Shared Control Panel for Multi-Source Input Allocation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing graphical user interfaces (GUIs) in computer systems with multiple input sources can only allocate the same function to all inputs when using a shared toolbox, requiring users to reselect functions each time an input is used, which is inefficient and limits display area usage.

Innovation Solution

A computer system that allocates functionality to identifiable input sources through a shared control panel, allowing different input sources to select and apply distinct functions independently, with the system storing and updating associations based on input source type or uniqueness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If a shared toolbox is used for multiple input sources, then display area is optimized and device complexity is reduced, but functionality allocation becomes inefficient and requires reselection for each input

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay areaVSAvoidfunctionality allocation efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the shared toolbox into input-source-specific functional allocations. Each input source (pen, touch, keyboard) can have distinct functions allocated to it within the shared toolbox interface, allowing the system to maintain a single unified toolbox display while internally managing separate function assignments for each input device type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If separate toolboxes are provided for each input source, then functionality allocation efficiency is improved, but display area is reduced and device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctionality allocation efficiencyVSAvoiddisplay area

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple input-source-specific toolboxes into a single shared toolbox interface. The system combines the visual presentation of one unified toolbox with the functional capability of multiple separate toolboxes, allowing different input sources to access and allocate functions within the same shared display space without requiring separate physical or visual toolbox instances.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If the same function is allocated to all input sources in a shared toolbox, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different input sources is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesoftware configuration complexityVSAvoidinput source functionality adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by allowing different functions to be allocated to different input sources within the shared toolbox. Each input source type (pen, touch, keyboard) can have specifically tailored function allocations suited to its characteristics, while still presenting a unified toolbox interface. This enables customized functionality for each input source without requiring separate toolbox implementations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS9285962B2Display with shared control panel for different input sources

Publication Date: 2016.03.15 PROMETHEAN

AI summary

A computer system associated with a display and for receiving control inputs from at least two separately identifiable input sources, and adapted to display a shared control panel for the input sources, the shared control panel being associated with an application running on the computer system, the computer system being further adapted to allocate a functionality to one of the identifiable input sources in response to a selection of a function displayed in the shared control panel by said identifiable input source.