Touch Screen Interface Navigation via Directional Dragging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable electronic devices with touch screens face limitations in size, making it inconvenient to switch between numerous functions and items, as users must return to a graphical user interface to access different features, which is inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that allow users to switch between user interfaces and items on a touch screen by moving their finger in specific directions, using a representational icon bar and an item icon bar displayed on different margins, enabling horizontal and vertical dragging to navigate through functions and items seamlessly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a touch screen is used to integrate the keypad, then the device size is reduced and cost is saved, but the screen area available for displaying functions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a third dimension by displaying icon bars both horizontally and vertically on the touch screen. This multi-dimensional layout allows more functions and items to be displayed simultaneously without increasing the physical device size, effectively resolving the contradiction between compact form factor and available display area.
2Loss of information
If thumbnail icons are arranged to represent all functions, then all functions are visible on the screen, but switching between functions requires returning to the original graphical user interface which is inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent displays icon bars that provide preliminary access to all functions and items before the user actually needs to switch between them. By having all options visible and accessible at once through the icon bars, users can directly navigate to any function or item without returning to the main graphical user interface, thus eliminating the need for preliminary navigation steps.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a large number of functions are displayed on a limited screen, then comprehensive functionality is provided, but the complexity of operating the interface increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the interface into distinct horizontal and vertical icon bars, each serving specific navigation purposes. This segmentation organizes the numerous functions into structured, easily navigable groups, reducing the perceived complexity while maintaining comprehensive functionality. Users can independently scroll through horizontal and vertical dimensions without being overwhelmed by a single crowded interface.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and an apparatus for operating a user interface, and a recording medium using the same are provided. First, a plurality of user interfaces is provided and one of them is displayed on a touch screen of a portable electronic device. Then, the touch screen is used for detecting a touch signal. When the touch signal is moved toward a first direction, the currently displayed user interface is switched to another one. When the touch signal is moved toward a second direction, an item of the currently displayed user interface is switched to another item. Accordingly, a more intuitive and convenient manner for operating the user interface is provided for the user.