Proximity Input Tool for Realistic Digital Brush Drawing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current touchscreen input methods using touch pens fail to provide a realistic drawing experience similar to drawing with a brush, lacking the intuitive and tactile feedback of traditional drawing tools.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that utilize a proximity input tool with a drawing means, such as a brush, to detect attributes like proximity distance, movement speed, and tool type, allowing the electronic device to output a drawing with adjusted thickness, dry brush effect, concentration, and color, mimicking the experience of drawing with a real brush by determining display attributes and correcting for tool inclination and deviation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a touch pen is used for drawing input on a touchscreen, then drawing input functionality is provided, but the drawing experience is not realistic compared to using a real brush

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverealism of drawing experienceVSAvoidintuitiveness of drawing input

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a virtual copy of the physical brush experience by detecting the proximity of the brush to the touchscreen and replicating the brush stroke characteristics (thickness, concentration, dry brush effect) on the digital canvas, allowing users to experience realistic drawing without physical contact

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based drawing system with a proximity-based detection system that uses electromagnetic fields to sense brush position and characteristics, eliminating the need for physical touch while preserving the artistic expression capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If proximity input detection is implemented to improve drawing realism, then brush stroke attributes can be adjusted, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of brush stroke representationVSAvoidcomplexity of input detection system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the existing touchscreen serve multiple functions: it acts as both the display surface and the proximity sensor for detecting brush characteristics, eliminating the need for separate sensing hardware and reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the detection parameter from contact-based to proximity-based, allowing the system to detect brush attributes (distance, angle, speed) through electromagnetic field variations without requiring additional physical sensors or complex mechanical structures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10185408B2Method and system for inputting in electronic device with a touch input and a proximity input

Publication Date: 2019.01.22 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A method and a system for inputting in an electronic device are provided. The method includes receiving a proximity input provided by an input tool through a user interface, the input tool having a drawing means with a predetermined length which is within a distance of a proximity input supporting section of the electronic device, identifying an attribute of the received proximity input, determining a display attribute based on the identified attribute of the proximity input, and outputting a drawing on the user interface corresponding to the determined display attribute and a drawing pattern of the proximity input.