Touch Panel GUI for Compact Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Compact size information devices, such as mobile phones and game consoles, face limitations in input means due to size constraints, leading to poor operability during advanced information processing tasks.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a touch panel-based input device that recreates the operability of a game console controller, featuring directional keys, joysticks, and buttons as graphical user interface (GUI) elements on a plane surface, allowing users to input operations similar to a traditional controller through a touch interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a touch panel-based GUI is implemented to recreate controller operability, then the operability for complex information processing is improved, but the device size and input area become constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The input device is segmented into multiple independent input areas (first input area for directional keys, second input area for buttons, third input area for joysticks) that can be independently configured and operated. This segmentation allows complex controller functionality to be distributed across the limited touch panel area without requiring a single large input zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional two-dimensional GUI layouts to a three-dimensional spatial arrangement by mapping controller button positions and relationships onto the touch panel. This dimensional transformation preserves the spatial logic of physical controllers, enabling users to operate complex input functions within limited area through intuitive spatial mapping.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple input areas are displayed on the touch panel, then the functionality similar to game console controller is achieved, but the visibility of contents screen is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The input areas are designed to be dynamically adjustable in position, size, and configuration. Users can resize, reposition, or hide specific input areas based on their needs, allowing the system to adapt between maximizing functionality and maximizing contents visibility. This dynamic behavior enables flexible trade-offs between input capability and display area.
Solution Approach 2:
Each input area serves multiple functions - for example, the first input area can function as both directional keys and joystick control, and the second input area can display various button configurations. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of separate input areas needed, thereby preserving more screen real estate for contents while maintaining comprehensive controller-like functionality.
3Ease of operation
If the touch panel covers the entire display surface, then the input capability is enhanced, but the viewing area for contents is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of uniformly distributing input elements across the entire display surface, the patent concentrates input areas in specific local regions (typically corners or edges) where they do not interfere with the main contents viewing area. This local concentration approach enhances input capability in targeted zones while preserving the majority of the display for contents visibility.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The GUI screen image (50a) is a standard screen image, and displays a first combined GUI area (52), which is a combination of a GUI of the directional keys and a GUI of a joystick, and a second combined GUI area (56), which is a combination of a GUI of the four-type operation buttons and a GUI of a joystick, at the lower left and at the lower right on the screen image, respectively. Depending on an area in the first combined GUI area (52) or in the second combined GUI area (56) to which a user newly touches, which of the combined GUI to be used is determined and a screen image is switched (GUI screen image (50b, 50c, 50d, and 50e)), and if a finger or a thumb detaches, the screen image switches back (GUI screen image (50a)).