Handheld 3D Pointing Device with Scroll Wheel for Media Navigation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current user interfaces for media systems, particularly those with increased content options, are cumbersome and complex, making it difficult for users to efficiently select media items due to the lack of intuitive navigation methods and integration of multiple devices, leading to user frustration and resistance to new services.

Innovation Solution

A handheld 3D pointing device with a scroll wheel that allows seamless switching between pointing and scrolling modes, enabling users to navigate and select media items through intuitive gestures, such as rotating the scroll wheel to enter scrolling mode, moving the cursor, and disabling pointing mode, facilitating efficient selection and control of media systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple buttons are added to remote controls to support additional functionality and content handling, then the functionality and adaptability of the system is improved, but the device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidcomplexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling a single scroll wheel to perform multiple operations: scrolling through content, navigating menus, and activating selections. This eliminates the need for separate buttons for each function, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability and versatility in content handling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Quantity of substance

If the number of rows in printed guides is increased to accommodate more channels, then the quantity of information is improved, but the time required to review available information increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveinformationVSAvoidtime
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous scrolling through content items using the scroll wheel, allowing users to navigate through large numbers of channels and programs without interruption. This continuous navigation mechanism eliminates the need to manually flip through printed guides or press multiple buttons, significantly reducing the time required to review available information while maintaining access to extensive content libraries.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Speed

If 3D pointing mode is enabled for rapid cursor movement, then the speed of navigation is improved, but the precision of selection deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenavigation speedVSAvoidselection precision
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by allowing the system to switch between two operational states: 3D pointing mode for rapid cursor movement across the interface, and scrolling mode for precise selection. The system dynamically transitions between these modes based on user needs, enabling both high-speed navigation and accurate selection without compromise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Productivity

If scroll wheel rotation speed is increased for faster content selection, then the productivity is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveselection speedVSAvoidusability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by detecting the rotation speed of the scroll wheel and dynamically adjusting the content selection behavior. Fast rotation results in skipping multiple items for rapid navigation, while slow rotation enables precise selection of individual items. This parameter-based adaptation maintains ease of operation across different usage scenarios while significantly improving productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS8935630B2Methods and systems for scrolling and pointing in user interfaces
Publication Date: 2015.01.13 DRNC HOLDINGS INC
  • US8935630B2 patent drawing
  • US8935630B2 patent drawing
  • US8935630B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Systems and methods according to the present invention address these needs and others by providing a structure for navigating in a GUI with a handheld device, e.g., a 3D pointing device, which incorporates buttons and a scroll wheel.