Touch Function Button Control for Fast Option Setting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing touch-based mobile devices require complex and time-consuming procedures for changing option values during function execution, lacking intuitive and efficient methods for option setting and execution.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that allow for intuitive and efficient option value change and function execution through a single touch event input, utilizing a function button that triggers either immediate function execution or option setting based on the duration and movement of the touch event.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a user wants to change option values and execute a function in a touch-based mobile device, then the function can be executed with touch input, but the user must perform complex procedures including calling option menus, searching and selecting options, and multiple input actions which increases operation time and complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidtime to execute function
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the option setting function and the main function execution into a single function button. By merging these previously separate operations into one integrated button, the user can access both option menus and execute functions without needing to perform separate actions, thereby reducing operation time and simplifying the user interface

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic touch event processing where the system responds differently based on touch duration and movement. Short touches without movement execute the main function directly, while longer touches or touches with movement trigger option menus. This dynamic behavior allows the same button to adapt to different user intentions, reducing the number of steps needed for both simple and complex operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a user wants to change option values through traditional menu navigation, then options can be selected, but the procedure becomes complicated requiring multiple menu levels and separate operations which reduces ease of operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoption setting capabilityVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The function button serves multiple purposes: it can execute the main function directly, display option menus, allow option selection, and trigger function execution with selected options. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate buttons or complex menu navigation structures, making the versatile option setting capability easier to operate through a single unified interface

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

Data Source

PatentEP4478168B1Method and apparatus for controlling a function in a touch device
Publication Date: 2026.04.01 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4478168B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4478168B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4478168B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for controlling a function in a touch device, and a touch device comprising a display unit, a memory and a controller arranged to implement the method. The method comprises receiving a touch event input through a function button displayed on a screen. If the touch event input is released within a predetermined time then a unique function allocated to the function button is executed. Alternatively, if the touch event input is not released within the predetermined time, then an option setting function associated with the unique function allocated to the function button is executed. The option setting function comprises setting an option value. The unique function allocated to the function button is then executed according to the set option value when the touch event input is released.