Multi-touch Input Widget for Complex Data Entry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing touch input methods are inadequate for handling complex datasets, as they require precise finger contact and do not easily enable paradigms of complex sliders and data tree structures, particularly in mobile applications, and often hide data, making it difficult to monitor during operation.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and device using a multi-touch surface that displays an input widget with control fields and element bars, allowing finger contact detection to adjust the contents of these bars, including value bars, and enabling the display of touch keys for manual input, with features like locking and unlocking the element bars for adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional touch input methods are used for complex datasets, then the interface remains simple, but the precision and ease of adjusting multiple elements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The interface is segmented into distinct functional zones including control fields for parameter adjustment, element bars for data visualization, and touch key regions for precise input. Each zone handles specific interaction types, allowing complex data manipulation while maintaining visual simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends traditional 1D slider concepts into 2D multi-touch space, enabling simultaneous manipulation of multiple parameters across different dimensions. Users can interact with multiple elements concurrently by placing fingers at different positions on the screen, transforming single-dimensional adjustment into multi-dimensional control.
2Ease of operation
If simple touch buttons are used, then the device is easy to operate, but the capability to handle complex datasets deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The touch interface serves multiple functions within unified interactive elements. Control fields simultaneously display current values, accept touch input for adjustment, and provide visual feedback. Element bars combine data visualization with selectable regions, allowing users to both monitor and modify parameters through the same visual structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface dynamically adapts its behavior based on touch interaction. When fingers are placed on the screen, the system activates adjustment modes for relevant parameters. The interface transitions between display states and input states smoothly, providing context-appropriate interaction options without requiring users to navigate complex menus.
3Loss of information
If data is displayed completely, then monitoring is easy, but the interface becomes cluttered and harder to use
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the interface provide different levels of information density appropriate to their function. Control fields show only the specific parameter being adjusted with minimal distraction. Element bars display summarized data with visual indicators for current values and ranges. This localized information presentation maintains overall data visibility while preserving operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate visual representations that mediate between complete data display and simplified controls. Element bars act as intermediaries, showing aggregated data trends and key values without displaying every individual data point. This allows users to monitor overall system state while interacting with specific parameters through dedicated control fields.
Data Source
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AI summary
A computer-implemented method for touch input via a multi-touch surface includes displaying an input widget via the multi-touch surface, wherein the input widget includes at least one control field and at least one element bar. A finger contact is detected along the multi-touch surface and substantially within the control field or the element bar. In response to detecting the finger contact, the contents of the element bar are adjusted.