Text Replacement via Gesture Selection on Presence-Sensitive Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties in precisely selecting and replacing text on graphical keyboards of computing devices due to the small size of text relative to input medium, leading to reduced interaction speed and accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A method is implemented where a computing device outputs a graphical user interface with a text display region and a graphical keyboard, allowing users to select a portion of text and replace it by detecting gestures on the presence-sensitive display, enabling efficient replacement of text without repositioning the cursor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If text size is reduced to fit more content on screen, then information density increases, but text selection precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary selection mechanism where a visual selection indicator (such as a highlighted region or cursor) acts as a mediator between the user's touch input and the actual text selection. This intermediary provides visual feedback and allows for more precise selection control without requiring the text itself to be larger, thus maintaining information density while improving selection precision.
2Ease of operation
If traditional gesture-based text selection is used, then interface simplicity is maintained, but interaction speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by automatically selecting text or positioning the selection indicator based on the user's typing context or recent edits before the user completes their input gesture. This preliminary selection reduces the number of steps required for text replacement, thereby increasing interaction speed while maintaining the simplicity of the gesture-based interface.
3Measurement precision
If multiple input steps are required for text replacement, then input accuracy is improved, but interaction complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple input steps into a single unified gesture operation. By combining text selection, cursor positioning, and text replacement into one continuous gesture, the system maintains input accuracy (ensuring the correct text is selected and replaced) while reducing interaction complexity (requiring fewer distinct input actions from the user).
Data Source
AI summary
In one example, a method includes outputting, for display at a presence-sensitive display, a graphical user interface including a text display region and a graphical keyboard. The method further includes receiving an indication of a first gesture detected at a location within the text display region, and selecting, based at least in part on the location within the text display region, at least a portion of a character string included in the text display region. The method further includes receiving, while the first gesture is detected at the presence-sensitive display, an indication of at least a portion of a second gesture to select at least one key of the graphical keyboard, and outputting, responsive to receiving an indication of a termination of at least the second gesture, a replacement character string for display within the text display region to replace the portion of the character string.