Electronic Reader Squeeze Gesture Interface for Small Screen Navigation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The limited screen size of mobile electronic devices hampers easy navigation through digital publications, despite advancements in touch screen technology, as the formatting of electronic content does not efficiently utilize available space for navigation tools and additional features.
Innovation Solution
A user interface method that allows users to perform a multiple-finger 'squeeze' gesture on the screen to shrink the page, revealing additional content and tools, while maintaining page activity for continued reading and interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If the screen size of mobile electronic devices is limited, then the device portability is improved, but the ease of navigation through digital publications deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic display adjustment where the page size can be shrunk or expanded based on user interaction. When the user performs a squeeze gesture, the page dynamically changes size to reveal additional content and tools. This dynamic behavior allows the interface to adapt between compact and expanded states, resolving the contradiction between limited screen space and navigation ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an additional spatial dimension by allowing content to be displayed both within the main page area and in peripheral regions. By shrinking the page, additional content and tools are revealed in previously unused screen real estate, effectively utilizing the two-dimensional screen space more efficiently and improving navigation without requiring a larger physical device.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional content and tools are revealed by shrinking the page, then the functionality is improved, but the reading experience may be obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The interface dynamically transitions between full-page reading mode and expanded functionality mode based on user gesture. The page can be shrunk to reveal tools and content, then expanded again to return to normal reading. This dynamic switching allows users to access additional functionality only when needed, maintaining an optimal reading experience during normal use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts additional content and tools from the main page flow, placing them in peripheral or overlay regions that are accessible when the page is shrunk. This separation allows the primary reading content to remain intact and readable, while additional functionality is available but not obstructive during normal reading activities.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, system and non-transitory computer-readable medium are provided for controlling display of content on an electronic device with a touch screen display, which content may, in response to detection of a squeeze gesture, be reduced on the display screen to reveal additional content, tools and features associated with the one or more pages of the content.