Mobile Device Selection Range Control via Inclination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users find it difficult to designate the end position of a selection range on a mobile electronic device's screen due to the finger obscuring the letter, making it hard to accurately select the desired range.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating inclination detection means into the device, allowing users to set the start position and move the end position of the selection range based on the device's inclination, enabling precise selection without finger obstruction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a user touches the touch panel with a finger to designate the start position and end position of the selection range, then the user interface is simple and easy to implement, but the user cannot readily recognize which letter is designated as the end position because the letter is hidden by the finger
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (inclination detection means and end position moving means) that mediates between the user's touch input and the selection range designation. Instead of directly touching the end position letter, the user inclines the device to move the end position indicator, allowing indirect selection while maintaining visibility of the target letter.
Solution Approach 2:
The selection process is segmented into two independent actions: setting the start position by touch and moving the end position by inclination. This separation allows the user to see the end position letter clearly while controlling its position through device inclination rather than direct finger contact.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the user designates the end position by touching the touch panel, then the operation method is consistent with the start position designation, but the user may not be able to readily designate a desired range as the selection range due to finger obstruction
Solution Approach 1:
The end position designation transitions from a static touch-based method to a dynamic inclination-based method. The end position moves dynamically in response to device inclination, allowing precise adjustment while maintaining operational consistency through unified control logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter for end position designation from touch coordinates to device inclination angle. This parameter change enables precise position adjustment while avoiding the finger obstruction problem, as the user controls the endpoint through device orientation rather than direct contact.
Data Source
AI summary
To provide a mobile electronic device capable of assisting a user so as to readily designate at least a part of a character string displayed on a screen as a selection range. A display unit displays a screen including a character string. A designated position detection unit detects a position in the screen designated by the user. An inclination detection unit detects an inclination of the mobile electronic device. A selection range setting unit sets at least a part of the character string as a selection range. A start position setting unit sets a start position of the selection range, based on the position designated by the user and detected by the designated position detection unit. An end position moving unit moves an end position of the selection range, based on a result of detection by the inclination detection unit, after the start position of the selection range is set.