Single-Knob User Interface for Multi-Function Option Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional user interface devices for electronic appliances require multiple button manipulations to select and execute functions, leading to user burden and complexity, especially when numerous functions are grouped together.
Innovation Solution
A user interface device featuring a single knob with integrated depth and rotation sensors, a display unit, and a control unit that enables option group transitions and function execution through depth and rotation manipulations, simplifying the process by reducing the number of buttons needed and allowing for sequential storage of option values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple buttons and input keys are added to support various functions, then the device can provide more functions, but the device complexity and user burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single knob is designed to perform multiple functions: rotating the knob navigates through option groups, pressing the knob selects options, and the same knob handles both navigation and selection across different function categories. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate buttons for each operation type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines navigation control and option selection into a single knob interface. The rotation sensor detects rotational input for navigating through options, while the depth sensor detects pressing input for selecting options. This merging of controls reduces the total number of input devices from multiple buttons to a single unified knob.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple buttons are used to select functions and options, then various functions can be controlled, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to multiple manipulations required
Solution Approach 1:
The single knob serves as a universal control for all function selections and option navigations. Whether selecting a function category, navigating through option groups, or choosing specific options, the same knob with rotation and pressing actions handles all these tasks, reducing the number of different manipulation types required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges navigation and selection operations into a single continuous interaction flow using one knob. Users rotate the knob to navigate through option groups and press the same knob to select options, creating a unified and simplified operation sequence compared to using multiple separate buttons for each step.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional buttons are added to support interaction with various functions, then the device can handle more functions, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single knob is designed as a universal input device that handles all interaction types: rotating the knob navigates through different function categories and option groups, while pressing the knob confirms selections. This universal design provides full interaction capability for multiple functions without requiring additional specialized buttons.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple input device functions into a single knob by integrating rotation detection (for navigation) and pressing detection (for selection) capabilities. The control unit processes both rotation sensor and depth sensor inputs from the same physical component, reducing input device quantity from multiple buttons to one multifunctional knob.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution reduces user burden, optimizes user experience, simplifies product design, and enhances emotional and functional quality by enabling option group transitions and function execution with a single knob, improving product differentiation and user satisfaction.
Implementation Method 1
The depth sensor unit may be configured to sense a depth of the knob
Implementation Method 2
The rotation sensor unit may be configured to sense an angle of rotation of the knob
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic apparatus includes a user interface device to set and control a function of an electronic apparatus, including a display unit configured to display screens for option groups of the function, a knob configured to enable a manipulation by a user, a depth sensor unit configured to sense depth of the knob, and a control unit, if the function is selected, configured such that an option group transition of the selected function is performed based on depth information according to the manipulation by the user, and a screen of an option group to which the option group transition is made is displayed.