Object Selection via Touch Duration on Small Screens
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing object selection technologies are not suitable for small-resolution screens, such as mobile phones, as they require a large display space to select multiple objects, compromising visibility and operability.
Innovation Solution
A computer-based system with a pointing device that changes the number of selected objects based on input state detection, such as time duration or position, allowing intuitive selection and processing of multiple objects within a small display space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the selection range is enlarged to select more objects, then the number of selected objects increases, but the display space required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of selection criteria from spatial range to temporal duration. By detecting the time period of continuous touch input, the system determines the number of objects to select without requiring spatial expansion. Longer touch durations result in selection of more objects, while shorter durations select fewer objects, all within the same display area.
2Quantity of substance
If the display space is enlarged to accommodate more objects, then more objects can be selected, but the screen resolution suitability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transforms the selection mechanism from a spatial parameter (selection range) to a temporal parameter (touch duration). This allows the system to adapt to small-resolution screens by using time-based control rather than space-based control, making the interface suitable for mobile phones and other devices with limited display real estate.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the number of selected objects based on the duration of the touch input. As the touch continues, more objects are incrementally selected, allowing flexible adaptation to different user needs without changing the physical display area or requiring high screen resolution.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the selection range is increased to select multiple objects, then the selection capability improves, but the visibility and operability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces spatial selection parameters with temporal parameters. Instead of requiring users to visually manage and manipulate large selection ranges on screen, the system uses touch duration as the controlling parameter. This maintains excellent visibility and operability on small screens while providing robust multi-object selection capability through time-based interaction.
Data Source
AI summary
In an example information processing apparatus including a screen on which one or more objects are displayed and a pointing device for designating a given position on the screen, at least one object is designated by the pointing device. Further, an input state regarding the designation of the at least one object is detected, and the number of the at least one selected object is changed in accordance with the input state. Then, a predetermined process is performed on the at least one selected object.