Touch Display Interface Segmentation for Compact Device Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
The operation of touch screens on compact handheld electronic devices is inconvenient due to small menu item sizes and the obstruction caused by device casings, leading to incorrect selections and increased operation time when using fingers or styluses.
Innovation Solution
A method that detects touches on a touch display and activates or switches user interfaces based on the position and moving direction of the input tool, allowing direct activation and switching without selecting menu items, utilizing both display and non-display areas for efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the size of menu items is reduced to display more function options on limited touch screen, then the quantity of displayed functions increases, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in accurate selection
Solution Approach 1:
The user interface is segmented into multiple hierarchical levels, allowing menu items to be organized in groups and subgroups. This segmentation enables more functions to be displayed across multiple levels rather than crowding them into a single level, improving both quantity and selectability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces hierarchical navigation through multiple levels (first level, second level, etc.) as an additional dimension for organizing menu items. Instead of expanding horizontally with more small items, the interface expands vertically through levels, allowing larger, more easily selectable items at each level while still providing access to many functions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If hierarchical menu selection is required to start specific functions, then the adaptability of the interface increases, but the operation time increases due to multiple selection steps
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary organization of menu items into hierarchical groups and levels before user interaction. This pre-structuring allows the interface to present relevant options efficiently at each level, reducing the number of steps needed to reach specific functions while maintaining comprehensive adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The user interface dynamically adapts its presentation based on user input and context. Menu items and levels are dynamically adjusted to prioritize frequently accessed functions and to present the most relevant options first, thereby reducing operation time while maintaining full adaptability to different user needs.
3Volume of moving object
If the case is closely attached around the display area, then the device compactness improves, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to obstruction of input tool movement
Solution Approach 1:
The touch display area is segmented into display regions and non-display regions, with the non-display region serving as an extended input zone. This segmentation allows the physical case to remain compact while providing additional space for input tool movement and manipulation without obstruction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the operational space by utilizing the non-display area surrounding the visible display. This creates an additional dimensional space for input interactions, allowing users to comfortably manipulate input tools without being constrained by the physical edges of the display area, thus maintaining compactness while improving ease of operation.
4Device complexity
If the non-display area is covered by the case, then the device structure simplifies, but the productivity deteriorates due to loss of usable touch area
Solution Approach 1:
The non-display area is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as part of the structural case for simplicity, while simultaneously serving as an extended touch-sensitive input region. This multi-functionality allows the same physical space to contribute to both structural integrity and operational efficiency without increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the functional touch area into the non-display region surrounding the visible display. This creates an additional operational dimension that increases productivity by providing more space for input interactions, while the case structure remains simplified by integrating this extended area into the existing housing design.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating a user interface and a recording medium for storing a program applying the same are provided. The method includes following steps. First, a touch generated by touching a touch display using an input tool is detected. Then, whether or not the touch is generated on a specific area of the touch display is determined. Next, whether the position of the touch is changed is determined if the touch is generated on the specific area. The user interface is activated or switched if the position of the touch is changed. Accordingly, a more convenient and intuitive method for operating the user interface is provided and the convenience in using the electronic device is increased.