Transforming Graphical Expression for Multi-Function Button Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display buttons often require multiple graphical expressions or increased bezel size to indicate multiple functions, leading to user confusion or design clutter, and adding more buttons increases cost and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A button with a transforming graphical expression using an optically transmissive substrate and optical filters, where different wavelengths of light illuminate specific portions to display distinct images for different functions, allowing a single button to perform multiple functions while providing clear visual indications to the user.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If multiple graphical expressions are placed on or near the button to indicate multiple functions, then user understanding of button functions is improved, but design clutter and bezel size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes by using optical filters that respond to different wavelengths of light to display different graphical expressions. The button contains multiple optical filters with different spectral transmission characteristics, and by illuminating the button with light of specific wavelengths, different portions of the graphical expression become visible. This allows multiple functions to be indicated through color/visibility changes without increasing bezel size or creating design clutter.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the graphical expression dynamically change based on the wavelength of incident light. The button transitions between displaying different graphical expressions (or different portions of a graphical expression) depending on which wavelength range is used to illuminate it. This dynamic response allows a single static button structure to convey multiple functional meanings at different times.
2Ease of operation
If multiple buttons are added to provide single-function indicators, then user confusion is reduced, but cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single button structure that can indicate multiple functions through its response to different wavelengths of light. Instead of requiring separate buttons for each function, this multi-functional button uses optical filters that can be selectively activated by different wavelength ranges, allowing one button to replace multiple single-function buttons and thereby reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple function indicators into a single button structure. By combining multiple optical filters with different spectral characteristics into one button, the design consolidates what would traditionally require multiple separate buttons into a unified component, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining clear function indication.
3Device complexity
If a single graphical expression is chosen for the button, then design simplicity is maintained, but user confusion occurs when the button performs multiple functions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses color changes (or visibility changes) to differentiate between multiple functions within a single graphical expression design. By incorporating optical filters that respond to different wavelengths, the button can highlight different portions or aspects of the graphical expression depending on the illumination wavelength, providing function-specific information without requiring multiple separate graphical expressions or increasing design complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables a single button to perform multiple functions with customized graphical expressions, reducing user confusion and design clutter, while maintaining a compact and cost-effective bezel design.
Implementation Method 1
a first portion of the graphical expression includes an optical filtering material that blocks the light of the first wavelength but not light of the second wavelength
Implementation Method 2
at least one light source arranged to emit light at the first predetermined wavelength and a second predetermined wavelength into the transmissive substrate
Data Source
AI summary
To provide a user with descriptive images for each function performed by a button, the embodiments described herein use a transforming graphical expression that presents different images depending on the particular function the button is currently performing. For example, if the button is used to increase speaker volume, the graphical expression may display plus sign, but if the button is currently being used to navigate through a display menu, the graphical expression may be transformed into an arrow to indicate the direction a selection element in the menu moves if the button is activated. Thus, as the current function of the button changes, the graphical expression presented to the user also changes. In this manner, the same button may be used to perform multiple functions while presenting to a user a customized graphical expression indicating the current function of the button.