Multi-Layer Touch Interface for Independent Object Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Touchscreen interactions on mobile computing devices require focused attention and can be cumbersome for complex applications, especially when one hand is needed to hold the device, limiting the ability to independently control multiple objects or layers simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a mobile computing device with multiple touch sensors on the front, back, and sides, allowing users to perform functions on segmented command layers through correlated touches and gestures, enabling independent control of different objects or layers without changing interfaces, using a processor to determine the associated function based on touch sensor inputs and a command layer translation table.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional touchscreen interface is used, then the device can detect touch inputs, but the user requires focused attention and one hand to hold the device, limiting independent control of multiple objects
Solution Approach 1:
The touchscreen interface is segmented into multiple independent command layers, each capable of receiving and processing touch inputs separately. This allows users to interact with different objects or functions on different layers simultaneously without requiring focused attention on a single interface, thereby improving ease of control while managing interface complexity through structured layering.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension to the traditional 2D touchscreen by implementing multiple stacked command layers. Users can navigate between layers using gestures or inputs, enabling independent control of multiple objects across different layers simultaneously. This dimensional expansion allows complex applications to be controlled more easily without requiring the user to switch between different screens or interfaces.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple touch sensors are implemented on front, back, and sides, then simultaneous control of multiple objects is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple touch sensors positioned on the front, back, and sides of the device are integrated into a universal command layer system. Each sensor can detect touches and gestures, and the system routes these inputs to the appropriate command layers based on predefined associations. This multi-functional sensor system enables versatile control capabilities while managing complexity through a unified processing architecture that handles inputs from all sensor locations through a common interface.
3Ease of operation
If command layers are segmented into multiple objects, then independent control of objects is improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring touch associations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where touch inputs on command layers provide immediate visual or tactile confirmation of the selected object or function. When a user touches an object on a specific command layer, the system provides feedback indicating which layer and object are active, making it easier to detect and measure touch associations without increasing operational complexity. This feedback helps users understand the system's state and confirms successful input registration.
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, a processor of the mobile computing device may receive an input for performing a function with respect to content at the mobile device in which the content at the mobile device is segmented into at least a first command layer having one or more objects and a second command layer having one or more objects. The processor may determine whether the received input is associated with a first object of the first command layer or a second object of the second command layer. The processor may determine a function to be performed on one of the first or second objects based on whether the first command layer or the second command layer is determined to be associated with the received input, and the processor may perform the determined function on the first object or the second object.