Gesture-Based Text Selection with Visual Differentiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties in accurately selecting series of characters on computing devices due to the small size of handle elements and cursor, making it challenging to perform operations like deletion, copying, or font modification.
Innovation Solution
A method is implemented where a computing device outputs a graphical user interface with handle elements and character strings, detecting input object movements to modify the GUI, determining the inclusion of characters based on movement speed and position, and visually differentiating selected characters from non-selected ones to assist users in precise selection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional sliding gestures are used to select characters, then the operation is simple, but the selection accuracy is poor due to small handle element size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional sliding gestures to two-dimensional free-form gestures. Users can move the input object freely across the display area to select text, and the system determines selection based on the gesture's start and end positions relative to text locations, enabling accurate text selection without precise handle element positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a software-based selection mechanism that acts as an intermediary between the user's gesture and the text selection outcome. The system calculates selection boundaries based on gesture parameters and text position data, mediating the interaction to achieve accurate selection without requiring direct manual positioning of selection handles
2Area of stationary object
If small handle elements and cursor are used, then the interface is compact, but the positioning accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical dragging of visible handle elements with a software-based gesture recognition system. The system detects gesture start and end positions, calculates text selection boundaries algorithmically, and determines inclusion of partial words based on gesture parameters, eliminating the need for physically positioning small handle elements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the selection mechanism from position-based handle element placement to parameter-based gesture analysis. The system evaluates gesture parameters (start position, end position, trajectory) alongside text position data to determine selection boundaries, allowing accurate selection without visible positioning elements
3Measurement precision
If precise character selection is implemented, then selection accuracy improves, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal gesture-based selection system that handles multiple text selection scenarios (complete words, partial words, individual characters) through a single unified mechanism. The same gesture recognition and boundary calculation logic applies regardless of whether the user wants to select a whole word or just part of it, reducing the need for separate selection modes
Data Source
AI summary
A graphical user interface (GUI) displayed at a user interface device includes a character string that includes a substring. The computing device detects a movement of an input object from a first location on the user interface device to a second location on the user interface device. The first location corresponds to a second handle element and the second location corresponds to a particular position in the character string that is not at a beginning or end of the substring. In response, the computing device modifies the GUI such that the second handle element is located at the second location. The computing device also determines whether to select all characters of the substring. All characters of each substring completely displayed between a first handle element and the second handle element are also selected. The selected characters are visually differentiated from the non-selected characters.