Rotating Input Means with Multi-Sensory Feedback for Mobile Menu Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern mobile communication apparatuses with complex menus require improved user interface selection methods, as existing rotary input devices are insufficient for handling increased complexity and adaptability.
Innovation Solution
A mobile communication apparatus with a rotating input means that provides angular movement signals and feedback signals, including graphical, tactile, and sound feedback, to facilitate easier selection of menu items.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a simple rotary dial is used for menu selection, then the device structure remains simple, but the device cannot handle complex menus with increased adaptability requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating input means is designed to perform multiple functions: it can rotate to scroll through menu items, press to select items, and provides multi-sensory feedback (visual, tactile, auditory). This multi-functional design allows a single component to handle complex menu navigation requirements while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the rotating input means provides visual feedback through markers aligned with menu items, tactile feedback through resistance changes during rotation, and auditory feedback through sounds. This feedback enables the simple rotary dial to effectively navigate complex menus by guiding users through multi-step selection processes
2Adaptability or versatility
If menu size increases to provide more functions, then adaptability improves, but selection difficulty and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The menu structure is segmented into groups or categories, and the rotating input means allows users to navigate through these segments systematically. The feedback mechanism highlights current positions within segments, making it easier to locate specific functions within large menus by breaking down the search space into manageable portions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces purely mechanical rotation with a hybrid system that incorporates electronic sensors, visual displays, and auditory feedback. This substitution enhances the mechanical rotary interface by adding electronic feedback mechanisms that guide users through large menus more efficiently than mechanical means alone
3Measurement precision
If feedback mechanisms are added to the rotating input means, then selection accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback mechanisms are merged into the existing rotating input means structure. Visual markers are integrated with the rotary dial, tactile feedback is generated through the rotation mechanism itself, and auditory feedback is coordinated with rotational positions. This merging approach provides precise selection feedback without requiring separate complex subsystems
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile communication apparatus comprising processor means and a user interface is disclosed. The user interface comprises a display and an input means. The input means comprises a rotating input means arranged to provide an angular movement signal in accordance with an angular movement of the rotating input means for selecting an item from a plurality of selectable items arranged to be presented on said display, wherein one or more of the selectable items are associated with a feedback signal, and the rotating input means is arranged to provide feedback according to the feedback signal to a user when operating the rotating input means in a position related to the items associated with a feedback signal. An input method for the mobile communication apparatus is also disclosed.