Touch-and-drag operation method for preventing accidental selections

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mobile devices with touch-sensitive screens face challenges in secure and intuitive operation, particularly during online transactions, due to small screen sizes and proximity of buttons, leading to accidental selections when users are distracted or in motion.

Innovation Solution

A method that facilitates a single touch-and-drag operation by setting the device to a standby state, displaying activating regions, and implementing a timed confirmation process to prevent erroneous selections, allowing users to intentionally confirm actions before executing them.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If the screen size is reduced to make the device portable, then the device portability is improved, but the button size and spacing are reduced leading to accidental selections

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice portabilityVSAvoidselection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by introducing a pre-selection state before final execution. When a user touches an activating region, the system first enters a pre-selection state (introduction state) where the selection is indicated but not yet executed. This preliminary state allows the user to confirm or cancel the selection before it takes effect, thereby preventing accidental selections while maintaining small screen dimensions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If the button size is reduced to fit more functions on small screen, then the device functionality is improved, but the ease of operation is reduced due to difficult precise touching

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoidtouching precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by creating a dynamic selection process with multiple states. Instead of a static button press, the system transitions through standby state, pre-selection state, and execution state. This dynamic approach allows larger activating regions since the selection is confirmed through a temporal process (holding touch for a duration) rather than relying solely on spatial precision, making it easier to operate while maintaining functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If a confirmation process is added to prevent accidental selections, then the selection reliability is improved, but the operation time is increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveselection reliabilityVSAvoidoperation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing time as a parameter for confirmation. Instead of adding spatial complexity or multiple physical steps, the system uses temporal duration - the user must maintain touch for a specific time threshold to confirm selection. This time-based parameter change provides reliable confirmation while keeping the interaction efficient, as users can quickly learn and perform the gesture without significant time penalty.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11435896B1Secured operation with optional cancellation on touch-sensitive devices

Publication Date: 2022.09.06 TFI DIGITAL MEDIA LTD

AI summary

The present invention provides a method and a device for facilitating a single touch-and-drag operation for a user to communicate his/her intention and make selection during a transaction flow in a robust and intuitive way. It can not only prevent erroneous selection triggered by any inadvertent or accidental touch but also provide option for the user to withdraw selection which is made unintentionally.