Touch Gesture Attribute Copying for UI Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for copying attributes in user interface design are cumbersome and time-consuming, requiring lengthy menu operations and manual settings to replicate attributes from one element to another.
Innovation Solution
A gesture-based method and apparatus that detects predefined gestures on a touch screen to selectively copy attributes from a source UI element to a target UI element, using either symbol gestures or multi-touch swipes to map and apply attributes without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual menu operations are used to copy attributes, then attribute copying can be performed, but the process becomes lengthy and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical menu navigation with touch gesture recognition. Users perform gestures (swipes, taps, pinches) on a touch screen to select attributes for copying, and the system automatically executes the attribute transfer operation, eliminating the need for manual menu traversal and significantly reducing the time required.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically detects the gesture, identifies the source and target elements, determines which attributes to copy based on the gesture type, and executes the copying operation without requiring user intervention in the actual attribute transfer process. The system serves itself by interpreting gestures and automatically performing the complex attribute copying tasks.
2Ease of operation
If manual attribute setting is performed, then precise attribute control is achieved, but the operation becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the attribute copying process into distinct gesture-based operations. Different gestures correspond to different attribute types or copying modes (e.g., single tap for color, double tap for font, swipe for dimensions). This segmentation makes the complex attribute copying process intuitive and manageable, as users only need to learn a set of simple gestures rather than navigate complex menus.
Solution Approach 2:
The touch screen interface serves multiple functions: it detects gestures, identifies elements, determines attributes to copy, and executes the copying operation. The gesture recognition system handles various input methods (tap, swipe, pinch) that can all trigger attribute copying, making the interface universal and adaptable to different user preferences and needs.
3Productivity
If multiple attributes are copied through separate operations, then each attribute can be precisely controlled, but the number of steps increases substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple attribute copying operations into a single gesture-based action. When a user performs a gesture (such as a swipe or pinch) on a source element, the system automatically identifies all applicable attributes and transfers them to the target element in one operation. This combining of multiple attribute copying steps into a single action dramatically increases productivity and reduces total time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection and analysis of the gesture, automatically identifying the source element, target element, and which attributes should be copied before executing the actual attribute transfer. This preliminary action eliminates the need for users to manually select each attribute, as the system pre-determines the appropriate attributes based on the gesture type and element context.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for copying of attributes of user interface (UI) elements on a touch screen display is disclosed. The method comprises detecting a gesture of a plurality of predefined gestures made on a UI element displayed on a touch screen display, wherein the gesture selectively signifies at least one attribute to copy; determining a source UI element based on the gesture; determining the at least one attribute to copy based on the gesture; and applying the determined attribute from the source UI element to a target UI element displayed on the touch screen display.