Touchpoint Encoding for Camera-Free Information Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users operating on computing devices without camera functionality, such as laptops, find scanning QR codes to be unintuitive and prone to errors, as manual URL entry is time-consuming and error-prone.
Innovation Solution
A touch-sensitive interface system that uses a circular geometric pattern of touchpoints, where the position and arrangement of touchpoints encode data, allowing users to input information through a rotating motion, enabling decoding without the need for camera-based scanning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If QR code scanning is used, then information retrieval is fast and convenient, but it requires camera functionality which is not available on all computing devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the optical/camera-based QR code scanning system with a mechanical touch-based input system. Users physically touch and rotate touchpoints on the touch-sensitive interface to encode and transmit information, eliminating the need for camera hardware while achieving similar information retrieval functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a circular pattern of touchpoints as an intermediary between the user and the information retrieval system. This intermediary encoding mechanism allows information to be transmitted through touch gestures rather than requiring direct camera-based QR code recognition, bridging the gap between devices without camera functionality and the need for fast information retrieval.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual URL entry is used, then device compatibility is improved, but input time increases and error rate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the URL or information into discrete encoded units represented by specific touchpoint positions and rotation patterns. Instead of typing characters sequentially, users select from pre-defined touchpoint configurations that encode portions of the information, dramatically reducing input time while maintaining device compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary encoding of information into the circular touchpoint pattern configuration before user interaction. The system pre-defines multiple touchpoints in specific angular positions around a circle, each representing encoded data elements, so users only need to select and rotate to predetermined positions rather than creating input from scratch.
3Productivity
If QR code scanning is used, then input speed is fast, but alignment precision is required which increases operational difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic touchpoint selection system where users can touch and rotate through multiple touchpoints in sequence. The system dynamically tracks the rotation angle and automatically maps it to the corresponding encoded information, eliminating the need for precise static alignment while maintaining fast input speed through fluid rotational gestures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors the angular position of touched touchpoints and provides real-time feedback on the decoded information. This feedback loop allows users to make small adjustments during rotation without compromising overall alignment precision, maintaining input speed while reducing the stringency of alignment requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
An information carrier object is provided for providing information via a touch-sensitive interface of a computing device. The information carrier object includes a substrate supporting a planar region on which a plurality of touchpoints is defined. A first subset of the touchpoints are data-encoding touchpoints arranged in a circular geometric configuration in which a position of each touchpoint conveys encoded data and a second subset of the touchpoints are reference touchpoints in relation to which data-encoding touchpoints are positioned. A method and system are provided for retrieving information from an information carrier object applied to a touch-sensitive interface.