Touch Interface Path-Based Key Selection for Multi-Element Operations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current graphical user interfaces in electronic devices lack efficient methods for quick and user-friendly interactions beyond simple operations like cut, copy, and paste, particularly in selecting and performing functions on multiple elements.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that combine touch operations on a touch-sensitive display with key operations to select elements and perform functions by determining a target key based on the path of user input, allowing users to easily select and perform actions on multiple elements using a combination of touch and key inputs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional touch operations are used for selecting and performing functions on elements, then the interface is simple to implement, but the interaction efficiency and user-friendliness are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines touch operations and key operations into a unified interaction mechanism. The touch-sensitive display detects both direct taps and drag paths, while the physical keyboard provides key inputs. This merging allows users to select elements and perform functions through combined touch-key actions, improving interaction efficiency without requiring separate complex systems for each input method.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface system is designed to handle multiple interaction modes universally. The same graphical user interface can respond to touch selections, key presses, and combinations thereof. The processor is configured to interpret various input patterns (single tap, double tap, drag paths) and map them to appropriate functions, making the system adaptable to different user preferences and interaction styles.
2Ease of operation
If simple touch operations are used for element selection, then the operation is easy to perform, but the ability to perform functions on multiple elements efficiently is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by detecting drag paths and calculating target keys before the user completes the selection. When a user drags a finger across multiple elements, the system pre-calculates which key should be activated based on the path characteristics, so that when the user releases the touch or presses the corresponding key, the function executes immediately on all selected elements without additional steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism that bridges touch input and key output. The processor analyzes the touch path and determines a target key, creating an intermediate representation that maps the continuous touch gesture to a discrete key action. This intermediary layer enables efficient multi-element selection by translating intuitive drag motions into precise key activations.
3Ease of operation
If traditional key operations are used alone, then the interaction is precise, but the user-friendliness and intuitiveness are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides feedback by visually indicating which key corresponds to the detected touch path. When a user drags across elements, the interface can highlight or animate the target key that will be activated, giving immediate feedback about the intended action. This feedback mechanism maintains precision by confirming the selected key while enhancing user-friendliness through intuitive visual cues.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for performing a function in an electronic device includes an electronic device displaying 110 a first set of elements on a touch-sensitive display. Then the device receives 115 a first input on the touch-sensitive display, wherein the first input selects at least one element from the first set of elements. Then the device determines 120 that the first input has continued on a path from the at least one element to an edge of the touch-sensitive display. In response to the determining, the device calculates 130 a target key based on at least one characteristic of the path. After calculating, the device senses 155 an activation of the target key by a user. Subsequently, when the target is pressed the device performs 165 the function associated with the target key on the at least one element.