Touch Screen Shrinking Interactive Region for One-Handed Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of large-screen devices face difficulties in accessing certain areas of the touch screen, especially when using only one hand or when there are 'dead points' on the screen, making interactions inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
A method and electronic device that allows the touch screen to switch between a normal and shrunk state, confining the touch permissible region to a sub-region, enabling one-handed operation and relocating user-interface objects from dead points to accessible areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the touch screen displays a full-size interactive frame, then the output display area is maximized, but users cannot reach some portions of the screen with one hand
Solution Approach 1:
The interactive frame is segmented into a first region (within touch permissible region) and a second region (outside touch permissible region). The first region contains interface objects accessible within the shrunk touch area, while the second region provides additional display space. This segmentation allows the system to maintain full display content while restricting the interactive area to one-hand reachable zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The touch screen dynamically switches between a first state (normal full-size interactive frame) and a second state (shrunk interactive frame within sub-region). When one-handed operation is detected or selected, the system transitions to the second state where the interactive frame is confined to the touch permissible region, making all interface objects accessible within a smaller area while preserving the option to return to full-size mode.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the touch permissible region covers the entire screen, then all areas are accessible for interaction, but dead points on the screen make some interactions unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The interactive frame is extracted from the dead point regions and relocated to the touch permissible region. By confining the interactive frame to areas with reliable touch response, the system eliminates interactions involving dead points while preserving all essential interface functionality within the restricted area.
3Area of stationary object
If the touch screen is used in normal state, then the full screen is available for interaction, but users must take steps or use both hands to reach all areas
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the touch permissible region size based on operational needs. In the shrunk state, the touch permissible region is reduced to a sub-region that can be comfortably reached with one hand, while still providing access to all essential interface objects through the segmented first region of the interactive frame.
Data Source
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AI summary
An embodiment provides a method of controlling a touch screen (130). The touch screen (130) displays an interactive frame within a touch permissible region. Under the method, the touch screen (130) can be switched from a normal state into a shrunk state. When the touch screen (130) is in the shrunk state, the touch permissible region is confined to a sub-region of the touch screen (130). In contrast, when the touch screen (130) is in the normal state, the touch permissible region extends beyond the sub-region.