Switching Key Functions on Touchscreen Terminals
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing touchscreen operations on mobile terminals face a contradiction between the amount of displayed information and easy operability, leading to potential misoperations due to inaccurate clicks on icon buttons.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that switch key functions on touchscreen terminals by setting a second function for physical keys, enabling or disabling their preset states through touch spots or key operations, allowing for concurrent actions between touchscreen and physical keys.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the screen size is reduced to make the terminal smaller, then the portability is improved, but the amount of displayed information on the single screen and the easy operability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling physical keys to perform both their original functions and second functions. The physical keys can switch between different operation modes (first preset operation mode and second preset operation mode), allowing them to execute different functions based on the current mode, thereby providing more operational capabilities within the same hardware footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the function of physical keys changeable rather than fixed. The keys can dynamically switch between first preset operation mode and second preset operation mode, where each mode assigns different functions to the same physical keys. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the interface to adapt to different operational needs without requiring additional physical space.
2Quantity of substance
If more icon buttons are displayed on the single screen to show more information, then the information density is improved, but the easy operability deteriorates due to inaccurate click positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling physical keys to perform both their original functions and second functions. The physical keys can switch between different operation modes (first preset operation mode and second preset operation mode), allowing them to execute different functions based on the current mode, thereby providing more operational capabilities within the same hardware footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses physical keys as an intermediary between the user and the touchscreen interface. Instead of directly interacting with densely packed icon buttons on the touchscreen, users can operate through physical keys that provide tactile feedback and more precise control, effectively mediating the interaction and reducing misoperations.
Data Source
AI summary
The embodiments of the present document provide a method and an apparatus for switching key functions of a touchscreen terminal. The method includes: correspondingly setting a second function different from an original function for each physical key; after monitoring that a preset state of the physical key is enabled, executing the second function of the physical key; and after monitoring that the preset state of the physical key is disabled, executing the original function of the physical key. Based on the characteristics of the existing touchscreen operation and in combination with the characteristic of easy operability of the physical keys, the concurrency of actions of the touchscreen keys and the physical keys is realized.