Touch Input Device for Portable Terminals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current touch screen-equipped mobile terminals with no keypad or downsized keypads are limited in generating input signals, providing limited user satisfaction and functionality, especially when accessing diverse applications and services.

Innovation Solution

A touch input method and device for mobile terminals that utilize a touch screen to detect various touch events, including touch-down, drag, and closed loop drawing events, to execute corresponding commands and select multiple content objects, enhancing user interaction and command input capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If a touch screen is used without a physical keypad to maximize display space, then the display area is improved, but the input signal generation capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay areaVSAvoidinput signal generation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by introducing multiple touch interaction modes (single touch, multi-touch, drag operations, pinch-to-zoom) that allow the touch screen to dynamically adapt its input capabilities. The system detects different touch patterns and generates corresponding input signals, transforming the static touch screen into a dynamic input device that can perform various functions without physical keys.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by detecting variations in touch pressure, contact area, and touch duration to generate different input signals. By monitoring changes in these parameters, the system can distinguish between different user intentions (e.g., light tap vs. long press) and generate appropriate commands, thereby enhancing input versatility without adding physical components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Volume of moving object

If the mobile terminal is made compact with integrated components, then the portability is improved, but the display screen size for diverse applications deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice sizeVSAvoiddisplay screen size
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dimensionality change by utilizing the temporal dimension and spatial relationships on the touch screen surface. Instead of relying on physical keyboard depth, the system uses touch duration, movement trajectories, and relative positioning of multiple touches to encode additional input information, effectively adding functional dimensions without increasing physical volume.

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

3Volume of moving object

If a downsized keypad is used to maintain compact design, then the device portability is improved, but the user satisfaction and functionality deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice portabilityVSAvoiduser satisfaction
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements universality by designing the touch screen to perform multiple functions: selection, typing, drawing, gesture recognition, and navigation all through the same surface. The touch interface can adapt to different application requirements, serving as both a display and a versatile input device, thereby maintaining compact design while enhancing user satisfaction through diverse interaction capabilities.

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

Data Source

PatentEP2172837B1Touch input device and method for portable device
Publication Date: 2020.01.08 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP2172837B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2172837B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2172837B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

A touch input device and method for a portable device that is capable of inputting various user commands with diversified touch events detected on a touch screen is provided. A touch input method for a mobile terminal having a touch screen may include displaying a plurality of representative images representing content objects on the touch screen, selecting at least one representative image in response to a first command designated for a first touch event on the touch screen, and executing a second command designated for a second touch event on the touch screen. The second touch event may be defined by a movement direction, speed, a lift position of a touch, and the representative images selected by the first command.