Touch-Intensity Media Playback Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for controlling media presentation on electronic devices with touch-sensitive surfaces are cumbersome and inefficient, particularly in adjusting playback speeds, which can be unclear and unintuitive for users.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a method that detects the intensity of contacts on a touch-sensitive surface to alter playback speeds of media content, allowing users to increase or maintain faster playback speeds based on predefined intensity thresholds, providing a more intuitive and efficient interface for controlling media playback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional touch-sensitive surface inputs are used to adjust playback speed, then the device can control media presentation, but the interface becomes cumbersome and inefficient for users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing contact intensity as an additional dimension for controlling playback speed. Instead of requiring multiple discrete inputs or complex gestures, the system varies playback speed based on the intensity parameter of a single continuous touch gesture. A light touch selects lower speeds while a firm press selects higher speeds, transforming a simple gesture into a multi-functional control mechanism that simplifies the user interface while expanding control capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple input methods are provided for playback speed control, then user options increase, but the interface becomes less intuitive and requires more user input
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by making a single touch gesture perform multiple functions through intensity variation. The same basic gesture (touching the speed control interface) can select different playback speeds (0.5x, 1x, 1.5x, 2x, etc.) based on how firmly the user presses. This eliminates the need for separate buttons or gestures for each speed option, allowing the interface to adapt to user needs while minimizing the time and inputs required for speed adjustment.
3Productivity
If intensity detection is added to the touch-sensitive surface, then playback speed control becomes more efficient, but device power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by utilizing the touch-sensitive surface's existing capability to detect contact intensity, which is already being measured for other interface functions. The system repurposes this existing sensor data for playback speed control without requiring additional hardware or continuously active sensing mechanisms. The intensity detection is triggered and processed only when needed for speed selection, allowing the device to leverage existing infrastructure and minimize additional power consumption while achieving efficient control.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device is configured to: while presenting media content at a first non-zero playback speed, detect a press input by a first contact on a first media control; and, in response to detecting the press input: determine whether an intensity of the first contact is above a first intensity threshold; if the intensity of the first contact is above the first intensity threshold, present the media content at a second playback speed, where the second playback speed is faster than the first non-zero playback speed; and, if the intensity of the first contact is below the first intensity threshold, maintain presentation of the media content at the first non-zero playback speed.