Digital Ink Selection via Closed Shape Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional computing devices require additional hardware or user interface elements for switching between digital ink input and selection modes, leading to potential inadvertent actuations and increased user interaction, which complicates the selection process of digital ink.
Innovation Solution
A computing device with a digital ink-enabled surface that enters digital ink selection mode in response to a specified digital ink shape, such as a circle, star, or box, allowing users to perform commands on detected digital ink strokes within the closed shape and switch between digital ink selection and writing modes based on user actions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If hardware buttons or graphical mode switches are added for switching between digital ink input and selection modes, then mode switching capability is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to additional hardware requirements and increased user interaction steps
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically determines whether the user wants to input digital ink or select existing digital ink by analyzing the gesture itself, without requiring the user to manually switch modes. The computing device self-distinguishes between writing gestures and selection gestures based on gesture characteristics, eliminating the need for mode switching mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the interpretation parameter based on gesture characteristics. By analyzing features such as gesture duration, shape, and context, the system dynamically adjusts whether the gesture is interpreted as ink input or selection, allowing mode switching without physical buttons or graphical interface elements.
2Ease of operation
If hardware buttons are added for mode switching, then selection mode activation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to potential inadvertent actuations
Solution Approach 1:
The system requires a specific gesture pattern (such as a deliberate selection gesture distinct from normal writing) to activate selection mode. This partial action requirement ensures that accidental touches during normal writing do not trigger selection mode, while still allowing intentional selection when the user performs the specific gesture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides visual feedback by displaying a selection indicator or highlight when a selection gesture is detected, allowing the user to confirm whether the system correctly interpreted their intent. This feedback mechanism prevents inadvertent selections by giving the user a chance to recognize and correct misinterpretations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If graphical mode switch buttons are added to the interface, then mode switching is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to extra user interaction steps
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically determines whether the user wants to input digital ink or select existing digital ink by analyzing the gesture itself, without requiring the user to manually switch modes. The computing device self-distinguishes between writing gestures and selection gestures based on gesture characteristics, eliminating the need for mode switching mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary analysis of the gesture characteristics before interpreting it as either ink input or selection. By pre-analyzing gesture features such as duration, shape, and context, the system is ready to immediately interpret the gesture correctly without requiring additional user actions to switch modes.
Data Source
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AI summary
A device, method, and computer-readable media for switching between a digital ink selection mode and another mode are presented. The device includes a surface and processor that receive and identify gestures or writing instrument strokes. The processor receives the identified gestures or writing instrument strokes from the digital ink-enabled surface. In response to a tap gesture, the processor processes the area associated with the tap to detect digital ink strokes for a word, sentence, or shape corresponding to the tapped area. In turn, the device enters an ink selection mode for the located ink strokes. The digital ink-enabled surface may have a display that is updated to render a closed shape around the located digital ink strokes. The device may switch from digital ink selection mode to the other mode in response to additional writing instrument interactions or additional gestures, including interactions or gestures on displayed whitespace.