Edge Swipe Scroll Mode for Touchscreen Content Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Space limitations on touchscreen devices and touch-less interfaces make it cumbersome for users to scroll through content, leading to time-consuming and physically straining gestures, especially when trying to reach specific locations within large content sets.
Innovation Solution
A computing device with a sensor and renderer that detects a scroll mode action, allowing a dimension of the display area to be mapped to the length or width of the content, enabling fast scrolling by transitioning from normal mode to scroll mode upon a swipe from the edge towards the center of the display area, reducing the need for repeated gestures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional scrolling gestures are used on touchscreen devices, then users can navigate through content, but the operation becomes time-consuming and physically straining when content exceeds display area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dimensional transformation by mapping the 2D display area to the 1D content length/width relationship. When the user swipes from an edge toward the center, the system activates a mode where the display dimension is mathematically mapped to the content dimension, enabling direct position access rather than sequential scrolling through intermediate content.
2Productivity
If repeated swipe gestures are performed to scroll through large content sets, then users can reach specific locations, but muscle strain increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs a preliminary action by detecting the edge-to-center swipe gesture and pre-establishing the dimensional mapping relationship before the user needs to access specific content. This preliminary setup enables subsequent direct navigation without requiring repeated physical gestures, thereby improving both productivity and reducing physical strain.
3Volume of moving object
If the display area is kept compact for portability, then device size is reduced, but the ability to display and navigate large content sets is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameter from physical display area size to virtual mapping ratio. By maintaining a compact physical device while implementing a software-based dimensional mapping system, the device can navigate large content sets efficiently. The mapping ratio parameter allows the compact display to represent and access extensive content through the edge-to-center swipe activation.
Data Source
AI summary
A computing device is described which has a sensor operable to receive user input associated with a display area. The computing device has a renderer operable to render a content item to the display area, the content item having a length and width. The computing device has a processor operable to detect when the user input comprises a scroll mode action and to trigger, in response to the scroll mode action, a scroll mode in which a dimension of the display area is mapped to the length or the width of the content. The scroll mode action comprises a swipe from an edge of the display area in a direction towards the center of the display area.