Rotation-Based Icon Selection for Touch Interfaces

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing information processing devices with touch panels and displays require multiple touch operations and screen movements for selecting albums and moving images, leading to user fatigue and inefficiency.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus that uses a motion sensor to detect the rotation of the device, allowing icons to be selected based on the device's angle, with the controller determining the appropriate icon to display and interact with based on the rotation angle, thereby simplifying the selection process by integrating touch panel inputs with rotational movements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If multiple touch operations and screen movements are used for selecting albums and moving images, then the selection functionality is achieved, but user fatigue increases and operation efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveselection operation efficiencyVSAvoidtime for multiple touch operations
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a third dimension (device rotation angle) to the traditional two-dimensional touch interface. By detecting the rotation angle of the device, the system maps spatial orientation to interface state changes, allowing users to select between album view and moving image view by simply rotating the device rather than performing multiple touch operations to navigate through screens or menus.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the interface requires multiple screen movements for selection, then all options can be accessed, but the interface complexity and operation steps increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess to all selection optionsVSAvoidinterface operation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device rotation detection mechanism serves multiple functions: it detects user intent to switch between different content types (albums vs. moving images), it automatically adjusts the display interface accordingly, and it provides a unified interaction paradigm that works regardless of the current screen state. This single multi-functional mechanism replaces what would otherwise require multiple specialized controls and navigation steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach reduces the need for multiple touch operations and screen movements, enhancing user experience by allowing efficient selection of albums and moving images through rotational device movements, thereby alleviating user fatigue and improving interface efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a motion sensor 13 that detects an inclination of the information processing apparatus 100

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP3543825B1Information processing apparatus and method
Publication Date: 2022.05.11 SONY GROUP CORP
  • EP3543825B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3543825B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3543825B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An information processing apparatus includes a display, a sensor, and a controller. The display has a screen. The sensor is configured to detect an inclination. The controller is configured to display a first object on the screen and display a second object associated with the first object on the screen in accordance with the inclination detected by the sensor.