Preview Reference Point for Vector Path Input

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vector design applications face challenges in accurately and efficiently creating reference points on paths due to the difficulty in precisely positioning a pointing device or fingertip, especially on touch-sensitive displays, where the size and bluntness of the stylus or fingertip obstruct the view and provide inadequate feedback, leading to tedious and error-prone processes.

Innovation Solution

The generation of a preview reference point on a path allows users to place a pointer off-path, providing intuitive feedback and unobstructed visualization, enabling the user to move the preview reference point along the path to the desired location without needing to position it exactly on the path, facilitating the creation of a final reference point.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the user positions the pointer directly on the path to create a reference point, then the reference point can be created at the desired location, but the process becomes tedious and error-prone due to the difficulty of precise positioning

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepointer positioning precisionVSAvoidreference point creation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the system automatically determines the path location based on the pointer's proximity rather than requiring direct contact. The processor identifies the nearest point on the path to the pointer tip, serving as a mediator between the user's approximate input and the precise reference point creation, thereby eliminating the need for difficult precise positioning while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the stylus or fingertip is positioned on the path to create a reference point, then the reference point can be created, but the stylus or fingertip obstructs the user's view of the path

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereference point creation capabilityVSAvoidpath visibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional interaction model by allowing the pointer to remain off the path while still creating reference points on the path. Instead of requiring the pointer to contact the path directly, the system responds to the pointer's proximity and automatically snaps to the nearest path point, keeping the stylus or fingertip out of the way and maintaining clear visibility of the path.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Manufacturing precision

If the user uses a pointing device to position the pointer exactly on the path, then the reference point can be created at the precise location, but the process is time-consuming and prone to errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereference point location precisionVSAvoidreference point creation speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary action by pre-calculating and identifying the nearest point on the path to the pointer tip before the user finalizes the reference point creation. The system proactively determines the target location based on proximity, so when the user releases the button or completes the gesture, the reference point is already precisely positioned without requiring the user to manually adjust for precision, thereby speeding up the process while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Ease of operation

If the stylus or fingertip is used to touch the path for reference point creation, then the reference point can be created, but the bluntness and size make precise placement challenging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetouch input capabilityVSAvoidtouch location precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the precision requirement from the physical touch input. Instead of relying on the precise physical contact of a blunt stylus or fingertip, the system extracts the positional information from the pointer tip's location and uses computational geometry to determine the nearest point on the path. This separates the coarse touch input from the precise location determination, allowing blunt inputs to achieve precise results.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS10572026B2Reference point generation on a vector path

Publication Date: 2020.02.25 ADOBE INC

AI summary

Techniques are disclosed for generating a reference point on a path of a vector image using a preview reference point. In some examples, a method includes receiving selection of a path included in one or more paths of a vector image presented on a display, thereby identifying an active path; causing display, via the display, of a preview reference point on the active path; receiving a moving off-path input gesture and causing the preview reference point to move along the active path correspondingly with the moving off-path input gesture; and in response to the moving off-path input gesture terminating, set a current position of the preview reference point on the active path to a final reference point on the path, the current position of the preview reference point on the active path corresponding to a last position of the off-path input gesture. The display may be a touch-sensitive display.