Graphical Object Selection with Segmented Display Modes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional handwriting recognition applications on computing devices are limited in their ability to allow users to select and edit graphical objects efficiently, often requiring complex and unnatural gestures, making it difficult for users to manipulate text and non-text content on the screen.

Innovation Solution

A computing device with an input surface and display device that uses a locating module to determine an initiation point for a user selection gesture, allowing a selection module to operate in two modes: a first mode for free selection across structured text and block sections, and a second mode for restricted selection within a target block section, enabling easy and accurate selection of graphical objects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional handwriting recognition applications are used, then graphical objects can be displayed and recognized, but users must adopt complex and unnatural gestures to select and edit content, reducing ease of operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of selectionVSAvoidgesture complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The display area is segmented into a structured text section and multiple block sections. The selection module operates in different modes based on the initiation point: free selection mode for structured text and restricted selection mode for block sections. This segmentation allows simplified, intuitive selection gestures within each section without requiring complex cross-section navigation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different selection behaviors are applied to different regions of the display area. The structured text section allows free selection across the entire area, while each block section has its own restricted selection mode that confines selection to that specific block. This local differentiation simplifies user gestures by providing region-specific selection rules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If free selection mode is used across the entire display area, then users can select any graphical object, but selection accuracy decreases when display area is large

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveselection flexibilityVSAvoidselection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The display area is divided into manageable sections (structured text section and block sections). The selection module switches to restricted selection mode when operating within block sections, which confines the selection path to a smaller, more manageable area. This segmentation maintains selection accuracy by reducing the effective selection area while preserving flexibility through mode switching.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The selection module dynamically switches between free selection mode and restricted selection mode based on the initiation point location. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to provide appropriate selection constraints automatically, maintaining accuracy without requiring users to manually adjust selection parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If restricted selection mode is used within block sections, then selection accuracy improves, but selection flexibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveselection accuracyVSAvoidselection flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The selection module dynamically adapts its behavior based on the initiation point. When the initiation point is in the structured text section, free selection mode is activated for maximum flexibility. When the initiation point is in a block section, restricted selection mode is activated for improved accuracy. This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction by providing the appropriate level of flexibility and accuracy contextually.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Different selection qualities (free vs. restricted) are applied locally to different sections based on their characteristics. The structured text section benefits from free selection, while block sections benefit from restricted selection. This local differentiation allows the system to optimize both flexibility and accuracy in their respective contexts without compromising either globally.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3796145B1A method and correspond device for selecting graphical objects
Publication Date: 2024.07.03 MYSCRIPT
  • EP3796145B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3796145B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3796145B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a method on a computing device comprising: displaying in a display area (200) graphical objects (OB1-OB11), this display area comprising a structured text section (202) with text objects (OB1, OB2) and block sections (BL) with text or non-text objects (OB5-OB11); locating an initiation point (PT1) from which starts a user selection gesture (GT1); determining a selection path (210) forming a selection area (212); and selecting each graphical object contained within the selection area (212). If the initiation point is located in the structured text section, a first mode may be selected thereby allowing the selection path to be drawn in the display area to select any graphical object. If the initiation point is located within a target block section among the block sections (BL), a second mode may be selected, thereby confining the selection path (210) within the target block section.