Touch Panel Keyword Object Selection via Contact Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional touch panel type terminal apparatuses do not fully utilize the convenience of the touch panel interface, making it difficult for users to select multiple search keys when searching for information using multiple keywords.
Innovation Solution
An information acquiring apparatus with an object display control means that moves and displays multiple objects corresponding to keywords on a touch panel, allowing users to select search keys by determining keywords based on object contact, and a search key determining means that prioritizes keywords based on movement amount, thereby improving operability and reducing unintentional searches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a touch panel type terminal apparatus is used for information search, then intuitive operation is enabled, but it is difficult to select multiple search keys when searching using multiple keywords
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the keyword objects movable on the touch panel. Users can drag and reposition keyword objects, and when objects contact each other, their corresponding keywords are automatically selected as search keys. This dynamic interaction enables intuitive multi-keyword selection while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces visual objects as intermediaries between the user and the search key selection process. These objects represent keywords and can be manipulated on the touch panel, serving as a mediator that simplifies the complex task of selecting multiple search keys while maintaining intuitive operation.
2Device complexity
If conventional search methods are used, then simple keyword input is possible, but the user operation load increases when selecting multiple search keys
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the display function and input function into a single touch panel interface. Keyword objects are displayed on the touch panel and can be directly manipulated by touching and dragging, combining what would traditionally be separate display and input operations into one unified interaction, thereby reducing user operation load.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the keyword selection process dynamic through object manipulation. Instead of static text input or checkbox selection, users dynamically move keyword objects and their contact relationships automatically determine the selected search keys, reducing the operational steps required.
3Reliability
If multiple keywords are searched simultaneously, then comprehensive search results are obtained, but unintentional searches may occur due to incorrect key selection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses visual differentiation (color changes or visual states) to indicate which keywords are selected for searching. When keyword objects contact each other, their visual state changes to show they are selected, providing clear feedback to users and preventing unintentional searches by making the selection state unmistakably visible.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements immediate visual feedback when keyword objects contact each other. The contact relationship is visually indicated, and the system responds by selecting the corresponding keywords as search keys. This feedback mechanism ensures users can verify their selections before executing the search, improving reliability while maintaining selection flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided an information acquiring apparatus which, when the user searches for information using a plurality of keywords, can facilitate an operation of selecting a plurality of keywords by means of a touch panel and improve the operability. The information acquiring apparatus makes an input means (109) integrated with a display means display a plurality of first objects (521) respectively corresponding to a plurality of keywords, and move positions of part or all of the first objects in response to the user's operation of the input means and display the first objects, when a plurality of first objects contact based on that the positions of at least part of a plurality of displayed first objects are moved and at least part of the first objects are displayed, determines a keyword corresponding to each contacting first object as a search key, and acquires search result information searched in either an external information search apparatus or inner information searching means based on the determined search key.