Simulated Analog Indicator Interaction on Digital Displays

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices lack the capability to simulate interaction between digital display information/images and analog information indicators, limiting the versatility and enjoyment of user experiences such as weather monitoring, sports notifications, and fitness tracking.

Innovation Solution

A wearable electronic device with a digital display and analog information indicators, controlled by a controller to simulate interaction between digital display content and analog indicators, enabling features like simulated barriers, contact, and movement on the display.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If analog information indicators are used on the display, then the device provides traditional timekeeping functionality, but the analog indicators may obscure digital information being displayed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetimekeeping functionalityVSAvoiddigital information visibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the digital display content movable and responsive to analog indicator positions. The controller dynamically adjusts the position, size, or transparency of digital information based on the analog indicator locations, allowing both analog timekeeping and digital information to coexist without permanent obstruction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes another dimension by implementing simulated depth and layering effects. Digital content can appear to move behind, in front of, or alongside analog indicators through simulated 3D effects, transparency variations, and depth perception techniques, resolving the spatial conflict between analog and digital elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Quantity of substance

If the digital display shows more information, then the device provides enhanced functionality, but the analog indicators may block more of the displayed content

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation display capacityVSAvoidinformation visibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically repositions and resizes digital content elements based on analog indicator positions. When analog indicators are present, the controller automatically adjusts digital content layout to maximize visibility while maintaining high information density, allowing both comprehensive information display and analog indicator visibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of manufacture

If the device maintains simple structure, then the device is easier to manufacture, but it lacks simulated interaction capability between digital content and analog indicators

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structure simplicityVSAvoidsimulated interaction capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical interaction systems with electronic control and software-based simulated interaction. The controller uses software algorithms to create visual effects that simulate physical interactions between digital content and analog indicators, such as simulated contact, blocking, and depth relationships, without requiring additional mechanical components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Loss of information

If analog indicators are positioned to avoid obscuring information, then information visibility is improved, but the analog indicators lose their traditional positioning and aesthetic qualities

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation visibilityVSAvoidanalog indicator positioning
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables dynamic positioning where analog indicators can maintain their traditional aesthetic positions while digital content adapts to avoid obscuration. The controller continuously monitors and adjusts digital content placement relative to fixed analog indicator positions, allowing analog indicators to retain their conventional appearance and positioning while ensuring information visibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11009833B2Electronic device with simulated analog indicator interaction with digital information/images
Publication Date: 2021.05.18 TIMEX CORP
  • US11009833B2 patent drawing
  • US11009833B2 patent drawing
  • US11009833B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An electronic device including at least one analog information indicator, a digital display for displaying information and/or images, and a controller, wherein the controller positions the information and/or image(s) to simulate physical interaction between the information and/or images displayable on the digital display and the at least one analog information indicator.