Rotating Pointer Tip Tool for Precise Touch Screen Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional touch screen devices lack a visible pointing device, causing obstruction issues when using fingers or styluses for input, and existing solutions like FINGERMOUSE are difficult to control and lack precise functionality.
Innovation Solution
A pointing tool with a rotating pointer tip and a finger pad for manipulation, allowing users to position and rotate the tool precisely, along with buttons for executing functions, which remains visible and functional even when the finger is lifted.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional touch screen interface is used without a visible pointing device, then the display area is maximized and the interface is simple, but the user cannot precisely control the input position and the finger obstructs the display
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a virtual pointing tool as an intermediary between the user's finger and the touch screen interface. This pointing tool includes a pointer tip that displays the exact input position and a finger pad that the user touches to control the tool's movement. The pointing tool acts as a mediator that translates finger movements into precise cursor control without requiring the finger to be directly visible on the display area.
2Measurement precision
If a pointing device is added to the touch screen interface, then the pointing precision is improved, but the display area is reduced and the interface becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of a physical pointing device on the touch screen display. The pointing tool is rendered as a graphical overlay that mimics the appearance and behavior of a physical pointer, complete with a pointer tip and control elements. This virtual copying allows the system to provide precise pointing control without requiring physical space for actual pointing device hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional finger movement on the screen to a three-dimensional virtual tool structure that includes multiple functional components (pointer tip, finger pad, buttons) stacked in the visual hierarchy. This dimensional layering allows the pointing tool to occupy visual space without physically blocking the display area underneath it.
3Ease of operation
If the pointing tool is directly under the finger contact point, then the control is simple, but the pointer obstructs the display and precise positioning is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the pointing tool into distinct functional segments: a pointer tip for displaying position, a finger pad for control input, and optional buttons for additional functions. This segmentation allows each component to serve its specific purpose independently, with the pointer tip providing visual feedback and the finger pad providing control input without interference between functions.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multi-touch functionality is implemented, then the input capability is enhanced, but the complexity of controlling the pointing tool increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the pointing tool to serve multiple functions through its various components: the finger pad controls tool movement, while integrated buttons provide additional functions such as selection, confirmation, and tool switching. This multi-functionality allows a single pointing tool interface to replace multiple separate controls, reducing overall system complexity despite enhanced input capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
Pointing tools for use in connection with touch screen displays are described. The pointing tools are provided with a visually offset pointer tip that can be rotated easily by user manipulation provided to the computing device through an interface. The pointing tools may include one or more buttons. The button(s) may be visually connected with the pointing tool on the display screen and/or logically associated therewith. The pointing tools described provide for accurate and precise inputs, and are useful in many applications, such as those where fine positioning and input within a touch screen environment is desirable.