Photo Tag Selection Interface for Mobile Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Selecting photo tags on mobile devices with smaller displays is complicated due to constraints on screen size and input methods, as common desktop techniques do not function effectively.

Innovation Solution

A method for photo tagging on mobile devices, involving a tagging mode user interface with a tag entry field, searching multiple tag sources (friends, browser bookmarks, address book entries), and displaying matching tags with context-sensitive menu options, allowing users to select and manage tags efficiently within the photo boundaries.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple tag sources are searched and displayed in a comprehensive list, then tag selection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need to manage multiple data sources and display organization

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetag selection accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the tag list by source (e.g., Flickr tags, Facebook friends, address book contacts) and displays them in separate organized sections. This segmentation allows the system to manage multiple tag sources independently while presenting them in a unified, navigable interface, reducing the perceived complexity for users while maintaining comprehensive tag search capabilities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary tagging interface that acts as a mediator between multiple tag sources and the user. This intermediary layer consolidates tags from various sources (photo metadata, social networks, contact lists) into a single searchable interface, simplifying the complexity of managing multiple data sources while improving tag selection accuracy through comprehensive search results

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If a comprehensive tag list with multiple sources is displayed, then tag selection accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to the larger number of tags to navigate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetag selection accuracyVSAvoidtag navigation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by automatically fetching and organizing tags from multiple sources before the user needs to select them. Tags are pre-processed, deduplicated, and categorized by source, so when the user opens the tagging interface, the work of gathering and organizing tags is already complete, reducing the user's navigation burden while maintaining comprehensive tag options

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic filtering and sorting capabilities that adapt to user behavior. As users interact with the tag list, the system dynamically adjusts the display based on selection patterns, frequently used tags, and contextual relevance, making the navigation experience more efficient while preserving access to the comprehensive tag database

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If context-sensitive menu options are added for each tag type, then ease of operation is improved through relevant actions, but device complexity increases due to additional interface elements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemenu usabilityVSAvoidinterface complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by providing context-sensitive menu options that are specific to each tag type (e.g., different actions for Flickr tags versus Facebook friends versus address book contacts). Each tag category receives customized menu options relevant to its nature, while the overall interface structure remains consistent and manageable through contextual relevance rather than universal complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP2040185B1User Interface for Selecting a Photo Tag
Publication Date: 2021.11.24 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP2040185B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2040185B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2040185B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

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 tagging mode for selecting a location for tagging within a photo, 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.