Touch Screen Input Direction Indicator for Accurate Continuous Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties in accurately and intuitively inputting directions on touch screen devices, particularly in games, due to the GUI being covered by the user's hand during continuous touch inputs, leading to increased operation fatigue and decreased accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that display an input direction indicator on a touch screen interface, indicating the input direction from a reference point to a current touch point at a position farther away, allowing users to maintain continuous input without covering the indicator, thereby enhancing visibility and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a virtual joystick GUI is displayed on a touch screen for continuous direction input, then the user can control the device, but the GUI is covered by the user's hand making it difficult to recognize the input state
Solution Approach 1:
The patent displays the input direction indicator in a position farther away from the reference point than the current touch point, utilizing the spatial dimension of the touch screen to place feedback information in a region not covered by the user's hand. This dimensional repositioning allows continuous touch input while maintaining visibility of the input state.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary visual element (the input direction indicator displayed at a distant position) that mediates between the user's touch input and the system's response. This intermediary provides feedback about the input state without requiring the user to look at the covered GUI elements.
2Loss of information
If the user stops touch input to check the operating situation, then the visibility of input state improves, but the operation efficiency and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous touch input by displaying the input direction indicator at a position that remains visible throughout the input process. The user does not need to stop or lift their hand to check the operating situation, as the feedback is continuously provided in the visible region, maintaining the continuity of the useful action.
3Area of stationary object
If the input direction indicator is displayed near the reference point, then the interface is compact, but the indicator is covered by the user's hand reducing visibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the spatial dimension of the touch screen by displaying the input direction indicator at a position farther away from the reference point than the current touch point. This repositioning in the spatial dimension resolves the conflict between compactness and visibility, as the indicator is placed in a region that is not covered by the user's hand during normal input operations.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of controlling a touch screen device includes displaying a user interface for obtaining an input of direction through a touch screen, obtaining a user's touch input of dragging from a reference point where a touch is started to a current touch point through the user interface, and displaying an input direction indicator indicating an input direction from the reference point toward the current touch point at a position farther away from the reference point than the current touch point on the user interface, in response to the user's touch input.