Bi-manual Touchscreen Positioning via Datum and Reference Points
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for positioning display elements on touchscreens and in XR environments are cumbersome, requiring menu-based operations that are ill-suited for touchscreen interfaces and larger scale display systems.
Innovation Solution
A bi-manual operation system that allows users to position display elements by defining a datum and a reference point on a touchscreen using sustained contact with multiple inputs, enabling even distribution of elements without the need for menu navigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If menu-based operations are used to position display elements, then positioning functionality is achieved, but operation complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the positioning operation into distinct phases: selection phase (selecting display elements), definition phase (defining datum and reference points through touch inputs), and distribution phase (automatic even spacing). This segmentation eliminates the need for multi-level menu navigation by providing direct, gesture-based control for each functional stage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary computational process that automatically calculates and applies even distribution based on user-defined datum and reference points. This intermediary system translates simple user gestures into complex positioning calculations, eliminating the need for users to manually navigate through distribution parameters and settings.
2Adaptability or versatility
If menu-based systems are used for arranging display elements, then positioning capability is provided, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides self-service by automatically performing even distribution calculations and applying them to selected display elements. Once users define the datum and reference points through touch inputs, the system autonomously computes the spacing and repositions all selected elements, eliminating the need for complex manual configuration and reducing the perceived complexity of the control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the interaction parameters from multi-step menu selections to direct touch gestures. By accepting datum and reference points as touch coordinates and automatically converting them to distribution parameters, the system maintains full positioning versatility while dramatically simplifying the user interface and reducing control complexity.
3Productivity
If traditional selection and arrangement methods are used, then display elements can be positioned, but user interaction efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical metaphor of menu navigation with direct digital manipulation through touch gestures. Users directly define spatial relationships (datum and reference points) on the touchscreen, and the system immediately translates these gestures into positioning actions, creating a more intuitive and efficient interaction model that eliminates the abstraction layers of traditional menu systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically selecting display elements and calculating distribution parameters based on user gestures. When users provide touch inputs defining datum and reference points, the system has already prepared the selection and computation stages, allowing immediate execution of the positioning operation without requiring users to manually configure each parameter.
Data Source
AI summary
System and methods are provided relating to bi-manual operation of a touchscreen. Multiple display elements displayed on the touchscreen are selected. A first input to the touchscreen is received defining a datum on the touchscreen, wherein the first input is resultant from sustained contact between a first hand of a user and the touchscreen. A second input to the touchscreen is received defining a reference point on the touchscreen, wherein the second input is resultant from sustained contact between a second hand of the user and the touchscreen. The multiple display elements are positioned to be displayed on the touchscreen in an evenly distributed manner relative to the datum and the reference point.