Touch Screen Interface Object Manipulation via Segmented Press and Tap Actions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing user interface technologies like drag-and-drop and cut-and-paste are cumbersome for touch screen devices as they require pressing and holding buttons or remembering clipboard contents, which can be inconvenient for users interacting with electronic devices without a mouse.
Innovation Solution
A method using distinct touch actions on a touch screen to manipulate user interface objects, where a 'press' action picks up an item, a 'tap' shows a hint, and subsequent presses allow for dropping or managing items without the need for remembering clipboard contents, enabling intuitive object manipulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If drag-and-drop technology is used on touch screen devices, then users can move files between folders, but users are required to press and hold the mouse button which is cumbersome when simultaneously moving the mouse
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the file moving operation into distinct touch actions: a first touch to select/pick up the object, a movement phase where the object follows the finger, and a second touch to drop the object. This segmentation eliminates the need to continuously press and hold, breaking the interaction into manageable discrete steps that are easier to perform on a touch screen.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action by using discrete touch events (touch down, move, touch up) rather than continuous pressure. The system detects touch actions at specific intervals and states, allowing the user to initiate, move, and complete the file transfer operation through periodic touch interactions rather than sustained button holding.
2Ease of operation
If cut-and-paste technology is used on touch screen devices, then users can move files between folders, but users need to remember what has been cut while finding the location for the paste action
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by providing visual indicators that show which object is currently selected or being moved. The display updates to reflect the current state of the object, showing its selection status and movement progress. This continuous visual feedback eliminates the need for users to remember what object they are manipulating, as the system constantly reminds them through the display.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary visual indicator that mediates between the user's touch input and the file system operation. This indicator serves as a visual representation of the selected object, bridging the gap between the user's action and the system's response, and providing continuous information about the current operation state without requiring user memory.
3Ease of operation
If traditional mouse-based drag-and-drop is implemented, then file manipulation is intuitive like moving physical objects, but the requirement to press and hold the mouse button makes the operation cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces continuous button holding with periodic touch actions. The user touches down to initiate the action, moves the object by dragging the finger, and touches up to complete the action. This periodic interaction pattern maintains the intuitive nature of dragging while eliminating the cumbersome requirement to continuously press and hold, reducing the duration of active input required.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1D
Figure 1E~1H
Figure 1I
AI summary
A method and an electronic device (100) for manipulating a first user interface object are provided. The electronic device (100) is capable of detecting a first type of touch on a touch screen of the electronic device (100) and a second type of touch on the touch screen. The electronic device (100) detects a first touch of the first type at the first user interface object. The electronic device (100) sets the first user interface object to a first state in response to the detection of the first touch. Next, the electronic device (100) detects a second touch of the first type at a second user interface object. Then, the electronic device (100) manipulates the first or second user interface object based on properties of the first and second user interface objects in response to the detection of the second touch.