Symmetric Softkey Layout for Multi-Oriented Mobile Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile devices face usability issues when used in different orientations, as softkeys positioned for one orientation can be awkward to access in another, particularly when transitioning between phone and keyboard modes.
Innovation Solution
A mobile device configuration with symmetrically arranged softkeys and an orientation sensor that dynamically adjusts softkey positions and labels based on device orientation, ensuring accessible functionality in both portrait and landscape modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If softkeys are positioned for phone use in portrait orientation, then ease of operation is improved for phone mode, but ease of operation deteriorates for keyboard mode in landscape orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by positioning softkeys in symmetric locations relative to the display centerpoint, where each softkey has a mirror-image counterpart. This creates a balanced layout that works equally well in both portrait and landscape orientations, resolving the contradiction between optimized phone-mode operation and adaptability to keyboard-mode usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The softkey arrangement is designed to serve multiple functions and orientations universally. By positioning softkeys at locations that are equidistant from the display centerpoint and symmetrically arranged, the same physical key positions provide optimal access whether the device is held in portrait or landscape mode, eliminating the need for separate optimization for each orientation.
2Ease of operation
If softkeys are positioned close to the display for easy access, then ease of operation is improved, but the display area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions softkeys in the vertical dimension above and below the display rather than horizontally alongside it. This dimensional arrangement allows softkeys to be close to the display for easy thumb access while not encroaching on the horizontal display area, effectively resolving the space conflict.
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile electronic device is provided having a display with a display centerpoint; a first softkey and a second softkey, each substantially equidistant from the display centerpoint; and a third softkey and a fourth softkey, each substantially equidistant from the display centerpoint, wherein the first softkey and the third softkey are positioned on opposite sides of the display and on a first axis that passes through the display centerpoint, and wherein the second softkey and the fourth softkey are positioned on opposite sides of the display and on a second axis that passes through the display centerpoint.