Clutch and Boom Interface for Touchscreen Design Precision

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Solution Overview

Problem

The difficulty in designing and building graphical interfaces on multi-touch devices due to the lack of precision and display obscuration when using touch-sensitive devices, which limits their functionality compared to traditional computing devices with mice and keyboards.

Innovation Solution

A system that includes a touch-sensitive display screen and a processor configured to detect selection and engaging touch events, allowing for precise manipulation of user interface elements by engaging and disengaging the Clutch functionality, and enabling Boom functionality for pixel-by-pixel movement, along with overlays and menus for enhanced precision and functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multi-touch devices are used for graphical interface design, then universal application compatibility and portability are improved, but precision of manipulation and display visibility deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuniversal application compatibilityVSAvoidprecision of manipulation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary mode between direct touch and traditional mouse control. The clutch mechanism acts as a mediator that, when engaged, transforms the touch interface into a precision manipulation mode with visible cursor and selectable tools, effectively bridging the gap between multi-touch portability and precise graphical design capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically switches between two operational states: a direct touch mode for general navigation and a clutch-engaged mode for precise manipulation. This dynamic transition allows the interface to adapt its precision characteristics based on the user's needs, resolving the contradiction between portability and manipulation accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If multi-touch devices are used for graphical interface design, then portability and ease of use are improved, but display obscuration and manipulation precision worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of useVSAvoiddisplay obscuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the precision manipulation functionality into a separate, dedicated clutch mechanism. When the clutch is engaged, it provides access to traditional mouse-like controls with visible cursor and tool selection, separating the precision design functions from the obscured direct touch interface

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs periodic switching between direct touch interaction and clutch-engaged precision mode. This periodic transition allows users to alternate between the ease of direct touch and the precision of clutch mode, managing display obscuration by only activating precision mode when needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Measurement precision

If traditional mouse and keyboard are used, then precision of manipulation is improved, but adaptability to multi-touch devices and portability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of manipulationVSAvoidadaptability to multi-touch devices

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The clutch mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides precision cursor control, tool selection, and manipulation modes within the multi-touch environment. This multi-functional design allows the system to maintain precision manipulation capabilities while being fully adapted to multi-touch device architecture and portability requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Ease of operation

If direct touch is used on multi-touch devices, then ease of operation is improved, but precision of selection and manipulation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidprecision of selection

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The clutch acts as an intermediary that, when engaged, introduces precision selection mechanisms including visible cursor positioning, tool palettes, and confirmation dialogs. This intermediary layer bridges the gap between easy direct touch and precise selection requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12131010B2Apparatus, method, and computer-readable storage medium for manipulating a user interface element

Publication Date: 2024.10.29 NEWMAN INFINITE INC

AI summary

Disclosed herein are clutch and boom features that can enable the manipulation of user interface elements when using a touch-sensitive component to build or otherwise design a graphical display, such as a website, video game, magazine layout, etc. Upon touching user interface element to be manipulated, the user interface element can be targeted for manipulation. In response to a clutch user interface element being engaged, the targeted user interface element can be enabled for manipulation (e.g., colored, rotated, moved, etc.) by the user, while the non-targeted user elements are protected from manipulation. Boom is an example of manipulation functionality provided by some embodiments, which can be configured to move the targeted user interface element a precise amount (e.g., pixel-by-pixel).