Pattern Surrounding Object Selection for Small Touch Screens

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mobile devices with touch screens face challenges in user convenience due to the small size of virtual keys, making it difficult for users to accurately select objects on the display unit.

Innovation Solution

A mobile device with a display unit that detects patterns surrounding objects, allowing users to select objects based on relative location, overlapping areas, or specific shapes, enabling functions to be implemented corresponding to the surrounded object, even if the touch input is not directly on the object.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If the display unit size is reduced, then the mobile device becomes more portable, but the user convenience in touching virtual keys deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveportabilityVSAvoiduser convenience in touching virtual keys
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a pattern surrounding object as an intermediary mechanism between the user's touch input and the virtual key selection. Instead of requiring direct touch on the small virtual key, the user can draw a pattern that surrounds the object, and the system interprets this pattern to identify the selected object. This intermediary pattern recognition approach bridges the gap between the small display size and the user's need for convenient interaction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical touch-button system with a pattern-based recognition system. Instead of relying on precise mechanical contact with small virtual keys, the system uses pattern recognition algorithms to detect and interpret drawn patterns on the display screen. This substitution allows for more forgiving and convenient user input while maintaining the compact display size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Area of moving object

If virtual keys are displayed in a small size, then the display unit can be compact, but the measurement precision of touch input deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay unit areaVSAvoidtouch input precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from two-dimensional point-based touch input to a pattern-based input that utilizes spatial relationships and geometric shapes. By drawing patterns that surround objects rather than attempting precise point contacts, the system leverages the dimensional space available on the display to achieve more robust and accurate object selection, compensating for the small size of virtual keys.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The pattern surrounding object serves as an intermediary that translates imprecise or approximate touch inputs into accurate object selection. The pattern recognition system acts as a mediator that can tolerate variations in drawing precision while still reliably identifying the intended target object, thus maintaining measurement precision despite the compact display size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If pattern surrounding object detection is implemented, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveobject selection easeVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal pattern recognition system that can handle multiple types of input patterns (lines, circles, polygons, etc.) and apply them to various object selection scenarios. This multi-functional approach allows the same pattern detection mechanism to work across different contexts and object types, reducing the need for separate specialized systems for each interaction mode and thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The pattern recognition system is designed to automatically detect, interpret, and process user-drawn patterns without requiring complex manual configuration or extensive user instruction. The system self-adapts to different drawing styles and patterns, automatically identifying the intended objects and executing the corresponding functions. This self-service capability simplifies the user interaction while managing the computational complexity internally.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2530574B1Mobile device and control method for a mobile device
Publication Date: 2019.09.04 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP2530574B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2530574B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2530574B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a mobile device capable of performing a touch input and a control method thereof. A mobile device according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a display unit configured to display a plurality of objects, a detector configured to detect a pattern surrounding at least one of the objects, and a controller configured to implement a function corresponding to the object surrounded by the pattern.