Virtual Scroll Wheel Control for High-Speed Low-Effort Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing input devices, such as mice with scroll wheels, limit scrolling speed due to mechanical constraints and cannot easily accommodate user desires for faster scrolling or reduced effort, especially in applications like gaming or document processing.
Innovation Solution
An input device with a virtual scroll controller that selects from multiple virtual scroll states based on rotational velocity, allowing for adjustable output velocity and position count, enabling faster scrolling with less effort by switching between direct and virtual scroll modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a traditional scroll wheel is used for scrolling, then the device structure is simple and cost is low, but the scrolling speed is limited by the mechanical angular velocity of the scroll wheel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the direct mechanical coupling between the scroll wheel and the computing device with a virtual scroll controller that processes rotational velocity signals. The virtual scroll controller computes output velocity based on rotational velocity and selected virtual scroll state, enabling scrolling speeds that exceed the mechanical limits of the scroll wheel itself while maintaining a relatively simple physical device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a virtual dimension for scrolling control by implementing multiple virtual scroll states (e.g., first virtual scroll state, second virtual scroll state) that can be selected based on rotational velocity. This allows the system to achieve different scrolling speeds and behaviors without physically changing the scroll wheel mechanism, effectively adding a software-based dimension to the mechanical input device.
2Speed
If the scroll wheel angular velocity is increased to achieve faster scrolling, then scrolling speed improves, but the mechanical constraints of size, weight, and cost worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the mechanical solution of increasing scroll wheel speed with a computational approach. The virtual scroll controller receives rotational velocity signals from the scroll wheel and computes output velocity that can exceed the mechanical capabilities of the scroll wheel. This allows fast scrolling without requiring a heavier or more powerful mechanical scroll wheel assembly.
3Speed
If the scroll wheel angular velocity is increased to achieve faster scrolling, then scrolling speed improves, but the device complexity and cost increase due to mechanical design constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical designs required for high-speed scrolling with a virtual scroll controller that computationally generates high scrolling speeds from moderate rotational velocities. The virtual scroll controller implements multiple virtual scroll states and computes output velocity based on rotational velocity and the selected state, eliminating the need for complex mechanical transmissions or high-speed bearings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a software control dimension to the mechanical scroll wheel, implementing virtual scroll states that can be selected based on rotational velocity thresholds. This allows the system to achieve multiple scrolling speed levels and modes without requiring multiple physical scroll wheels or complex mechanical switching mechanisms.
4Productivity
If a virtual scroll controller with multiple virtual scroll states is implemented, then scrolling efficiency and speed are enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic virtual scroll controller that can switch between multiple virtual scroll states based on rotational velocity thresholds. The controller selects appropriate virtual scroll states dynamically during operation, allowing the system to adapt scrolling behavior to user needs and application contexts. This dynamic state selection enhances scrolling efficiency without requiring permanently complex hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of scrolling control by implementing multiple virtual scroll states with different output velocity characteristics. The virtual scroll controller adjusts output velocity based on the selected virtual scroll state and the detected rotational velocity, enabling efficient scrolling across different scenarios without requiring physically different devices.
Data Source
AI summary
An input device (900) may include a rotatable member (952), a virtual scroll controller (912) and a host interface block (906). The virtual scroll controller (912) may be configured to select a virtual scroll state from a plurality of virtual scroll states based on a rotational velocity of the rotatable member (952). Each virtual scroll state may be associated with a respective output function. The virtual scroll controller (912) may be further configured to compute an output velocity according to the output function associated with the selected virtual scroll state. The virtual scroll controller (912) may be further configured to generate a virtual position count (928) based on the computed output velocity. The host interface block (906) may be configured to send the generated virtual position count (928) to a computing device connected to the input device (900).