Touch Interface Map Data Filtering via Perimeter Gestures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Touch input capabilities on devices with limited screen sizes, such as smartphones, are limited by the need for functions to be displayed on the screen for selection, restricting the number of selectable functions due to space constraints.
Innovation Solution
A method that allows users to define a functional area on a touch-sensitive display surface using multiple touch inputs, enabling the graphical representation of filtering functions on the perimeter of this area, which can be selected to filter location attribute data, thereby expanding the selection options without cluttering the screen.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If functions are displayed on the screen for selection, then users can select functions, but the number of selectable functions is limited by screen space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by moving the selection interface from the 2D screen plane to a 3D spatial model. Users define a functional area on the map, and filtering functions are arranged in a circular perimeter around this area, allowing multiple functions to be accessed without occupying screen space that would otherwise display map data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the user interface into distinct functional zones: the map display area, the functional area defined by user gestures, and the circular perimeter containing filtering functions. This segmentation allows each zone to serve its purpose independently, enabling more functions to be accessed without cluttering the overall screen.
2Ease of operation
If filtering functions are displayed on the screen, then users can filter location attribute data, but map data becomes obscured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by placing filtering functions only in the peripheral region surrounding the functional area, while keeping the central map display area clear and unobscured. This allows filtering operations to be performed without compromising the visibility of map data in the main display region.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple functions are made accessible, then user versatility increases, but interface complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces interface complexity by organizing multiple functions in a circular perimeter arrangement around the functional area, rather than presenting them as a linear list or grid on the screen. This spatial organization allows users to access multiple functions intuitively through gestures in the peripheral region, without the interface appearing cluttered or complex.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments are disclosed that relate to interactions with a touch-sensitive device (10), particularly but not exclusively a device having a touch-sensitive display surface (11). One disclosed embodiment provides a method comprising the steps of: displaying map data (13) on the display surface (11); detecting a first touch input at a first location (201) of the display surface (11); detecting a second touch input at a second location (202) of display surface (11); defining a functional area (203) of the display surface (11) in accordance with the first and second locations (201, 202); graphically representing (204) a plurality of location attribute data filtering functions (16) on a peripheral edge of the functional area (203); detecting a third touch input at a location of the display surface (11) corresponding to a filtering function (16); filtering the location attribute data (14) in accordance with the defined functional area (203) and the selected filtering function (16) to produce a filtered data set; and displaying the filtered data set on the display surface (11).