Multi-Touch Interface Container Duplication and Swapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for copying and pasting content on computing devices require multiple and cumbersome input operations, which can be inefficient and inconvenient, especially on touch-based interfaces.
Innovation Solution
A processor-rendered interface with containers allows for copying and swapping of content through continuous inputs on a touch display, enabling the creation of duplicate containers and swapping of content attributes with minimal user interaction, utilizing a multi-touch application that generates a grid for precise location selection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional copy and paste operations are used on touch-based interfaces, then content can be copied and pasted, but the number of input operations becomes large and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the copy and paste operation into distinct phases: selection phase (pressing and holding first finger on source content), placement phase (pressing second finger on target location), and execution phase (releasing fingers to complete the operation). This segmentation allows the system to track finger states and transitions, enabling intuitive multi-touch gestures that reduce the number of steps compared to conventional sequential operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a direct copying mechanism where the first content is copied to a buffer during the selection phase, and then pasted to the second location during the placement phase. This copying approach eliminates the need for intermediate menu selections or confirmation dialogs, reducing both the number of operations and the time required.
2Productivity
If multiple input operations are required for copying content, then precise control is achieved, but user efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the touch display universally capable of handling multiple operations through a unified multi-touch interface. The same touch surface that displays content also receives selection, copying, and placement inputs simultaneously through multi-touch gestures. This eliminates the need for separate input devices or complex command sequences, improving productivity while maintaining interface simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically tracks finger presses, holds, and releases across multiple touch points, autonomously determining when copying and pasting operations should occur. The interface serves itself by interpreting finger gestures and executing appropriate commands without requiring users to navigate complex menus or learn complex input sequences.
3Ease of operation
If conventional copy and paste methods are used, then content can be duplicated, but the process requires series of inputs from multiple input devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple input devices into a single touch display that supports multi-touch gestures. Instead of requiring separate mouse clicks, keyboard shortcuts, or menu selections, the system combines selection, copying, and pasting into a unified gesture sequence on the touch surface, reducing device complexity while improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds the dimension of temporal continuity to touch interactions by tracking the duration of finger presses (hold time) and the sequence of gestures. This temporal dimension allows the system to distinguish between different gesture types (tap vs. long-press vs. drag) and execute appropriate commands, enabling powerful functionality through simple touch movements without requiring multiple discrete input devices.
Data Source
AI summary
One exemplary embodiment involves a computer-implemented method that comprises rendering, by a processor, an interface comprising one or more containers, each container comprising content. The embodiment involves receiving, via a touch display, a continuous first input, the first input being received for a threshold amount of time at a location corresponding to a first container depicted on the interface. The embodiment then involves copying the first container to create a duplicate container. Additionally, the embodiment involves receiving a second input at a second location on interface and responsive to receipt of the second input, rendering the duplicate container in the interface at the second location.