Rotatable Operating Element for Unambiguous Cursor Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for controlling cursor movement on a video screen using a rotatable operating element about its longitudinal axis lack an unambiguous assignment between the operating element's movements and the cursor's actions, leading to user confusion and distraction, especially in navigating menu structures.
Innovation Solution
The system allows for transverse movements of the operating element with two additional degrees of freedom, enabling cursor movement in two perpendicular directions, and additional rotation for diagonal movement, allowing precise control of the cursor without requiring axial movement for overall position control, with adjustable diagonal angles and stop positions for enhanced usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the operating element is used to increase the number of levels within a menu structure by distributing levels about the circumference of the video screen display, then the menu navigation capability is improved, but the user experience deteriorates due to lack of unambiguous assignment between operating element movement and cursor movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the operating element's movement from two-dimensional (horizontal/vertical) to three-dimensional by adding axial movement capability. This allows the cursor to navigate not only across the screen but also through multiple menu levels, with the axial direction controlling level transitions. This dimensional extension resolves the ambiguity by providing distinct control axes for different navigation functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides visual feedback on the display showing the current menu level and cursor position. This feedback mechanism helps users understand the relationship between their operating element movements and the resulting cursor actions, reducing confusion and improving the perceived unambiguous assignment between control inputs and outcomes.
2Measurement precision
If the operating element allows transverse movement with two additional degrees of freedom for cursor control, then the cursor positioning precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The operating element is designed to perform multiple functions: transverse movements control cursor position in two dimensions, axial movement controls menu level transitions, and rotation provides additional navigation capability. This multi-functionality allows a single device to replace what would otherwise require multiple separate controls, achieving high positioning precision without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the operating element requires axial movement for overall position control of the cursor, then the control versatility is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to increased complexity in user interaction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the control functions into distinct movement dimensions: transverse movements (horizontal/vertical) are dedicated to cursor positioning within a menu level, while axial movement is dedicated to transitioning between menu levels. This segmentation of control functions reduces cognitive load and makes the interaction more intuitive, as each degree of freedom has a specific, unambiguous purpose.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method are provided for controlling the movement of a cursor relative to an image displayed in a video screen display by way of an operating element that is rotatable about its longitudinal axis, while being moveable is at least two additional degrees of freedom transverse to the longitudinal axis thereof from an initial position. The cursor can be moved in two mutually perpendicular directions, and, in the case of an additional rotation of the operating element, during the transverse movement of the cursor, the cursor can be moved in a direction diagonal thereto.