Touch Interface Gesture Recognition for Copying Objects

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for copying and moving user interface objects between content regions on touch-sensitive devices are cumbersome and inefficient, leading to a cognitive burden and increased energy consumption, particularly in battery-operated devices.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method that uses simultaneous finger inputs to differentiate between copying and moving user interface objects, where a single-finger contact copies the object and a two-finger contact moves it, allowing for seamless transition and display in the target content region.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional methods are used for copying and moving user interface objects, then the operations can be performed, but the process is cumbersome and creates significant cognitive burden on users

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of copying and moving objectsVSAvoidcomplexity of operation process

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the selection and operation initiation into a single touch action. When a user touches and holds an object, the system simultaneously selects the object and displays copy/move options, eliminating the need for separate selection and command steps. This integration reduces cognitive burden and simplifies the operation process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-displaying copy and move options before the user completes their touch gesture. As the user holds the object, the interface proactively presents the desired operations, allowing the user to simply confirm rather than navigate through multiple menus. This preliminary presentation of options reduces the steps required and simplifies the overall process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If conventional methods are used for copying and moving objects, then the operations can be completed, but the process takes longer than necessary, wasting energy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeed of copying and moving objectsVSAvoidenergy consumption during operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous feedback during the copy/move operation. As the user drags the object, the system continuously updates the visual feedback to show the object being copied or moved in real-time. This continuous action eliminates waiting periods and intermediate states, allowing the operation to complete faster and reducing the time the display and processing units remain active, thereby conserving energy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system skips intermediate steps by directly executing the copy or move operation after the user initiates the appropriate gesture. Instead of requiring separate selection, confirmation, and execution steps, the system rushes through the process by immediately performing the operation once the trigger gesture is detected, reducing total operation time and energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #21Skipping (Rushing through)

3Ease of operation

If conventional methods are used, then copying and moving objects is possible, but the process is tedious and increases cognitive burden

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of copying and moving objectsVSAvoidtime required for copying and moving objects

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic interface elements that change based on user interaction. The copy and move options dynamically appear, disappear, and highlight based on the user's touch position and duration. This dynamic behavior adapts the interface to the user's intentions in real-time, making the operation simpler and faster by presenting only the relevant actions at the appropriate moment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides continuous visual feedback during the copy/move operation, showing the user exactly what is happening as they interact with the object. This feedback includes real-time display of the object being copied or moved, highlighting of the destination area, and visual confirmation of the completed operation. This feedback mechanism reduces cognitive burden by making the process transparent and predictable, allowing users to complete operations faster without confusion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS9098182B2Device, method, and graphical user interface for copying user interface objects between content regions

Publication Date: 2015.08.04 APPLE INC

AI summary

An electronic device displays a user interface object in a first content region on a touch-sensitive display. The device detects a first finger input on the user interface object. While detecting the first finger input, the device detects a second finger input on the touch-sensitive display. When the first finger input is an M-finger contact, wherein M is an integer, in response to detecting the second finger input, the device selects a second content region and displays a copy of the user interface object in the second content region. After detecting the second finger input, the device detects termination of the first finger input while the copy of the user interface object is displayed in the second content region. In response to detecting termination of the first finger input, the device maintains display of the copy of the user interface object in the second content region.