Stylus Annotation Layer for Faster On-Screen Commenting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for commenting on electronic devices require multiple user operations, such as split-screen settings, app switching, or screenshot operations, leading to increased complexity and reduced user experience.

Innovation Solution

A method enabling direct commenting on electronic devices through coordinated finger and stylus interactions, allowing for seamless annotation without interrupting the primary task by using a comment layer that responds to specific hand and stylus gestures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional comment methods (split-screen, app switching, or screenshot operations) are used, then the comment function can be implemented, but the user operation steps increase and user experience deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomment operationVSAvoidoperation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the comment input function directly into the content display interface by detecting specific gesture patterns (stylus click + finger drag). This merges what were previously separate operations (viewing content and adding comments) into a unified interaction, eliminating the need to switch apps or take screenshots, thereby reducing operation steps and time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically detects the predefined gesture pattern and triggers the comment input interface without requiring the user to manually invoke comment functionality. The device serves itself by interpreting the gesture as a comment trigger, reducing the cognitive load and operational steps for the user

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If traditional comment methods are used, then commenting is possible, but the operation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomment operationVSAvoidoperation steps
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the comment triggering mechanism with the existing content display interface by using gesture detection. Instead of requiring separate operations (opening comment apps, taking screenshots), the system combines these functions into a single gesture-based trigger, simplifying the operational workflow while maintaining the underlying system complexity manageable

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The predefined gesture pattern acts as an intermediary between the user's intent to comment and the system's comment functionality. This gesture mediator translates a simple user action into the complex sequence of events required to activate comment input, hiding the system complexity from the user while enabling sophisticated functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the comment function is added through layer loading, then direct commenting is enabled, but the system needs to manage multiple layers which increases system complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomment functionalityVSAvoidlayer management
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the display into distinct layers (content layer and comment layer) that can be independently managed. The content layer displays the original material while the comment layer overlays comment input and display functionality. This segmentation allows the system to handle multiple functions simultaneously without overwhelming complexity, as each layer can be processed and managed separately

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4180923B1Method for adding annotations, electronic device and related apparatus
Publication Date: 2026.04.22 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP4180923B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2A
  • EP4180923B1 patent drawingFigure 2B
  • EP4180923B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

This application provides a comment adding method, an electronic device, and a related apparatus. The method includes: The electronic device displays, in a first region, first content at a content layer, where the content layer is configured to store content that can be displayed on a display of the electronic device. The electronic device receives a first operation of a finger and a second operation of a stylus within a first preset duration range. The electronic device loads a comment layer on the content layer in response to the first operation and the second operation. The electronic device receives, at the comment layer in response to a third operation of the stylus, a first comment input by the stylus for the first content in the first region. The electronic device displays, in the first region in response to the first comment, the first content including the first comment. The first region is any region that can be displayed on the display, and a display position of the first content in the first region remains unchanged. In this way, content displayed on the electronic device is commented through cooperation between the stylus and the finger.