Electronic Device Handler Display Independence and Resizing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Users face difficulties in smoothly and intuitively moving handlers on electronic devices to select characters due to unnatural or discontinuous movement, especially when transitioning between rows or columns, and the small size of handlers makes it hard to recognize proper touch recognition.

Innovation Solution

The electronic device adjusts the size and direction of the handler based on user input to enable smooth and intuitive movement, highlighting characters corresponding to the touch position while displaying the handler independently from the highlighted area, and resizing or redirecting the handler for better recognition and manipulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the handler is moved dependent upon the character or highlighted area, then the handler selection function is achieved, but the movement of the handler becomes unnatural or discontinuous

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandler selectionVSAvoidhandler movement smoothness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent separates the handler from the highlighted area, making them independent display elements. The handler is positioned based on the user's touch position rather than being coupled to the highlighted area, which resolves the discontinuity issue while maintaining selection functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary relationship where the user's touch position serves as the reference point for handler positioning, rather than directly coupling the handler to the highlighted area. This intermediary approach ensures smooth and natural handler movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Area of stationary object

If the handler size is kept small, then the screen space is efficiently used, but the user's touch recognition becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescreen space utilizationVSAvoidtouch recognition

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies visual feedback by changing the color or appearance of the handler and highlighted area in response to user touch. This visual feedback mechanism makes it clear to users whether their touch is properly recognized, even when the handler remains small in size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements immediate visual feedback by highlighting the character corresponding to the user's touch position and displaying the handler independently at the touch position. This feedback loop helps users confirm proper touch recognition without increasing handler size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3571577B1Method for displaying handler and electronic device therefor

Publication Date: 2023.08.02 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

Figure 1(a)~1(b)
Figure 2A(a)~2A(b)
Figure 2B(c)~2B(d)

AI summary

Disclosed is a method for displaying a handler by an electronic device, the method includes displaying a handler for selecting a character on a screen of the electronic device; receiving a user's touch drag input to touch and move the handler; and highlighting and displaying an area regarding a character corresponding to a position of a touch with respect to the character and displaying the handler independent from the highlighted area with respect to the position of the touch, while the handler is touched as per the user's touch drag input.