Cursor-Mediated Object Movement on Presence-Sensitive Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties in precisely moving graphical objects on presence-sensitive displays due to finger obstruction and the challenge of reproducing small gestures, making it hard to modify the location or orientation of objects by small distances.
Innovation Solution
A method where a temporary graphical object is displayed next to the target object, allowing users to drag it into visual contact to move the target object by a determined distance, enabling precise movement without obstructing the view and using a single selection finger for initiation and movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a user directly touches and drags a graphical object on a presence-sensitive display, then the object can be moved to a new location, but the user's finger obstructs the view of the object being moved and makes it difficult to precisely control small movements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cursor as an intermediary element between the user's finger and the graphical object. The cursor is displayed at the finger's location and serves as a mediator that can be precisely positioned and controlled. When the cursor contacts the graphical object, the object moves to the cursor's location, enabling precise movement without the user's finger directly touching or obstructing the object.
2Measurement precision
If the user's finger is placed close to the target object to enable precise movement, then movement precision improves, but the finger obstructs the view of the target object
Solution Approach 1:
The cursor acts as a visual intermediary that bridges the gap between the user's finger and the target object. The cursor is displayed at the finger's location and maintains visual visibility on the screen, allowing the user to see both the cursor and the target object simultaneously. This eliminates the need for the finger to be placed close to the object, thereby preventing obstruction while maintaining precision.
3Device complexity
If direct touch interaction is used to move graphical objects, then the interface remains simple, but the ability to perform precise small-distance movements is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The cursor serves as a lightweight intermediary that enhances precision without significantly increasing interface complexity. The cursor is displayed based on the finger's location and automatically contacts the target object when positioned correctly, eliminating the need for complex multi-step gestures or precision tools while enabling precise small-distance movements.
Data Source
AI summary
In one example, a method includes outputting, at a first location of a presence-sensitive display of a computing device, a first graphical object and receiving an indication of a first touch gesture detected at a second location of the presence-sensitive display. The method may further include, in response to receiving the indication of the first touch gesture, outputting, at the second location, a second graphical object and receiving an indication of a second touch gesture originating within a predetermined distance of the second location and moving towards the first location. The method may further include outputting movement of the second graphical object into contact with the first graphical object. The method may also include, in response to outputting movement of the second graphical object into contact with the first graphical object, outputting at a third location, the first graphical object that is a determined distance away from the first location.