Virtual Buttons on Device Side Surfaces
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional devices with virtual buttons often obscure the display screen when users attempt to interact with them, leading to undesirable obscuration of information, especially when hands cover the touch screen surface.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a control circuit that configures and activates virtual buttons on non-display surfaces based on the device's mode of operation, using sensors like force, inductive, or capacitive sensors, allowing for haptic or audible feedback to guide users to the button locations without visual clutter, thus keeping the display screen unobstructed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If virtual buttons are placed on the front surface or touch screen area, then they are easily accessible to users, but they obscure the display screen and block user view of information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates virtual buttons from the traditional front surface (2D plane) to the side surfaces of the device, utilizing the third dimension (depth/side surfaces) to position controls away from the display area while maintaining accessibility. This dimensional relocation allows buttons to be accessible via side placement without obscuring the front display screen.
2Loss of information
If virtual buttons are placed on non-display surfaces, then the display screen remains unobstructed, but users have difficulty locating and identifying button positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs visual indicators such as LEDs or illuminated elements that change color or illuminate to indicate active virtual buttons on non-display surfaces. These visual cues allow users to locate and identify button positions on side surfaces without obscuring the display screen, as the indicators provide positional information through light rather than physical protrusion.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides haptic feedback through vibration motors that generate tactile sensations corresponding to button presses on non-display surfaces. This feedback mechanism enables users to detect button locations and confirm button engagement through tactile sensation rather than visual inspection, solving the detection difficulty while maintaining display visibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple virtual buttons are activated simultaneously for different modes of operation, then device functionality is enhanced, but the complexity of button configuration and user understanding increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic button activation where virtual buttons are enabled or disabled based on the current operational mode of the device. The control circuit selectively activates specific buttons corresponding to active modes (e.g., camera mode, music mode, game mode), allowing multiple buttons to be available across different modes while only relevant buttons are active at any given time, thereby managing complexity through conditional activation.
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
This solution enables a cleaner user interface by allowing virtual buttons to be strategically placed on non-display surfaces, providing intuitive haptic or audible cues for user interaction while maintaining a clutter-free and unobstructed display, enhancing usability and aesthetics.
Implementation Method 1
using sensors like force, inductive, or capacitive sensors
Implementation Method 2
using sensors like force, inductive, or capacitive sensors
Implementation Method 3
using sensors like force, inductive, or capacitive sensors
Implementation Method 4
outputting a second control signal operable to initiate a first haptic or audible response
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments described herein relate to methods and apparatuses for configuring a plurality of virtual buttons on a device. For example, each of the plurality of virtual buttons may be activated or deactivated based on a mode of operation of the device. By activating and deactivating different combinations of the plurality of virtual buttons depending on the mode of operation of the device, the inadvertent engagement of virtual buttons which would otherwise not be used in that mode of operation may be avoided.