Gesture-Based Cross-Application Data Transfer Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional copy/paste functions require frequent screen changes and multiple operations when transferring data between applications, especially when dealing with multiple pieces of data, leading to inconvenience in use.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that detect a gesture to display an application list, allowing selection of a second application to open and copy content from, which is then inserted into the input field of the first application, combining the gestures for copying and pasting in a single action.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional copy/paste function is used to transfer data between applications, then data can be transferred between applications, but frequent screen changes and multiple operations are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of data transferVSAvoidtime for screen changes and operations
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the copy and paste operations into a single integrated gesture. When a user performs a long press on text in the first application, the system directly displays a paste option without requiring separate copy and paste actions, merging multiple operations into one unified interaction flow.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by automatically detecting the user's intent to paste through gesture recognition. When a long press is detected in the input field, the system proactively displays the paste option and related application information before the user explicitly requests it, reducing the number of steps needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple pieces of data are copied using conventional clipboard, then multiple data items can be stored, but each piece must be pasted separately

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclipboard data storageVSAvoidease of pasting multiple data items
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The paste option becomes a universal interface that handles multiple data types and sources. When activated, it displays information about multiple applications that can provide paste content, allowing the user to select from various data sources in a single operation rather than pasting each item separately.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds a new dimension to the paste operation by displaying application information and offering direct access to multiple data sources. Instead of a simple paste command, the system presents a multi-dimensional interface showing which applications contain pasteable content, enabling batch operations across multiple data items.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If screen changes are performed to access data in different applications, then data can be accessed from any application, but the operation becomes complex and inconvenient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata access across applicationsVSAvoidcomplexity of copy/paste operations
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces an intermediary paste option interface that mediates between the first application and other applications. Instead of requiring direct navigation to source applications, the paste option acts as an intermediary that aggregates information from multiple applications and presents unified access points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides self-service by automatically detecting which applications contain pasteable content and presenting this information to the user. The system autonomously gathers application information, determines pasteability, and organizes the data for display, eliminating the need for manual navigation and reducing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2778870B1Method and apparatus for copying and pasting of data
Publication Date: 2017.12.13 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP2778870B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP2778870B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP2778870B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

A method is provided including: detecting a first gesture performed while a cursor is placed in an input field in a first application; displaying an application list in response to the first gesture; detecting a selection of a second application from the application list; opening a first file with the second application and displaying a content of the first file; detecting a second gesture being performed on a portion of the content of the first file; and inserting the portion of the content of the first file into the input field of the first application.