Double Touch Input Method for Precise GUI Element Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for selecting elements on a graphical user interface (GUI) using a touch screen are imprecise due to finger obstruction, leading to increased resource utilization and unnecessary selection processes.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a double touch input to define a selection location between two touch inputs, allowing for precise selection and adjustment of the selection area, with options for fine tuning and dragging modes, and triggering page scrolling when the touch input reaches an edge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single finger is used to select a GUI element on a touchscreen, then the selection process is simple to perform, but the finger obstructs the user's vision of the desired element, resulting in poor placement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary reference point (the second touch point) that mediates between the user's intent and the selection action. Instead of directly touching the target element with one finger, the user touches a reference point with one finger and drags to the target with another finger. This intermediary mechanism eliminates the visual obstruction problem while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the selection process from a one-dimensional direct touch to a two-dimensional drag operation. By requiring the user to establish a reference point and then drag to the target, the system adds a spatial dimension to the selection process, enabling precise positioning without finger obstruction.
2Measurement precision
If the user has to carry out the selection again due to poor placement precision, then the selection accuracy improves, but unnecessary resources are mobilized and battery is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by establishing a reference point before the actual selection drag. This preliminary touch creates a stable origin point that guides the subsequent drag operation, ensuring accurate selection on the first attempt and eliminating the need for repeated selection attempts that would consume additional battery energy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides visual feedback by displaying the selection area as the user drags from the reference point to the target element. This real-time feedback allows the user to verify the selection area before finalizing, ensuring accuracy and preventing the need for repeated selections that would waste energy.
3Measurement precision
If a double touch input method is implemented to improve selection precision, then placement precision improves and resource consumption reduces, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the touchscreen interface multi-functional by enabling it to perform both reference point establishment and target selection within a single unified gesture. The same touch interface handles both the first touch (reference point) and the second touch (target element), eliminating the need for separate controls or complex multi-device setups.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the reference point selection and target element selection into a single continuous drag gesture. Instead of requiring separate actions for establishing a reference and then selecting, the system combines these functions into one fluid motion, simplifying the overall interaction model despite the enhanced precision capabilities.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for selecting at least one element of a Graphical User Interface, or GUI, displayed on a display of a device (DEV) using a touch interface (INT) of said device, the method comprising : - detecting on the touch interface a double touch input (DTI), said double touch input comprising a first touch input (TI1) and a second touch input (TI2) on the touch interface, said first and second touch inputs respectively corresponding to a first location (L1) and a second location (L2) on the GUI, - determining a selection location (SL) between the first and second locations (L1, L2). The method further comprises: - upon detecting a release of the first touch input, determining a first selection location corresponding to the selection location (SL) at the moment of the release of the first touch input (TI1), - determining a second selection location on the GUI as defined by a user using the touch interface, - executing a selection of at least one GUI element (ELEM) located between the first and second selection locations.