Tilt-Triggered Scrolling on Touch Displays

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing portable electronic devices with touch-sensitive displays face challenges in efficiently scrolling information without unintentional scrolling, especially when limited space and multiple task windows are involved, and existing methods do not effectively integrate tilt detection for intuitive user interaction.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that detect a touch location on a touch-sensitive display and scroll information in response to a detected tilt of the device, using an orientation sensor to determine the tilt direction and scroll accordingly, allowing for intentional user control and reducing accidental scrolling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If touch-sensitive display is used to provide multiple functions in limited space, then device versatility is improved, but unintentional scrolling and operation errors increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice versatilityVSAvoidoperation accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines touch input and tilt detection into a unified scrolling control mechanism. The system merges the touch-sensitive display functionality with orientation sensor data to distinguish between intentional user scrolling actions and device tilting, thereby resolving the contradiction between versatile display functionality and operation accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The orientation sensor acts as an intermediary between the touch display and the scrolling function. By introducing tilt detection as a mediating factor, the system can differentiate between deliberate user scrolling actions and accidental device tilting, thus improving operation accuracy while maintaining display versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If multiple task windows are displayed simultaneously to maximize information density, then productivity is improved, but user interaction complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation densityVSAvoiduser interaction complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the interaction control by using tilt detection to distinguish between different user intentions. When multiple task windows are displayed, the system segments the scrolling action based on tilt direction and magnitude, allowing users to navigate between tasks more intuitively without increasing interaction complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the scrolling behavior based on real-time tilt detection. When multiple task windows are visible, the scrolling mechanism adapts its response based on the detected tilt characteristics, making the interaction more intuitive and reducing complexity while maintaining high information density.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If tilt detection is added to improve scrolling control, then operation accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescrolling control accuracyVSAvoidsensor system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies multi-functionality to the orientation sensor system. The same tilt detection mechanism serves multiple purposes: it controls scrolling accuracy, distinguishes between user actions and device tilting, and provides intuitive navigation across multiple task windows. This universal approach improves scrolling control accuracy without proportionally increasing device complexity.

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

Enables efficient and intuitive scrolling of information on portable electronic devices by ensuring that scrolling occurs only when a touch and tilt combination is detected, enhancing user control and functionality, particularly in devices with limited space and multiple task windows.

Implementation Method 1

A method for controlling a portable electronic device is provided. The method includes detecting a touch on a touch-sensitive display of the portable electronic device, detecting a tilt of the portable electronic device, and scrolling information in response to the detected touch and tilt.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP2530572B1Portable electronic device including touch-sensitive display and method of controlling same
Publication Date: 2021.03.31 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP2530572B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2530572B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2530572B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

A method of controlling a portable electronic device includes displaying a portion of information on a touch-sensitive display; detecting a touch on the touch-sensitive display at a touch location associated with the information; detecting a tilt of the portable electronic device; and in response to detecting the tilt, scrolling the information.