Marker Positioning via Directional Distance Vectors on Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for positioning cursors on displays, especially in medical imaging, lack precision due to the limitations of human finger movement and sensitivity in touch-based devices, leading to inaccurate measurements.
Innovation Solution
A method for precise cursor positioning on a display involves displaying an image with a marker, obtaining coordinates of a second point from a user input, determining the coordinates of a third point at a defined distance from the first point in the direction to the second point, and moving the marker to the third point, allowing incremental and controlled movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a cursor is positioned manually using a finger on a touch-based display, then the operation is simple and direct, but the positioning precision is insufficient due to finger width and limited sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the user specifies a direction and distance rather than directly positioning the marker. The system calculates the new position based on the current marker position, the specified direction (via a second point), and a defined movement distance, thereby mediating between the user's rough input and the precise positioning requirement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the direct mechanical touch interaction (finger dragging) with a computational approach. Instead of relying on the physical precision of finger movement, the system uses coordinate calculations: determining a third point based on the first point (current marker), second point (user input), and a defined distance, then moving the marker to this calculated position
2Measurement precision
If a cursor is moved manually using a computer mouse, then the positioning can be more precise than touch, but the mouse does not always react to movement as anticipated by the user
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a predictable feedback mechanism where the user specifies a direction (second point) and a defined distance, and the system reliably moves the marker exactly that distance in that direction. This creates a deterministic relationship between user input and marker movement, improving predictability and reliability of the positioning operation
3Ease of operation
If the user moves a cursor manually using his finger, then the operation is direct, but the user's hand covers the imaging area and prevents accurate placement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a copying approach where the user specifies a direction and distance without needing to physically cover the area. The system calculates the new position based on the specified parameters and moves the marker accordingly, allowing the user to operate from a comfortable position without obscuring the imaging area
Data Source
AI summary
The invention concerns a method for precise positioning of a marker (42) on a display. The method comprising the steps of (a) displaying a marker (42) overlaid on an image on a display, wherein the marker (42) indicates a first point (43); (b) obtaining the coordinates of a second point (44) on the display (5), in response to a user input event (64); (c) determining the coordinates of a third point (54) on the display (5), said third point (54) being located at a defined distance (52) from the first point (43) in a direction (48) defined by connecting the first and second points (43, 44); and (d) moving the marker (42) from the first point (43) to the third point (54), so that the marker (42) indicates the third point. The invention also relates to a computer program, a computer-readable medium (9) and an image evaluation device (1).