Grouped Subject Selection Using Pointing and Input Devices
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing subject selecting apparatuses using pointing devices are inefficient for selecting from a plurality of selection subjects displayed on a screen, as they do not differ significantly in operability from systems where all information is selectable, especially when using a pointing device like a mouse or touch panel.
Innovation Solution
A storage medium storing a subject selecting program that divides selection subjects into groups and uses a pointing device to select a group, followed by an input device to select a specific subject, optimizing the selection process by associating input devices with grouped subjects and displaying them in shapes or positions mimicking input sections, allowing intuitive and efficient selection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If selection subjects are divided into groups and a two-step selection operation is performed, then the time required to select information is reduced when using direction keys, but the operability does not improve and may become more inefficient when using a pointing device
Solution Approach 1:
The selection subjects are divided into multiple groups displayed on the screen. The pointing device selects a group by detecting coordinates within the group's display area, and then the input device selects a specific subject within the chosen group. This segmentation allows efficient selection even when many subjects are displayed, as the pointing device handles group-level selection while the input device handles subject-level selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediate selection step where the pointing device first selects a group containing multiple subjects, and then the input device selects the specific subject within that group. This intermediary group selection mechanism bridges the gap between pointing device coordinate input and precise subject selection, improving both efficiency and accuracy.
2Ease of operation
If all pieces of information are made selectable directly, then the operability is simple and direct, but the time required to select the desired information increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of presenting all selection subjects individually for direct selection, the system segments them into groups. The pointing device selects a group by detecting coordinates within the group's display area, and then the input device selects a specific subject within the chosen group. This segmentation allows efficient selection even when many subjects are displayed, as the pointing device handles group-level selection while the input device handles subject-level selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds a hierarchical dimension to the selection process. Rather than a single flat layer of individual subject selection, it creates two layers: group selection (first dimension) and subject selection within group (second dimension). This dimensional approach reduces the search space from all individual subjects to first a manageable group, then the specific subject, significantly reducing selection time.
3Quantity of substance
If selection subjects are displayed in small sizes to fit more on screen, then more information can be displayed, but the difficulty of selecting individual subjects with a pointing device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The selection subjects are divided into multiple groups displayed on the screen. The pointing device selects a group by detecting coordinates within the group's display area, and then the input device selects a specific subject within the chosen group. This segmentation allows efficient selection even when many subjects are displayed, as the pointing device handles group-level selection while the input device handles subject-level selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a virtual copy or representation of the input device's operation sections on the display screen. When a group is selected, the display shows the arrangement of input sections (e.g., cross key directions or button layouts) that correspond to the subjects in that group. This visual copying helps users understand which input device operation will select which subject, making selection easier even when subjects are displayed in small sizes.
Data Source
AI summary
A plurality of selection subjects which are divided into groups under a predetermined condition are displayed on a display screen. One group is selected based on coordinate information output from a pointing device. Next, based on an operation signal output from an input device which outputs an operation signal of a plurality of types of operation signals, depending on a player's operation, one is selected from the selection subjects belonging to the group, and a process is performed, depending on the selected selection subject.