Aspect Ratio Locking Alignment Guides for Gesture Resizing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for managing user interface content and elements on computing devices are cumbersome and inefficient, particularly in battery-operated devices, leading to wasted energy and increased cognitive burden on users.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of aspect ratio locking alignment guides during user interface element resizing gestures, which display resize handles and alignment guides to maintain the initial aspect ratio, allowing for intuitive and efficient resizing of user interface elements on devices with touch-sensitive surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional methods for resizing user interface elements are used, then users can resize elements, but the process is cumbersome and increases cognitive burden
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces alignment guides as intermediary visual elements that mediate between the user's resizing gesture and the final element size. These guides provide intermediate reference lines that help users intuitively understand the resizing process and achieve desired aspect ratios without complex calculations or multiple adjustment steps
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical-style drag-and-drop resizing with a gesture-based system enhanced by visual alignment guides. Instead of relying solely on manual dragging precision, the system uses displayed guides to substitute for the precision that would otherwise require complex user manipulation
2Productivity
If conventional resizing methods are used, then elements can be resized, but the process takes longer than necessary
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment guides are displayed in advance during the resizing gesture, providing pre-calculated reference positions before the user finalizes the resize operation. This preliminary visual guidance allows users to make faster, more confident resizing decisions without trial-and-error adjustments
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time visual feedback through alignment guides that update during the resizing gesture. This continuous feedback loop allows users to see the effect of their resizing action immediately and adjust accordingly, significantly reducing the time needed to achieve the desired element size and aspect ratio
3Ease of operation
If conventional resizing methods are used, then elements can be resized, but energy is wasted in battery-operated devices
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment guides are activated periodically only during the duration of the resizing gesture itself, rather than being continuously displayed. This periodic activation reduces unnecessary rendering and processing overhead, conserving battery power while maintaining ease of operation when resizing is actually needed
Data Source
AI summary
Aspect ratio locking alignment guides for gestures are disclosed. In one embodiment, a gesture is detected to resize a user interface element, and in response, a first alignment guide is visibly displayed, wherein the first alignment guide includes positions representing different sizes the user interface element can be resized to while maintaining the initial aspect ratio of the user interface element. While the user interface element is resized in accordance with the user gesture, and while the first alignment guide is visibly displayed: when the user gesture is substantially aligned with the first alignment guide, visible display of the first alignment guide is maintained; and when the user gesture substantially deviates from the first alignment guide, visible display of the first alignment guide is terminated.