Floating Control Object for Precise UI Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing user interface systems face difficulties in inserting objects predictably within or around groups on smaller screens, such as touch screens, without cluttering the interface with entry points, especially when trying to position objects between items.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a control object which can be dragged and released between items on a user interface to indicate a precise insertion location, displaying a list of objects for insertion at that location, allowing users to select and insert objects efficiently without cluttering the interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If entry points are added around each object to enable insertion, then object insertion capability is improved, but interface clutter increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the insertion control functionality from individual object locations and consolidates it into a single floating control object. Instead of having entry points distributed around each object, the system provides one centralized control mechanism that can be moved to any desired insertion location, thereby maintaining insertion capability while eliminating interface clutter.
Solution Approach 2:
The floating control object serves multiple functions: it can be dragged to indicate insertion locations between objects, it displays a list of insertable objects, and it provides a unified interface for all insertion operations. This multi-functional design replaces the need for multiple separate entry points around each object.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple entry points are provided for object insertion, then insertion flexibility is improved, but prediction of insertion position becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements visual feedback by displaying a location indicator that follows the floating control object as it is dragged across the interface. This real-time visual feedback clearly indicates where the object will be inserted upon release, making the insertion position predictable while maintaining the flexibility to insert at any location.
3Device complexity
If a single insertion point is used, then interface simplicity is maintained, but insertion location flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The floating control object is designed to be dynamic rather than static. It can be freely dragged to any location on the interface where insertion is desired, and the system responds by updating the location indicator in real-time. This dynamic behavior provides insertion location flexibility while maintaining interface simplicity through a single control mechanism.
Data Source
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AI summary
Generally discussed herein are devices, systems, and methods for an insertion and/or modification control object. A method for using a user interface (UI) of a computing device may include selecting, using a user input device and releasing a control object using the UI, selecting a first object to insert below one or more items shown on the UI, wherein the first object is one of a first set of objects shown on the UI in response to releasing the control object, selecting and dragging the control object to a location between two of the items on the UI, releasing the control object at the location, and selecting a second object to insert at the location between the items, wherein the second object is one of the first set of objects shown on the UI in response to releasing the control object.