3D Navigational Icon for Touch Screen Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current screen mechanisms and systems for devices, such as touch screens on handheld devices, face challenges in facilitating user selection of information due to the difficulty in mimicking mouse-based selection methods on smaller screens.

Innovation Solution

A multi-faceted, three-dimensional navigational icon is introduced, allowing users to interact with multimedia information by rotating and selecting facets on a touch-activated screen, with additional features like menu bars and pie-shaped menus for enhanced navigation and access to multiple levels of data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If mouse-based selection control is used on small touch screens, then selection precision is maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in mimicking mouse control on small screens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveselection precisionVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from two-dimensional screen navigation to three-dimensional spatial manipulation by presenting information in a volumetric display. Users interact with floating 3D objects that can be rotated, zoomed, and positioned in three-dimensional space, allowing intuitive selection through natural hand movements rather than precise mouse-like tapping on a flat screen.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides information into discrete three-dimensional objects or icons that float in space. Each object represents a separate piece of information or media item, allowing users to selectively focus on and manipulate individual elements without the clutter of traditional grid-based interfaces. This segmentation enables easier identification and selection of specific content items.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional two-dimensional screen interfaces are used, then device complexity is low, but adaptability deteriorates in providing intuitive navigation for small screens

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal interaction paradigm where a single three-dimensional interface framework can handle multiple navigation tasks and media types. The same 3D object manipulation techniques work for browsing files, playing media, navigating websites, and accessing applications, providing consistent intuitive control across diverse functions without requiring separate interface designs for each.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamic three-dimensional objects that can change size, orientation, and position in response to user interaction. Objects can be zoomed in for detailed viewing, rotated to different angles for better orientation, and repositioned for easier access. This dynamic behavior adapts the interface to user needs in real-time, providing versatility while maintaining simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS9405435B2Device navigation icon and system, and method of use thereof
Publication Date: 2016.08.02 HENDRICKS INVESTMENT HOLDINGS LLC
  • US9405435B2 patent drawing
  • US9405435B2 patent drawing
  • US9405435B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Three-dimensional interactive icons and other mechanisms, methods, and systems for easing user selection of information, such as may be presented on screens or other interfaces of devices, such as tablet, telephone and other hand-held devices, and personal computers (PCs).