Touch Panel Menu Flicker Reduction via Timer-Based Image Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing systems using touch panels for menu selection often experience image flicker and reduced operability due to continuous touch inputs, as they either require releasing the finger to input new data or use non-reactive areas that increase processing load and fail to prevent icon instability.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus with a timer that resets upon menu icon selection changes, allowing for immediate image switching without user intervention, reducing flicker and improving operability by determining necessary image switches based on input data and stored data without relying on predetermined time intervals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a flag is set to invalid after the first input to prevent multiple data inputs, then image flicker is reduced, but continuous input operation becomes impossible without releasing the finger
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the flag's validity state changeable based on touch duration. The flag transitions from invalid to valid when the touch duration exceeds a predetermined threshold, allowing the system to adapt its behavior dynamically. This resolves the contradiction by enabling continuous input operation (improving operability) while maintaining image stability through conditional validation logic.
2Reliability
If a non-reactive middle area is provided between icons to prevent selection instability, then selection reliability is improved, but device complexity and processing load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the problematic middle area concept and replaces it with a direct touch validation mechanism. Instead of creating a non-reactive buffer zone between icons, the system uses a flag-based validation approach that determines whether to process input based on touch duration and flag state. This eliminates the need for complex area definitions while maintaining selection reliability.
3Speed
If images switch continuously in response to pointer movement over menus, then menu selection responsiveness is improved, but image flicker occurs and screen becomes hard to view
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using a timer that activates image switching only at specific intervals (when the timer value reaches a predetermined threshold). This periodic triggering mechanism prevents continuous image switching during pointer movement, thereby reducing image flicker while still maintaining responsive menu selection through the timer-based control system.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus includes a CPU core, and displays a related image according to selection of a main menu icon. For example, in a case that a timer counting for each frame holds a predetermined value, it is determined whether or not the display of the related image has to be switched. If it is determined that the switch is necessary, the display of the related image is switched, and if it is not necessary, the display of the related image is not switched. The time is reset when the selection of the main menu icon and the display of the related image are changed. For example, in a case that selection of the main menu icon continues to be quickly changed, the timer does not reach the predetermined value, so that the related image is never switched.