Dynamic Object Resizing for Drag and Drop Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The drag and drop operation on electronic devices like smartphones and tablets is cumbersome due to size differences between the dragged media content and target objects, especially on small displays with multiple potential targets, making it difficult for users to perform the operation effectively.
Innovation Solution
The method involves resizing the first object to match the size of potential target objects as it is dragged closer, using predictive techniques to determine potential targets and adjust the object's size based on their dimensions, allowing the user to easily align and drop the object onto smaller targets by making it appear to shrink as it approaches them.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the dragged object maintains its original size during drag and drop operation, then the object's visual identity and content are preserved, but it becomes difficult to align with smaller target objects on constrained displays
Solution Approach 1:
The dragged object's size is dynamically adjusted during the drag operation based on the distance to potential target objects. As the object approaches a target, it automatically resizes to match the target's dimensions, enabling precise alignment while maintaining visual recognition through gradual transition.
Solution Approach 2:
The size parameter of the dragged object is changed during the drag operation based on real-time distance calculations to potential targets. The system monitors the dragged object's position and adjusts its dimensions to match the target object's size when within a threshold distance, facilitating accurate placement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple target objects are displayed on a small screen, then users have more sharing options, but the drag and drop operation becomes more cumbersome due to space constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides visual feedback by highlighting potential target objects as the dragged object approaches them. This feedback mechanism guides the user's interaction by indicating which objects are valid drop targets, reducing the cognitive load and making the operation easier on constrained displays with multiple targets.
Solution Approach 2:
The dragged object automatically adjusts its size dynamically during the drag operation to match potential target objects. This dynamic resizing enables users to easily align the dragged object with various target sizes on small screens, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining multiple sharing options.
3Manufacturing precision
If the dragged object is resized to match the target object, then alignment precision is improved, but the object's original visual appearance is altered
Solution Approach 1:
The resizing operation is dynamic and conditional rather than permanent. The dragged object's size changes during the drag operation to match potential targets, but this transformation is reversible. If the user cancels or moves the dragged object away from targets, it returns to its original size, preserving the visual appearance while enabling precise alignment during the operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary resizing actions during the drag operation to prepare the object for accurate placement. This preliminary adjustment of size allows the user to visualize the final alignment before actually dropping the object, ensuring precision while maintaining the option to revert to the original appearance.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to method of enabling the drag and drop targets of a first object onto one of a plurality of second objects in a graphical user interface (GUI), each object being characterized by a respective size, the method comprising receiving a drag input on the first object, determining one or more second objects onto which the first object is likely to be dropped using at least the received drag input, altering the size of the first object based on the determined one or more second objects respective sizes.