Directional Drag Icon Execution for Intuitive Interface Interaction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computer interface methods, such as pop-up context menus, are complex and interrupt the continuity of user operations, requiring cross-responses and multiple steps that are not intuitive.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that display operation icons near the object to be operated on a screen, allowing users to execute functions by dragging the object in a specific direction, with the system detecting movement direction and region to initiate and manage corresponding actions, simplifying steps and maintaining user-centered interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a pop-up context menu is used to display operation options, then the system provides comprehensive operation choices, but the user operation steps become complicated and the continuity of user operations is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The context menu is segmented into multiple operation icons arranged in different directions around the selected object. Each direction corresponds to a specific operation (e.g., up for delete, down for install, left for rename, right for properties). This segmentation allows users to access different operations by dragging the object in different directions, eliminating the need to open a comprehensive menu and reducing operational complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a traditional 2D menu structure to a spatial dimensional arrangement where operation icons are positioned in different directions (up, down, left, right) around the selected object. This dimensional change allows users to intuitively associate dragging direction with operation type, making the interface more intuitive and reducing the number of steps required to access and execute operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a pop-up context menu is used, then the system displays all available operations, but the interaction becomes non-intuitive and requires cross-responses
Solution Approach 1:
The operation icons are asymmetrically arranged in specific directions around the selected object, with each direction corresponding to a specific operation. This asymmetric spatial arrangement creates intuitive associations between dragging direction and operation type (e.g., dragging up to delete, dragging down to install), making the interaction more intuitive compared to a symmetric or linear menu structure that requires users to read and interpret text labels.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically determines the user's intended operation based on the dragging direction without requiring the user to explicitly select from a menu. The directional drag gesture itself serves as the selection mechanism, making the interaction more intuitive and reducing the number of steps required to execute an operation.
3Reliability
If multiple interaction steps are required for object operations, then the system can provide confirmation and control, but the operation continuity is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The operation icons are displayed in advance around the selected object, showing all available operations before the user commits to any action. This preliminary display allows users to see their options without interrupting the workflow, and they can quickly execute the desired operation by dragging in the corresponding direction, maintaining continuity while providing control and confirmation opportunities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows users to skip intermediate menu navigation steps by directly dragging the object to the target operation icon. This skipping mechanism reduces the number of interaction steps required to execute an operation, maintaining workflow continuity while still providing users with control over which operation to perform through the directional drag gesture.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention discloses a method and an apparatus for executing a program. The method includes: obtaining a related operation item of an object to be operated, and displaying an operation icon corresponding to the related operation item, and a direction of pointing from an original display coordinate of the object to be operated towards a display coordinate of the operation icon is an operation icon direction; according to the original display coordinate of the object to be operated and a display coordinate of the object after being dragged by the user, calculating a movement direction of the object to be operated; and starting to execute a functional operation corresponding to the operation icon when it is detected that the movement direction of the object to be operated is the same as the operation icon direction. Therefore, the invention can simplify program executing steps, and make operations intuitive and natural.