Touch UI Object Feedback Using Input Thresholds and Haptics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for manipulating user interface objects on touch-sensitive surfaces are cumbersome, inefficient, and lack effective haptic feedback, particularly in devices that do not sense a range of contact intensities, leading to increased cognitive burden and power consumption.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a unified interaction model that utilizes multiple input thresholds and timing of input movement to generate non-visual feedback, such as haptic and audio cues, to enhance user interaction efficiency and adaptability across devices with varying contact intensity sensing capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional mouse-based input methods are used to select and manipulate user interface objects, then the device can perform basic user interface operations, but the process becomes tedious and creates significant cognitive burden on the user

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser interface manipulation efficiencyVSAvoidtime required for user interface operations
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides preliminary visual feedback by displaying a preview of the user interface object immediately when the input threshold is met, before the user completes the manipulation action. This allows users to see the expected result beforehand and adjust their input accordingly, reducing the need for trial-and-error interactions and decreasing the time required for user interface operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements continuous feedback mechanisms by monitoring input characteristics (such as contact intensity and duration) and providing visual previews of the intended action. This feedback loop allows users to understand the connection between their inputs and device responses, enabling more efficient and intuitive manipulation of user interface objects without increasing cognitive burden.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple contact intensity thresholds are monitored and different responses are mapped to different thresholds, then haptic feedback can be provided to improve manipulation efficiency, but this approach does not work for devices without contact intensity sensing capability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility across different device typesVSAvoidinput sensing capability requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements a unified interaction model that can operate on devices with varying input sensing capabilities. By detecting input characteristics that are available on all touch-sensitive surfaces (such as contact duration and basic touch detection), the system provides consistent functionality across different device types without requiring advanced contact intensity sensing hardware, thereby achieving universal compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system adapts its interaction model by changing the parameters it monitors based on device capabilities. Instead of requiring contact intensity thresholds, the system uses alternative parameters such as contact duration, touch area, and temporal patterns of input, which can be detected on any touch-sensitive surface. This parameter substitution maintains functionality across devices with different sensing capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Use of energy by moving object

If conventional user interface manipulation methods are used, then basic operations can be performed, but the methods are cumbersome and take longer than necessary, wasting energy in battery-operated devices

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumption during user interface operationsVSAvoidspeed of user interface operations
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system displays a preview of the user interface object or anticipated action before the user completes the manipulation. This preliminary visual feedback allows users to confirm the correct object is selected and understand the intended action, reducing the need for additional corrective inputs and enabling faster completion of user interface operations with lower energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides real-time feedback during the manipulation process by monitoring input characteristics and displaying previews of the intended action. This feedback mechanism enables users to perform operations more quickly and accurately, reducing the overall time required for user interface interactions and thereby decreasing energy consumption in battery-operated devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3877834B1Devices, methods, and graphical user interfaces for interacting with user interface objects and providing feedback
Publication Date: 2026.01.28 APPLE INC
  • EP3877834B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3877834B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3877834B1 patent drawingFigure 1C

AI summary

An electronic device displays a user interface object that corresponds to a first application. While displaying the user interface object, the device detects, via an input element, an input directed to the user interface object. In response: if the input meets an input threshold and includes less than a threshold amount of movement, the device generates a non-visual output corresponding to the input before detecting an end of the input, and after detecting an end of the input, displays a system user interface that includes information about the first application without displaying the first application; and, if the input does not meet the input threshold and includes less than the threshold amount of movement, the device forgoes generating a non-visual output corresponding to the input, and after detecting an end of the input, displays the first application on the display.