Multi-Select Tools for Touchscreen Data Point Manipulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of touch-sensitive computing devices face difficulties in quickly manipulating and performing actions on multiple data points within larger datasets due to the cumbersome process of individually selecting each data point and associated action.
Innovation Solution
A touch-sensitive computing device allows users to demarcate an area on the display to identify a set of data points, presenting an interface with available actions for selection and enabling the performance of those actions on the identified data points within the demarcated area, using various shapes like rectangles, circles, and freeform tools for demarcation, and displaying drag points for adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users individually select each data point and associated action, then precise control over each data point is achieved, but the time required to manipulate multiple data points increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the selection process into two independent phases: first selecting multiple data points through area demarcation, then selecting actions from a presented menu. This segmentation allows users to efficiently select numerous data points at once without repeating the selection process for each point, thereby reducing the time required while maintaining precise control over which data points receive which actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the selection of multiple data points into a single gesture operation by allowing users to demarcate an area that encompasses multiple data points. This combining approach enables users to select numerous data points simultaneously through one continuous motion rather than individually tapping each point, significantly improving operational efficiency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If area highlighting tools are used to draw regions on maps, then geographic search focus is improved, but the tools cannot identify and perform actions on data points within the drawn area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the area highlighting tool to perform multiple functions: it not only demarcates geographic regions for search focus but also automatically identifies data points within the demarcated area and presents a menu of available actions. This multi-functionality transforms a simple highlighting tool into a comprehensive data selection and action execution system that works across various data types including maps, charts, and calendars.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing step between area demarcation and action execution. When users draw an area, the system automatically identifies data points within that area and presents a menu of available actions as an intermediary interface. This intermediary step bridges the gap between simple area selection and complex action execution, enabling users to perform diverse actions on selected data points without manually selecting each point.
Data Source
AI summary
Touch-sensitive features of devices may be used to demarcate a displayed area on the device to identify a set of data points contained in the demarcated area. After identifying the data points in the demarcated area, the user may be presented with an interface on the display listing different actions that may be performed on at least one of the identified data points. After the user selects the actions to be performed, the computing device may perform the selected actions on one or more of the identified data points in demarcated area.