2D Line Data Cursor for Touchscreen Graph Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile devices with touchscreen interfaces, such as cellular phones, face difficulties in precisely selecting a particular dataset or data point on a graph due to the imprecision of finger touch inputs, especially when datasets are proximate, leading to potential user frustration and incorrect selections.
Innovation Solution
A method that allows users to select a point on the graph, determining the closest dataset along a parallel line to an axis, and displaying the corresponding data point's value via a tooltip, while deemphasizing other datasets, allowing for easier selection through gestures like swiping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a touchscreen-based user interface is used on small mobile devices, then the device portability and interface simplicity are improved, but the precision of selecting specific datasets or data points deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cursor as an intermediary element between the user's touch input and the data selection. The cursor acts as a mediator that can be precisely positioned and manipulated, bridging the gap between imprecise finger touches and the need for accurate data point selection on the graph.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical touch interaction with a more sophisticated cursor-based selection mechanism. Instead of relying solely on finger precision, the system uses software-based cursor positioning and gesture recognition to achieve accurate selection, substituting the mechanical limitation with computational intelligence.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple datasets are displayed proximate to each other on the graph, then the information density is improved, but the ability to distinguish and select individual datasets deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the cursor and selected dataset visually distinct from other datasets. When a dataset is selected, it receives special visual treatment (such as highlighting or color changes) that differentiates it locally from other datasets, allowing users to easily identify the selected element even when multiple datasets are displayed in close proximity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes color changes to differentiate selected datasets from unselected ones. By changing the color or visual appearance of the selected dataset, the system provides clear visual feedback that helps users distinguish the active selection from other proximate datasets on the graph.
3Productivity
If direct touch selection is used without additional interaction mechanisms, then the interaction speed is improved, but the selection accuracy deteriorates due to finger imprecision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by allowing users to make rough selections that are then refined through cursor-based adjustment. The initial touch provides a starting point, and the cursor can be dragged or adjusted to the precise location before final selection, combining speed with accuracy in a two-stage interaction process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic interaction through gesture-based cursor control. Instead of static touch selection, the system allows dynamic cursor movement through swiping and dragging gestures, enabling users to quickly navigate to the desired data point while maintaining precision through continuous adjustment during the gesture.
Data Source
AI summary
Various arrangements for displaying a value of a data point on a graph are presented. The graph that illustrates a plurality of datasets may be presented. Input may be received from a user that indicates a point on the graph. Along a line parallel to an axis that extends through the point on the graph indicated by the user input, a dataset from the plurality of datasets may be identified. The value for the data point of the dataset that corresponds to an intersection of the line parallel to the axis and the visual representation of the dataset may be determined. The value for the data point may be displayed.