Multi-Finger Touch Interface for Simultaneous Function Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operating devices with multiple functions, such as those in motor vehicles or mobile devices, require users to activate functions sequentially, making it time-consuming and cumbersome to operate multiple components simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that allow users to select multiple operating functions simultaneously using finger touches on a touch surface, where each finger is assigned to a function, and the selection is confirmed by a gesture, enabling simultaneous activation and display of selected functions on a divided screen area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If users activate operating functions sequentially one after another, then the device complexity remains manageable, but the operation time and user effort increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the selection process by assigning each finger to a specific operating function, allowing parallel selection of multiple functions simultaneously. This segmentation enables users to select multiple functions at once rather than sequentially, directly improving operation speed while maintaining interface manageability through intuitive finger-based control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of interaction by utilizing the spatial arrangement and identification of multiple fingers on the touch surface. Instead of sequential one-dimensional selection, the system detects the positions and identities of multiple fingers simultaneously, enabling parallel function selection and significantly reducing operation time.
2Productivity
If multiple operating functions are activated simultaneously, then user efficiency improves, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring user intent increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides visual feedback by displaying graphic objects representing each operating function on the touch surface. When fingers are detected, the corresponding graphic objects are highlighted or selected, giving immediate feedback to the user about which functions are activated. This feedback mechanism simplifies the detection process by making user intent visually apparent and confirms simultaneous function activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical or sequential detection methods with optical or capacitive touch sensing technology. The detection device uses electromagnetic fields or optical patterns to identify finger positions and gestures simultaneously, enabling accurate detection of multiple finger touches and their corresponding functions without mechanical complexity.
3Area of stationary object
If the touch surface area is reduced to fit multiple functions, then the device size decreases, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes each finger universal by assigning it to represent a specific operating function. Instead of requiring separate physical buttons or larger touch areas for each function, the system uses the user's existing fingers as universal selectors. This approach maintains a compact touch surface while preserving ease of operation, as users naturally use their fingers for pointing and touching regardless of the specific function being selected.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for detecting a user selection of one or more or all of a specified number of multiple operating functions (8) of an operating device (1). Each operating function (8) of the number of operating functions is assigned to a respective finger (15) of a hand (16) of the user in the operating device (1) by means of a controller (5), and a detection device (11) is used to detect a contact (18) of at least one of the fingers (15) of the hand (16) on a specified contact surface (4) of the operating device (1) and ascertain which of the fingers (15) of the hand (16) is contacting the contact surface (4). According to the invention, each of the operating functions (8) whose assigned finger (15) contacts the contact surface (4) is determined as the user selection as a whole by means of the controller (5), and the user selection is signaled to a subsequent process step of the operating device (1) using selection data (20) which identifies each selected operating function (8).