Terminal Device Display Area Segmentation and Key Invalidation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile terminal devices with touch panels are prone to erroneous activation due to their sensitivity to small pressing forces, leading to unintended operations.
Innovation Solution
A terminal device with a display function that divides the screen into a contents area and an operation area, using a movable element to invalidate operations on specific keys by positioning it between the areas, thereby preventing accidental activations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a touch panel is disposed on a display surface to allow various operations, then ease of operation is improved, but the device is likely to be erroneously activated due to sensitivity to small pressing forces
Solution Approach 1:
The display area is divided into a first display area and a second display area, with operation keys positioned in the second display area. This segmentation allows the system to spatially separate different functional zones, enabling selective control over which areas respond to touch input.
Solution Approach 2:
A moving element is introduced as an intermediary between the user's touch input and the operation keys. This moving element can be positioned to physically block or mediate the transmission of touch force to specific keys, preventing erroneous activation while allowing intentional operations.
2Reliability
If a switch section is provided to make all input operations valid or invalid, then reliability is improved by preventing erroneous activation, but device complexity increases and only all-or-nothing control is possible
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented to allow independent invalidation of specific operation keys rather than controlling all inputs globally. The function control section can selectively make operations of individual keys invalid based on the position of the moving element, providing granular control without requiring a comprehensive switch section.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static all-or-nothing input control to a dynamic selective control mechanism. The moving element can be repositioned to dynamically adjust which keys are valid or invalid, allowing the system to adapt to different operational contexts without adding complex switching hardware.
3Adaptability or versatility
If operation keys are displayed in the second display area, then adaptability is improved by allowing flexible key placement, but the risk of erroneous activation increases due to closer proximity to the first display area
Solution Approach 1:
The moving element serves as a mediator that can be positioned between the first display area and the operation keys in the second display area. This intermediary blocks unintended touch inputs from reaching the keys while allowing the keys to remain in their flexible positions for adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The protection mechanism applies local quality control by selectively invalidating specific keys based on the moving element's position. Rather than uniformly protecting all keys or the entire display area, the system provides localized protection only to the keys that need it, maintaining adaptability while reducing erroneous activation.
Data Source
AI summary
A terminal device with a display function enables only an operation of a desired operation key valid, and easily perform the invalidation operation. In response to switching to a predetermined function mode by manipulating a jog dial, an image in the switched function mode is displayed in a display surface, based on an image signal from a display control section. A bar is located on a borderline between a contents area and an operation area in an initial state of displaying an image. When the jog dial is manipulated by the user to thereby move the bar from the borderline to a predetermined position within the operation area, a CPU determines that the position of the bar has been moved. Then, the CPU detects a new position of the bar, and makes an operation with respect to the operation key located between the bar and the borderline invalid.