Touch Duration Detection for Chat Window Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

The complexity of operations in instant messaging applications on mobile devices, due to limited input modules and display size, makes it cumbersome for users to switch between chat windows, requiring multiple procedures.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device with a processor, display module, and touch-sensitive module that executes a method involving touch duration detection to simplify the process of switching between chat windows by highlighting the selected contact icon and dimming others, allowing for intuitive message sending and switching without complex procedures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional touch panel operations are used for switching chat windows, then the device can be operated with limited input modules, but the operation process becomes needlessly complicated requiring multiple procedures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of switching chat windowsVSAvoidcomplexity of operation procedures
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the contact list and chat windows dynamically switchable through gesture-based interactions. Users can swipe to switch between contacts and chat windows, creating a dynamic and flexible navigation experience that adapts to user needs without requiring complex menu structures or multiple buttons.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical input methods (physical buttons, home buttons, volume buttons) with touch-based gesture controls. The touch-sensitive display panel detects swipe gestures and other touch inputs to navigate between contacts and chat windows, eliminating the need for complex mechanical input modules while simplifying the user interaction model.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Area of stationary object

If the display size is limited, then the device maintains portability, but the available space for input modules and interface elements is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay areaVSAvoidease of messaging operations
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the contact list display and chat window display into a seamless full-screen interface. Contact information, chat messages, and input fields are integrated across the entire display area without unnecessary borders or navigation overlays, maximizing the usable display space while maintaining ease of operation through intuitive touch gestures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes the vertical dimension of the display by implementing swipe-up and swipe-down gestures to navigate between the contact list and chat windows. This dimensional navigation approach allows efficient use of limited display space while providing comprehensive access to all messaging functions without requiring additional horizontal space or multiple screens.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP2927788B1Electronic device of messaging and method thereof
Publication Date: 2020.05.27 HTC CORP
  • EP2927788B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2927788B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2927788B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3C

AI summary

An electronic device and a display switching method thereof are disclosed herein. The electronic device includes at least one processor, a display module, a touch-sensitive module and a non-transitory computer-readable medium. The non-transitory computer-readable medium includes one or more sequences of instructions to be executed by the processor for performing the display switching method. The display switching method includes the following steps: sensing a touch by the touch-sensitive module; counting a time duration of the touch; displaying a list of at least one contact icon by the display module when the time duration of the touch exceeds a first predetermined time period, wherein the list is scrollable for selecting a target icon of the icons, and each icon corresponds to a contact or a group of contacts; and displaying a target chat window corresponding to the target icon.