Side Surface Virtual Function Key for Mobile Terminals
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile terminals face challenges with function keys at the bottom occupying large areas and interfering with the antenna due to electrically conductive substances.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that detect simultaneous finger touch points on the side of a mobile terminal to display a virtual function key icon on the touchscreen, allowing for the implementation of functions without physical or capacitive buttons, thus saving space and avoiding antenna interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If physical or capacitive function keys are implemented at the bottom of the mobile terminal, then the function keys can provide tactile feedback and easy operation, but they occupy a relatively large area and affect the antenna performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the function keys from the bottom of the terminal to the side surface, utilizing the lateral dimension of the device. This dimensional transition allows the function keys to be implemented without occupying bottom area, thus resolving the conflict between operational ease and space occupation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses capacitive touch sensing to create a virtual representation of physical function keys on the side surface. This copying approach provides tactile feedback simulation through visual and haptic cues without requiring actual mechanical buttons, thereby reducing the area occupied while maintaining ease of operation
2Ease of operation
If physical or capacitive function keys with electrically conductive substances are implemented at the bottom, then the function keys can be easily operated, but they interfere with the antenna performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the function key implementation from the bottom region where it would interfere with the antenna and relocates it to the side surface. This separation removes the harmful electrical interference from the antenna area while preserving the operational functionality of the keys
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses capacitive sensing as an intermediary mechanism to detect finger touches on the side surface without requiring conductive substances near the antenna. The capacitive field acts as a mediator that enables button operation detection while maintaining electrical isolation from the antenna system
3Area of stationary object
If the function key icon is displayed on the touchscreen, then the space occupation is reduced, but the icon may not be visible or may be obscured by other interface elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality enhancement by making the function key icon translucent rather than fully opaque. This allows the icon to be displayed over other interface elements while maintaining visibility through the translucent property, solving the conflict between space reduction and visibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes transparency and opacity adjustments as a form of visual property change to ensure the function key icon remains visible when displayed over other content. By controlling the illumination properties of the icon, the system maintains visibility while occupying minimal space
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a system for implementing a side function key is provided, comprising: detecting whether a side of a mobile terminal simultaneously has at least two finger touch points, if yes, displaying an icon of the function key on a side of the touchscreen of the mobile terminal, and implementing a corresponding function in response to a clicking of the icon of the function key. The method and system may comprise: detecting whether one side of a mobile terminal has finger touch points, if at least two finger touch points are simultaneously detected, then displaying a function key, thereby achieving a function of the function key on a side of the mobile terminal.