Photo Tagging Interface With Constrained Navigation Pointer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing user interfaces for editing photo tags on wireless mobile communication devices are inefficient due to constraints on display size and input flexibility, making it difficult to accurately identify and manage tags within a small screen environment.
Innovation Solution
A user interface that constrains the navigation pointer within the boundaries of the photo during tagging mode, using a trackball for navigation, and provides a list of tags with visual identifiers and context options, allowing users to select and manage tags effectively on a smaller display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If point-and-click driven input methods are used on wireless mobile devices, then users can identify points in photographs, but the small display size and limited input flexibility make it difficult to accurately identify and manage tags
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical point-and-click input method with a trackball navigation system. The trackball allows users to navigate and select tag options through rotational movements, providing more flexible and precise control on mobile devices with small screens. This substitution resolves the contradiction by offering improved input flexibility while maintaining or enhancing tagging accuracy through the trackball's precise navigation capabilities.
2Reliability
If the navigation pointer is not constrained within photo boundaries, then users can access external interface elements, but accidental clicks outside the photo boundaries occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the interface into distinct functional zones: the photo area where the pointer is constrained to prevent accidental clicks, and external interface elements that remain accessible but are visually and functionally separated. This segmentation allows the pointer to operate freely within the photo boundaries while still enabling access to external controls, resolving the contradiction between click accuracy and navigation freedom.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary constraint mechanism that limits the pointer's movement to within photo boundaries during tagging operations. This intermediary constraint prevents accidental clicks outside the photo while maintaining navigation freedom through the trackball, as users can still freely navigate within the constrained photo area and access external elements when needed.
3Productivity
If multiple tag options are displayed on a small screen, then comprehensive tag management is possible, but the limited screen real estate reduces display clarity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the third dimension (depth) by implementing a popup menu that appears when users select a tag option. This allows comprehensive tag management information to be displayed in an expanded view without cluttering the main photo interface. The popup menu provides full tag management capabilities while maintaining display clarity on the small screen by separating information into hierarchical layers.
Data Source
AI summary
There is disclosed a user interface for editing photo tags. In an embodiment, the user interface embodies a method of editing photo tags, comprising: displaying a photo on a display; providing a photo tagging mode for editing tags for the displayed photo; and for each tag used to tag a subject or object in the photo, identifying the tag type and associating a unique pointer for each tag type to highlight the corresponding tagged subject or object. The method may further comprise: displaying a tag list of tags used to tag a subject or object in the photo; and identifying the tag type of each tag in the tag list. In an embodiment, context sensitive information may be accessed for each tag depending on the tag type.