Variable Size Button Layout for Watch Interface Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of devices with buttons, such as watch-type information devices, often accidentally press wrong buttons due to their small size and similar placement, leading to incorrect operation of functions like start/stop and lap/reset during time measurement.
Innovation Solution
The design includes large and small buttons with different sizes and shapes based on their use frequencies, positioned on the lower side of the display unit, with the large button for frequently used functions like lap/reset and the small button for less frequently used functions like start/stop, and additional guard parts to prevent accidental presses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple buttons are provided collectively at the lower side of the display unit for easy access, then the buttons can be easily pushed during running, but the size of each button becomes smaller and the possibility of pushing wrong neighboring buttons increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the button area larger for the lap/reset function (which is more frequently used) and the button area smaller for the start/stop function (which is less frequently used). This differential sizing based on usage frequency allows the most critical button to have sufficient area for accurate pressing while maintaining compact overall design.
2Reliability
If the button area is made larger to prevent wrong presses, then button operation accuracy improves, but the number of buttons that can be accommodated decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of button area size based on usage frequency. The lap/reset button has a larger area for accuracy, while the start/stop button has a smaller area since it is less frequently pressed. This parameter differentiation allows the system to maintain both accuracy and functional completeness.
Data Source
AI summary
A device with buttons includes: a display unit that is configured to perform predetermined display; and a plurality of buttons that are positioned on a lower side of the display unit. An area of a button to be most frequently used is the largest among areas of the plurality of buttons.