Multi-Function Sensor Button for Portable Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable devices face a dilemma in reducing size and weight while accommodating multiple functions, as adding individual buttons for each function results in small, easily damaged buttons and increased size, compromising mobility and manoeuvrability.
Innovation Solution
A portable device with a multi-purpose input sensor, such as a switch button, that analyzes manipulation patterns and duration information to select and trigger different functional modes, such as photo-capturing and video-recording, using a control module, allowing multiple functions to be performed with a single button.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If individual buttons are added for each function, then the device can perform multiple functions, but the device size increases and buttons become small and easily damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling a single button to perform multiple functions through different manipulation patterns. The button can trigger photo-capturing mode with a first manipulation pattern, video-recording mode with a second manipulation pattern, and other functions with additional patterns. This eliminates the need for separate buttons for each function, maintaining compact device size while providing diverse functional capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the button's function variable based on manipulation characteristics. The control module analyzes manipulation patterns including pressing duration, pressing force, and manipulation sequence to dynamically determine which function to execute. This transforms a static single-function button into a dynamic multi-function input device.
2Adaptability or versatility
If individual buttons are added for each function, then the device can perform multiple functions, but the buttons become small and hard to locate
Solution Approach 1:
By consolidating multiple functions into one button, the patent ensures that the button maintains a standard, easily locatable size. The button's prominent position and familiar form factor make it simple for users to find and operate, while the system intelligently determines the appropriate function based on manipulation patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies feedback by providing visual or haptic feedback to help users understand which manipulation pattern is being detected. The system can display icons indicating available functions or provide tactile feedback to confirm successful manipulation, making it easier for users to operate the single multi-functional button accurately.
3Adaptability or versatility
If individual buttons are added for each function, then the device can perform multiple functions, but the device weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent significantly reduces device weight by eliminating the need for multiple physical buttons. Instead of adding separate buttons for photo-capturing, video-recording, and other functions, the system uses a single button with software-based function differentiation through manipulation pattern recognition. This removes unnecessary physical components while maintaining full functional capability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If individual buttons are added for each function, then the device can perform multiple functions, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent simplifies device complexity by using a single button configuration instead of multiple buttons. While the control software becomes more sophisticated to handle different manipulation patterns, the physical structure remains simple with only one button component. This reduces assembly complexity, manufacturing complexity, and user interface complexity compared to having separate buttons for each function.
Data Source
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AI summary
A portable device and a manipulation method are disclosed. The portable device includes a camera unit, a first sensor and a control module. The camera unit has a plurality of functional modes. The functional modes include a photo-capturing mode and a video-recording mode. The first sensor is disposed on the portable device and configured for sensing a manipulation input. The manipulation input has a manipulation pattern and duration information of the manipulation pattern. The control module is coupled with the camera unit and the first sensor. The control module is configured for selecting one of the functional modes corresponding to the manipulation pattern and the duration information sensed by the first sensor, and triggering the camera unit into the selected functional mode.