Dynamic Touch Screen Input Cell Resizing for Handwriting

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional user interfaces on portable electronic devices limit data entry through touch screens due to the fixed size of input cells, making it difficult to enter handwritten text or sketches effectively.

Innovation Solution

The system allows users to dynamically expand selected input cells on a touch screen display to any size, independent of the cell's content, enabling handwriting or drawing input and subsequent resizing back to default size for better fit, using touch screen gestures or icons.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the size of data input cells is kept fixed and suitable for keyboard display, then the layout integrity and data visibility are maintained, but the ease of operation for touch screen handwriting input deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of handwriting inputVSAvoidcell size management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic cell sizing where input cells can change their dimensions based on user interaction state. Cells are configured with minimum and maximum size boundaries and can be dynamically expanded when selected for handwriting input, then automatically restored to their original size after input is complete. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction by allowing cells to adapt their size to the current operational context rather than maintaining a fixed size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the size parameter of input cells based on operational context. When a cell is selected for handwriting input, its dimensions are increased within predefined boundaries to provide adequate writing space. After input is completed, the cell size parameter is restored to its original value. This parameter change approach allows the interface to optimize for handwriting input when needed while maintaining layout integrity when not in use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If the size of data input cells is expanded to accommodate handwriting input, then the ease of operation for touch screen input is improved, but the layout integrity and positioning of other cells deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of handwriting inputVSAvoidlayout integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic cell sizing where input cells can change their dimensions based on user interaction state. Cells are configured with minimum and maximum size boundaries and can be dynamically expanded when selected for handwriting input, then automatically restored to their original size after input is complete. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction by allowing cells to adapt their size to the current operational context rather than maintaining a fixed size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-configures cells with minimum and maximum size boundaries and establishes the framework for automatic restoration before handwriting input begins. The expansion and restoration logic is prepared in advance, ensuring that when cells are expanded for input, they will automatically return to their original state, thereby preserving layout integrity without requiring manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If fixed-size cells are used for all input scenarios, then the device complexity is reduced and layout stability is maintained, but the adaptability to different input methods and user needs deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to input methodsVSAvoidcell resizing mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic cell sizing where input cells can change their dimensions based on user interaction state. Cells are configured with minimum and maximum size boundaries and can be dynamically expanded when selected for handwriting input, then automatically restored to their original size after input is complete. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction by allowing cells to adapt their size to the current operational context rather than maintaining a fixed size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The cell resizing mechanism serves multiple functions: it accommodates handwriting input by expanding cells, maintains layout integrity by enforcing size boundaries, and automatically restores cells after input. This multi-functional approach allows a single mechanism to handle adaptability requirements without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8650475B2Selective resizing of data input cells

Publication Date: 2014.02.11 MALIKIE INNOVATIONS LTD

AI summary

A system and method to increase the size of a displayed data input cell in order to more effectively use a touch screen to enter data. A user selects an input cell to expand by a touching of or dragging an expansion icon. The user is then able to use that expanded area as a drawing area for handwritten input containing text, numbers, or sketches. After drawing in the expanded area, the user can select reducing the size of the input cell.