Multi-touch Selection Region Calculation via Simultaneous Contact Points
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing graphical selection mechanisms in computer systems rely on indirect input methods, such as 'click and drag,' which lack flexibility and complexity in creating and modifying selection regions, especially for complex selections that require multiple steps and keyboard commands.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an input region calculation module that processes multi-touch input data to calculate and visualize selection regions on a multi-touch input display surface, allowing users to create and modify selection regions through simultaneous contact points or areas, enabling intuitive 'painting' of selection areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If click and drag selection mechanisms are used, then selection regions can be created on the screen, but the input method is indirect and lacks flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving a single point to define a selection region, the patent inverts the approach by using multiple simultaneous contact points to directly define the selection region. The selection region is determined by the geometric relationship between multiple contact points rather than being constructed from a single moving point, making the input more direct and flexible.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional sequential input (single point moving over time) to two-dimensional simultaneous input (multiple points at once). By accepting multiple contact points simultaneously on the touch surface, the system gains additional spatial dimensions for defining selection regions, enabling more intuitive and flexible selection operations.
2Device complexity
If single point input is used to create selection regions, then the mechanism is simple, but modifying earlier steps requires additional operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic selection regions that can be continuously modified by adding or removing contact points during the selection process. Unlike static single-point input that requires completing the entire selection before modification, the multi-point system allows dynamic adjustment where users can add fingers to expand selection or remove fingers to contract it, making the selection process adaptable and easy to modify.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by establishing multiple contact points that define the selection region boundaries in advance. Once these contact points are established, the selection region is immediately determined, and users can proceed with operations without needing to complete additional positioning steps, thereby simplifying the overall interaction flow.
3Adaptability or versatility
If keyboard commands are combined with mouse movements for complex selections, then flexibility increases, but complexity and difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the touch surface itself multi-functional by using it both for positioning and for defining selection regions simultaneously. Multiple contact points on the touch surface serve dual purposes: they indicate finger positions and collectively define the selection region geometry. This eliminates the need for separate keyboard commands, as the touch input alone provides versatile selection capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the positioning function and selection definition function into a single input mechanism. Instead of requiring separate mouse movements for positioning and keyboard commands for selection mode switching, the system combines these functions by using multiple simultaneous contact points that both position and define the selection region in one unified gesture.
Data Source
AI summary
Selection regions can be recognized from multiple simultaneous inputs. Input selection regions are calculated from simultaneous contacts on a multi-touch input display surface. Computer system users can use natural and/or more intuitive hand gestures to select items on an input/display surface. Selection regions can be dynamically adjusted to in response to detected changes in contact at different locations on a surface. For example, selection region changes can be updated in essentially real-time as fingers are added and moved on the multi-touch input display surface, and as the surface is scrolled. The calculation of selection regions can vary based on an application and/or operating system context.