Curvilinear Slider Interface for Intuitive Setting Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Complex and time-consuming interactions in electronic apparatuses lead to errors, confusion, and missed opportunities, particularly when assigning values to settings, due to cumbersome interfaces.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that utilize a curvilinear slider interface element for intuitive adjustment of settings, allowing users to adjust values by dragging a selection point along the interface, with representations of the selection point and setting values displayed proximate to the interface, and operation actuators positioned accordingly for easy access and operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional linear slider interfaces are used, then the interface structure is simple, but the interaction is complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of setting adjustmentVSAvoidtime for setting adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies curvilinear slider interface elements with curved or circular paths instead of traditional linear sliders. This curvature aligns with natural thumb movement patterns, enabling users to adjust settings more quickly and intuitively by dragging along the curved path, thereby reducing adjustment time while maintaining operational simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Productivity

If multiple settings are adjusted sequentially, then each setting can be controlled precisely, but the overall interaction becomes complex and error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeed of setting adjustmentVSAvoidaccuracy of setting assignment

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates visual feedback mechanisms including displayed representations of the selection point position and corresponding setting values. This real-time feedback allows users to see their selection point location and the resulting setting value simultaneously, enabling quick adjustments while maintaining accuracy through visual confirmation, thus improving both speed and reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If detailed setting options are provided, then precision control is achieved, but the interface becomes confusing and difficult to operate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of setting valueVSAvoidintuitiveness of interface

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs visual representations including color-coded indicators and graphical elements to represent different setting values and selection point positions. These visual cues provide intuitive feedback about the current setting state without requiring complex text or numerical displays, maintaining precision control while enhancing interface intuitiveness and ease of operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Data Source

PatentUS9760267B2Method and apparatus for a slider interface element

Publication Date: 2017.09.12 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY

AI summary

A method comprising determining to provide for adjustment of a first setting, causing display of a first curvilinear slider interface element that relates to a value of the first setting, receiving an indication of a drag input associated with the first curvilinear slider interface element, causing adjustment movement of the selection point relative to the curvilinear slider interface element in proportion to the drag input, and determining a value of the first setting is based, at least in part, on a position of the first selection point relative to curvilinear slider interface element is disclosed.