Touch Screen Message Sending Time Setting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for sending messages with a delayed delivery are cumbersome and time-consuming, requiring users to repeatedly select options using upward and downward buttons to set the sending time, leading to low efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that allow users to set the sending time of a message by acquiring a single operation signal on a touch screen, combining sub-operation signals to determine the sending time without the need for multiple button presses, and sending the message when the system time reaches the specified time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If users repeatedly press upward and downward buttons to select time options, then the sending time can be set with precise control, but the operation becomes time-consuming and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetime setting precisionVSAvoidtime consumed in setting

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical button-pressing system with a touch screen interface. Users can directly touch or slide on the time display area to set the sending time, eliminating the need for repeated upward/downward button presses. This substitution of mechanical interaction with direct touch input significantly reduces the time required while maintaining precise time setting capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a time option list with multiple options and buttons is provided, then users can select from various time settings, but the operation becomes cumbersome and complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetime option selection flexibilityVSAvoidoperation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the time selection functionality from the traditional multi-option list with buttons and integrates it directly into the time display area. Instead of requiring users to navigate through separate option lists and press buttons, the time setting is achieved by directly interacting with the time display itself through touch or slide gestures. This extraction simplifies the interface while preserving the flexibility of time selection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple buttons and option lists are used for time selection, then comprehensive time settings can be achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetime setting capabilityVSAvoidinterface complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the time display area with the time selection functionality. The same area that displays the current time also serves as the input area for setting the sending time through direct touch or slide gestures. This merging eliminates the need for separate option lists and multiple buttons, reducing interface complexity while maintaining comprehensive time setting capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2988458B1Method and device for sending message

Publication Date: 2023.06.07 XIAOMI INC

Figure 1~2
Figure 2B~2C
Figure 2D~2E

AI summary

The invention relates to a method and a device for sending a message, which belongs to the field of computer technology. The method, which is applied in a terminal containing a touch screen, includes: acquiring (101, 201) an operation signal triggered by a single operation performed by a user on the touch screen; determining (102, 202) sending time of a message according to the operation signal; and sending (103, 205) the message when it is monitored that system time of the terminal reaches the sending time.