Thermal Imaging Eyepiece Control With Tactile Rotary Menu Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electro-optic observation devices, such as thermal imaging and night vision devices, can be cumbersome to operate due to complex menu navigation systems, which often require users to look at the device and use multiple buttons for setting adjustments.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a rotary wheel on the device housing serves as an intuitive input mechanism for navigating through menu structures, allowing users to adjust settings such as brightness, contrast, and magnification without needing to look at the device, thereby simplifying operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple buttons are used for menu navigation, then comprehensive control functions are achieved, but operation complexity increases and user convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple control functions (menu navigation, parameter adjustment, selection confirmation) into a single rotary wheel interface. The rotary wheel integrates directional control for moving through menu items and rotational control for adjusting parameter values, eliminating the need for multiple separate buttons and simplifying the user interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotary wheel serves multiple functions: it acts as a directional controller for menu navigation, a parameter adjustment dial, and a selection confirmation mechanism (through pressing). This multi-functional design reduces the number of control elements needed while maintaining comprehensive control capabilities.
2Productivity
If users must look at the device for menu navigation, then precise control is achieved, but operational efficiency and convenience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The rotary wheel provides tactile feedback and intuitive mechanical response that allows users to operate the device without visual confirmation. The physical rotation and pressing actions give immediate sensory feedback, enabling users to navigate menus and adjust settings through touch alone, similar to operating a physical dial or knob.
3Ease of operation
If a rotary wheel is used for menu navigation, then operation simplicity is improved, but the ability to provide detailed haptic feedback for menu positions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The rotary wheel incorporates haptic feedback mechanisms that provide tactile cues to the user during rotation. These feedback signals indicate menu item selection, boundary conditions, and confirmation states, allowing users to understand the current menu position and system state through touch without visual feedback.
Data Source
AI summary
An electro-optic observation device, in particular a thermal imaging device, is provided. The electro-optic observation device includes a handheld device housing, a lens group arranged in the device housing on the entrance side, an image capture unit arranged in the device housing on the image side with respect to the lens group, an image display unit arranged in the device housing, an eyepiece arranged on the exit side with respect to the image display unit, and also a control device configured to control at least the image display unit depending on user-specifically variable parameters. In addition, the electro-optic observation device includes, as input means for varying the parameters, a rotary wheel accessible on the device housing for access by a user.