Touch Interface Resizing Handles for Direct Object Manipulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for resizing user interface objects on touch-sensitive devices are cumbersome and inefficient, requiring keyboard shortcuts and placing a cognitive burden on users, which also wastes energy, especially in battery-operated devices.
Innovation Solution
A method is implemented on computing devices with touch-sensitive displays that allows users to resize objects by simultaneously displaying resizing handles and detecting finger contacts and movements to resize objects directly on the screen, either by moving handles or matching dimensions with other objects, eliminating the need for keyboard inputs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If keyboard-based methods are used for resizing objects, then resizing operations can be performed, but user cognitive burden increases and operation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces keyboard-based mechanical input with direct touch interaction on the display surface. Users can directly touch and drag objects or use multi-touch gestures to resize objects, eliminating the need to memorize keyboard shortcuts and reducing cognitive burden while speeding up the resizing operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces visual feedback mechanisms and on-screen handles as intermediaries between the user's touch input and the object resizing action. These visual elements guide the user through the resizing process, making it more intuitive and reducing the time required to complete the operation.
2Productivity
If keyboard-based methods are used for resizing objects, then resizing operations can be performed, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces keyboard-based input with direct touch interaction, which eliminates the need for additional processing steps and reduces overall system activity. This substitution leads to more efficient resizing operations that consume less energy, particularly important for battery-operated devices.
3Ease of operation
If touch-sensitive display is used for direct object manipulation, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the touch display surface into distinct interaction zones and provides visual indicators for different object states and manipulation modes. This segmentation helps users understand the interface structure without increasing perceived complexity, as each zone has a specific function that is clearly indicated.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses color changes and visual feedback to indicate different object states, selection status, and available actions. These visual cues make the interface more intuitive and easier to understand, offsetting the increased device complexity by making the system's state more transparent to the user.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for resizing a currently selected user interface object includes simultaneously displaying on a touch-sensitive display the currently selected user interface object having a center, and a plurality of resizing handles for the currently selected user interface object. The method also includes detecting a first contact on a first resizing handle in the plurality of resizing handles, and detecting movement of the first contact across the touch-senstive display. The method further includes, in response to detecting movement of the first contact, when a second contact is detected on the touch-sensitive display while detecting movement of the first contact, resizing the currently selected user interface object about the center of the currently selected user interface object.