Photo Tag Selection Interface for Mobile Devices
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Selecting photo tags on smaller displays, such as those found on wireless mobile communication devices, is complicated due to constraints on display size and input method flexibility, as common techniques used on desktops and laptops are not effective in these environments.
Innovation Solution
A user interface is developed for selecting photo tags on handheld mobile communication devices, utilizing a trackball with a secondary actuation feature and constrained navigation within the photo boundaries, along with a photo tagging module that allows users to select from various tag types, including Facebook friends, address book entries, and browser bookmarks, and provides context-specific data and visual indicators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If common desktop photo tagging techniques are used on mobile devices, then the tagging functionality is available, but the user interface becomes complicated and difficult to operate due to smaller display size and limited input methods
Solution Approach 1:
The photo display area is segmented into selectable regions corresponding to different tag types (friends, family, colleagues, etc.). Users tap on the photo area to select a region, which then presents relevant tag options. This segmentation simplifies the interface by breaking down the complex tagging task into smaller, manageable steps adapted for mobile screens.
Solution Approach 2:
A trackball navigation device serves as an intermediary between the user and the photo tagging system. The trackball allows precise navigation through tag options and photo regions without requiring complex touchscreen gestures or small keyboard inputs, bridging the gap between limited mobile input methods and the need for precise selection.
2Volume of moving object
If the display size is reduced for mobile devices, then the device becomes more portable, but the complexity of selecting tags increases due to limited screen real estate
Solution Approach 1:
The user interface dynamically adapts to the available display space. The system provides constrained navigation that adjusts to the photo boundaries and available screen area, presenting tag options in a manner optimized for the current display context. This dynamic adaptation maintains usability despite the reduced display size inherent in portable devices.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple tag types are provided for selection, then the tagging versatility is improved, but the time required to select and manage tags increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary organization of tag types and presents them in a structured, pre-categorized manner. When a user selects a photo region, the system has already prepared and organized relevant tag options by category (friends, family, colleagues, etc.), allowing users to quickly scan and select without having to search through unorganized lists, thus reducing selection time while maintaining versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
There is disclosed a user interface for selecting a photo tag. In an embodiment, the user interface embodies a method of selecting a photo tag for a tagged photo, comprising: providing a tag entry field for entering a photo tag; in dependence upon a string entered by a user, displaying in a matching tag list any tags from one or more selected tag sources matching the entered string. The method may further comprise displaying a tag type for each tag appearing in the matching tag list. The method may further comprise allowing user selection of a tag in the matching tag list to complete the tag entry field.