Rotary Member Multi-Layer Display for Wearable Interfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wearable electronic devices with small displays face challenges in providing an efficient user interface due to limited screen size, leading to reduced content display and increased user input errors.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a rotary member surrounding the display and a control module that displays multiple object groups on layers of the display based on the rotary member's rotation, allowing for efficient navigation and content presentation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If the display size is reduced to ensure portability of wearable devices, then the device becomes more portable, but the display can only show limited content at one time and user input becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by transitioning from a single-layer display to a multi-layer display structure. Multiple layers are stacked vertically, each layer displaying different content or interface elements. This allows the limited screen area to present more information simultaneously by utilizing the vertical dimension, thereby resolving the contradiction between small display size and content display capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The display interface is segmented into multiple independent layers, where each layer can display different types of content (e.g., notifications, messages, media controls). This segmentation allows users to access different content groups on different layers, effectively increasing the information capacity of the small display without requiring a larger screen.
2Weight of moving object
If the display size is reduced, then the device becomes more portable, but user input accuracy decreases and input errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rotary member serves as an intermediary input device between the user and the multi-layer display system. By rotating the member, users can navigate between different layers and select items without requiring precise touch input on the small screen. This mechanical intermediary enhances input accuracy by providing tactile feedback and larger rotational increments that are easier to control than small touchscreen targets.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotary member adds a physical dimension to input interaction, allowing users to navigate the multi-layer interface through rotation rather than requiring precise 2D touch gestures on the small display. This physical rotation mechanism provides better input precision by converting fine motor control into larger, more manageable rotational movements.
3Loss of information
If multiple content groups are displayed simultaneously, then information accessibility improves, but display complexity and interface management become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the display provides visual indicators showing which layer is currently active and what content is available on each layer. The rotary member provides tactile feedback during rotation, and the interface responds to user actions by smoothly transitioning between layers. This feedback helps users understand the complex multi-layer structure and navigate it more easily.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-layer display interface is designed to be dynamic rather than static. Layers can be added, removed, or reorganized based on user interactions and context. The transition between layers is smooth and animated, making the complexity manageable by providing visual continuity and reducing the cognitive load of navigating between different content groups.
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
An electronic device and a display method thereof are provided. The electronic device includes a display; a rotary member configured to surround the display and to rotate around the display; and a control module configured to display a plurality of object groups on a plurality of layers of the display according to rotation of the rotary member.