Rotation Bezel Input for Wearable Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wearable electronic devices face challenges in user input due to their small display size, leading to unintended inputs and inconvenient input environments, as existing solutions like touch panels are limited in portability and accuracy.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a rotation member with discrete haptic responses that can rotate in specific directions, detected by a sensor, to perform functional operations based on predefined patterns stored in memory, allowing for intuitive control of electronic device functions such as multimedia playback and message transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a touch panel display is used for user input in wearable devices, then the device can provide various functions, but the limited display size causes unintended inputs and inconvenient input environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from 2D touch panel input to 3D rotational input using a rotation member (bezel) that can rotate in multiple directions. This adds a spatial dimension to the input interface, allowing users to interact with the device through rotational gestures that are more intuitive and less error-prone on small displays.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotation member serves as an intermediary input device between the user and the device functions. Instead of directly touching the limited display area, users manipulate the rotation member which then translates their intent into device commands, reducing unintended inputs.
2Measurement precision
If the display size is increased to improve input accuracy, then input environment improves, but portability of the wearable device deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the input interface from the 2D display surface to the 3D rotational bezel surrounding the display. This allows the input mechanism to extend outward in the third dimension rather than requiring a larger display area, maintaining compact device dimensions while improving input accuracy through tactile rotational feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotation member provides a tactile copy of directional input similar to traditional physical controls, but adapted for a modern touchscreen device. This physical rotational interface replicates the precision of larger controls without increasing the overall device footprint.
3Measurement precision
If a rotation member with discrete haptic responses is added, then input accuracy and intuitiveness improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation member is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both a structural bezel element and an input device. The same rotational mechanism provides both mechanical support and directional input detection, reducing the need for separate components and minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the display bezel structure with the input mechanism into a single integrated rotation member. This combination eliminates the need for separate input hardware, as the rotational capability is built into the existing structural element surrounding the display.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is an electronic device including a rotation member that rotates in a first direction or a second direction, a memory configured to store a specific rotation pattern, and a controller configured to, if a rotation pattern of the rotation member between the first direction and the second direction matches with the specific rotation pattern, perform a functional operation corresponding to the specific rotation pattern.