Slider Control Method for Extended Functionality

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional slide bars on mobile devices are limited in functionality as they only allow one function to be set, restricting their application, as they do not allow continuous operation beyond their maximum or minimum boundaries.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that enable the slide block to continue sliding beyond the end portions of a slide bar, displaying an information setting control associated with the slide bar's function, allowing users to access and set extended functions, thereby expanding the slide bar's functionality and application scenarios.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the slide block is limited to sliding only within a certain range (between minimum and maximum boundaries), then the operation is simple and clear, but the functionality is limited to one function

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctionality of slide barVSAvoidoperation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The slide bar is designed to perform multiple functions by allowing the slide block to slide beyond its traditional boundaries. When the slide block reaches the maximum boundary and continues sliding, it triggers a second function (e.g., from volume adjustment to balance adjustment). This makes a single slide bar component universal, capable of performing multiple functions that would traditionally require separate controls.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The functionality of the slide bar is made dynamic rather than static. The functions available through the slide bar change based on the sliding position and direction. When the slide block is within the normal range, it performs the first function; when it exceeds the maximum boundary, it dynamically switches to the second function. This dynamic adaptation increases versatility without requiring multiple fixed controls.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the slide block can continue sliding beyond the maximum boundary, then the functionality is expanded, but the operation becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication scenarios of slide barVSAvoidoperation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects when the slide block exceeds the maximum boundary and autonomously switches to the appropriate second function. The user does not need to manually change modes or perform complex operations - the system serves itself by interpreting the sliding action and activating the corresponding function. This maintains ease of operation while expanding functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides visual feedback through interface elements that indicate the current function mode and the relationship between sliding position and function activation. This feedback mechanism helps users understand the expanded operation range and current state, making the enhanced functionality intuitive and easy to operate rather than confusing or complex.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If separate slide bars are used for different functions (e.g., volume level and volume balance), then each function has dedicated control, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunction control precisionVSAvoidnumber of controls
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple control functions that would traditionally require separate slide bars are merged into a single slide bar component. The first function (e.g., volume level) and second function (e.g., volume balance) share the same physical control interface. This merging reduces the number of controls from two separate slide bars to one, simplifying the device while maintaining the ability to precisely control multiple functions through the unified interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4130964B1Setting control display method and apparatus, storage medium, and electronic device
Publication Date: 2024.07.10 GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP LTD
  • EP4130964B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4130964B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4130964B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

Disclosed in embodiments of the present application are a setting control display method and apparatus, a storage medium, and an electronic device. The method comprises: receiving a sliding instruction for a thumb in a slider, the sliding instruction instructing the thumb to continue sliding along a first direction after sliding to the first end of the slider, and the first direction being a direction indicated by the first end; and in response to the sliding instruction, displaying, at a preset position, an information setting control associated with a system function corresponding to the slider. By using the embodiments of the present application, when a user controls a thumb to continue sliding along an end, an extended control can be displayed at a preset position, so that the user can conveniently operate the extended control to perform function setting, thereby enriching the functions of a slider and expanding the application range of the slider.