Geometric Shape Input for Intent Determination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face cumbersome processes when trying to perform actions on their devices, such as making reservations or obtaining directions, due to the limitations of touch input on touchscreen devices, which require multiple steps like selecting content, copying, pasting, and submitting queries.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that allows users to identify and execute actions using geometric patterns, where a geometric pattern input associated with user-selectable content is received, and an identifier of a referent entity is selected from a list of suggested entities, with the system identifying actions based on the shape of the input and providing them for selection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional touch input methods are used on touchscreen devices, then users can perform actions on displayed content, but the process requires multiple steps including selecting content, copying, pasting into search queries, and submitting, which makes the operation cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the traditional multi-step operation into distinct phases: geometric pattern recognition phase and action identification phase. The system first recognizes the geometric pattern (circle, square, triangle, etc.) drawn by the user, then separately identifies the intended action based on the pattern type and content location. This segmentation simplifies the user interface while maintaining systematic processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-defining the mapping between geometric patterns and actions. Before the user needs to perform an action, the system already has established relationships between pattern shapes and corresponding operations (e.g., circle pattern on text means copy, square pattern means select). This eliminates the need for users to navigate through menus or search queries during the actual action execution.
2Ease of operation
If traditional touch input methods are used on touchscreen devices, then users can perform actions on displayed content, but the process requires multiple steps including selecting content, copying, pasting into search queries, and submitting, which increases the complexity of the operation process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the content selection and action specification functions from the traditional complex input process. Instead of requiring users to navigate through copy-paste-search-submit sequences, the system extracts only the essential elements: the content being acted upon and the type of action desired. The geometric pattern serves as a simplified extractor that captures both elements simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The geometric pattern input method serves multiple functions: it identifies content location, determines action type, and triggers execution all in one gesture. A single geometric pattern drawn by the user universally applies to different content types (text, images, links) and different actions (copy, select, open), making the interface universally applicable across various scenarios without requiring separate controls for each function.
3Productivity
If geometric pattern input is used, then users can quickly perform actions by drawing shapes over content, but the system must accurately interpret the geometric shape and map it to the correct action
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the geometric pattern recognition system sensitive to specific local characteristics of the drawn shape. Instead of requiring perfect geometric precision, the system recognizes patterns based on local features such as the presence of curved vs. straight lines, number of vertices, and overall shape topology. For example, a circle is recognized by its continuous curved boundary, a square by its four straight sides with right angles, making detection robust to drawing imperfections.
Data Source
AI summary
Computer-implemented methods for identifying a requested action using a geometric input are provided. In one aspect, a method includes receiving a geometric pattern input associated with user-selectable content displayed on the device, and receiving an identifier of a referent entity, the referent entity selected based on the geometric pattern input from a list of suggested entities identified from user-selectable content displayed on the device. The method also includes identifying, based on a shape of the geometric pattern input, at least one action to be executed that is associated with the referent entity based on the shape of the geometric pattern input, and providing an identifier of the at least one identified action to the device for selection. Systems, graphical user interfaces, and machine-readable media are also provided.