Touch Panel Mode Switching via Command Button Overlay

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional computer touch input devices face difficulties in effectively and conveniently switching between gesture input and command button input modes, leading to inconvenience in user interaction.

Innovation Solution

The electronic device employs a control method that determines the input mode based on touch data, switching between independent and dual input modes by considering the presence of command buttons and touch area usage within a preset time, allowing for intuitive switching between gesture and control inputs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the system uses separate gesture input mode and command button input mode, then the input functions are clear and distinct, but the switching between modes is inconvenient and complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconvenience of switching input modesVSAvoidcomplexity of mode switching mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the gesture input mode and command button input mode into a unified dual input mode where both functions coexist on the same touch panel. The command buttons are overlaid on the touch area, allowing the system to accept both gesture inputs and command button inputs simultaneously without requiring separate modes or complex switching mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The touch panel is designed with multi-functionality to accept both gesture inputs and command button inputs within the same operational mode. The dual input mode enables the touch panel to universally handle different types of inputs (gestures and button presses) without requiring the system to switch between separate functional modes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the command buttons are displayed on the touch panel, then the control functions are integrated, but the touch area becomes cluttered and harder to use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintegration of control functionsVSAvoidusability of touch area

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by making the command buttons semi-transparent or visually distinct from the touch area, allowing users to differentiate between interactive button regions and gesture input regions. This visual differentiation maintains the integrated control functionality while preserving the usability of the touch area for gestures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The command buttons are overlaid on the touch area in a layered dimensional arrangement, with buttons positioned in a second visual layer above the base touch area. This dimensional separation allows both command buttons and gesture inputs to coexist without cluttering the fundamental touch interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of operation

If the system automatically switches between modes, then the user experience is improved, but the system requires complex detection and decision-making logic

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintuitiveness of input switchingVSAvoidcomplexity of input detection logic

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides self-service by automatically detecting the user's input intent and switching between independent and dual input modes without requiring explicit user commands. The mode determining module monitors touch data characteristics and autonomously decides which input mode to activate, making the switching process intuitive and seamless for the user.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback mechanisms where the mode determining module continuously monitors touch data and system state, then adjusts the input mode based on detected patterns. This feedback loop enables automatic mode switching that adapts to user behavior while maintaining relatively simple detection logic through predefined touch data analysis criteria.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS10955962B2Electronic device and control method thereof that switches a touch panel between an independent mode and a dual input mode

Publication Date: 2021.03.23 ASUSTEK COMPUTER INC

AI summary

An electronic device includes a touch panel with a touch area and a command button and includes an independent input mode and a dual input mode. In addition, a control method of an electronic device includes steps of: receiving touch data; determining whether the dual input mode needs to be executed or not, according to the touch data, executing the dual input mode when the dual input mode is determined to be executed, and executing the independent input mode when the dual input mode is not determined to be executed; and determining whether the touch panel is operated within a preset time or not, after executing the dual input mode, considering the touch data as a gesture input when the touch panel is determined as being used within a preset time, and switching to the independent input mode if not.