Object Selection by Tracing Moving Object Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display systems struggle with selecting moving objects, especially when they move quickly or unpredictably, and fail to allow selection once the object has moved off the display area.
Innovation Solution
A computer-based process that allows users to select objects by tracing the path traversed by the object rather than precisely targeting it, comparing the traced path to the object's path to determine a match, and adjusting the time window for path comparison if no match is found.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If users point to or touch displayed objects for selection, then selection precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates when objects are moving quickly or unpredictably
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a temporal copy of the object's path by recording its trajectory over a time window. Instead of requiring precise pointing at the current object position, users trace the copied path that the object previously traversed. This path copy serves as the target for selection, allowing users to select moving objects by tracing their historical trajectory rather than precisely targeting the object's current position.
2Reliability
If the time window for path comparison is increased, then the ability to capture sufficient object path for matching is improved, but the time required for selection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the time window duration based on the matching results. The time window is not fixed but adapts during the selection process: it starts at an initial duration and is extended incrementally if no match is found, allowing the system to balance between capturing sufficient path data for reliable matching and minimizing unnecessary processing time when matches are found quickly.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously evaluating whether a traced path matches any object paths within the current time window. Based on this feedback, the system either confirms the selection or extends the time window to include more path data. This feedback loop allows the system to optimize the time window duration dynamically, extending it only when necessary to achieve a successful match.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for selecting objects by tracing the paths the objects traverse on a display. An object moving across a display screen does so along a particular path. Users may trace the shape of this path, such as by outlining the shape of the path with their finger or other device on a touch sensitive screen, moving a cursor with, e.g., a mouse, moving a motion-sensitive screen, or the like. The display may match the shape of the user's traced path to the shape of an object's path. Objects whose paths are shaped sufficiently similar to the user's traced path may then be selected. In this manner, users may select an object by tracing the path it takes, rather than directly picking or touching the object itself. This allows users an additional method for selecting displayed objects, improving the flexibility of many displays and programs run thereon.