hall Effect

Data Source

PatentUS9152245B2Rolling type input apparatus and method for setting sensitivity thereof, and electronic equipment

Publication Date: 2015.10.06 HUAWEI DEVICE CO LTD

AI summary

The embodiments of the present invention disclose a rolling type input apparatus, a method for setting sensitivity thereof and electronic equipment. The method comprises: detecting a rolling direction and the rolling distance of a rolling device (1) in the rolling process of the rolling device (1) and generating corresponding interrupts; identifying the number and the direction of the interrupts; responding to the interrupts once by transmitting a moving event signal (10) for controlling a cursor (80) to move on a screen (8) when the number of the interrupts in the same direction reaches a threshold value; detecting parameters reflecting the speed and the amplitude of operations of a user for rolling the rolling device (1); and setting the threshold value according to the detected parameters. The technical solution can improve the automation degree of the rolling type input apparatus.