Touch Input Rectangle Area Comparison for Scroll Zoom Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices face complexity in determining whether a touch input on a touchscreen is for scrolling or magnifying/de-magnifying content, requiring intricate algorithms to differentiate between single and multi-touch inputs and various touch operations.

Innovation Solution

A method that detects at least one first touch and determines the area of a rectangle formed by the touch points, comparing it with a second rectangle formed by subsequent touches to determine the touch function based on area changes, allowing for easy scrolling or magnification/de-magnification of content displayed on the touchscreen.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If different algorithms are applied to determine whether a touch input is for scrolling or magnifying/de-magnifying content, then the touch function recognition accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetouch function recognition accuracyVSAvoidalgorithm complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter from complex multi-touch classification to simple rectangle area calculation. By computing the area of the rectangle formed by touch points and comparing it with a reference value, the system determines whether to scroll or magnify without needing complex algorithms to differentiate between single and multi-touch inputs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If complex algorithms are used to recognize touch operations, then the touch function determination accuracy is improved, but the processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetouch operation recognition accuracyVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary action by calculating the rectangle area immediately when touch points are detected, before any complex classification is needed. This preliminary area calculation enables rapid determination of the touch function, reducing processing time while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Manufacturing precision

If multiple touch input types are differentiated using complex algorithms, then the touch function control precision is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetouch function control precisionVSAvoidtouch operation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by using a single rectangle area calculation method that works for all touch input types (single touch, multi-touch, pinching). This universal approach maintains control precision while simplifying the operation for users, as they don't need to learn different gestures for different functions.

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

Data Source

PatentEP2703983B1Method of controlling touch function and an electronic device thereof
Publication Date: 2019.10.16 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP2703983B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP2703983B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP2703983B1 patent drawingFigure 1C

AI summary

A method for operating an electronic device is provided. The method includes detecting at least one first touch on a displayed content region, determining an area of a first rectangle formed by the at least one first touch, determining an area of a second rectangle formed by at least one second touch moved from the at least one first touch, comparing the area of the first rectangle with the area of the second rectangle, determining a function of the touch on the content region, and displaying the content region corresponding to the determined function of the touch.