Touchscreen Command Input With Visual Starting Indicator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current touchscreen-based command input methods for computer-based apparatuses are cumbersome and prone to unintended operating errors, particularly in safety-critical operations, due to the need for multiple confirmations and complex gesture recognition.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a first graphic element on a touchscreen to initiate a movement towards a second graphic element, followed by a follow-up action such as dwelling or a specific movement pattern, to confirm commands, enhancing user interaction and reducing errors through visual and haptic feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a safety query with confirmation button is displayed on the touchscreen, then operating errors are avoided, but the command input duration becomes relatively long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by displaying a visual indicator at the starting position before the user completes the gesture. This indicator appears as the user begins the dragging motion, preparing the system to recognize the command once the gesture is completed, thereby reducing the overall input duration while maintaining safety confirmation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by providing real-time visual indication during the gesture input process. The indicator displayed at the starting position gives the user immediate feedback that the system has detected the gesture initiation, allowing the user to complete the action confidently and quickly without unnecessary delays.
2Reliability
If multiple confirmation steps are required for irreversible commands, then operating errors are reduced, but the operation becomes comparatively cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the confirmation function into the gesture itself by using the starting position indicator as both a visual guide and a confirmation mechanism. The gesture of dragging from the indicated starting position to a target serves as both the command input and the confirmation, eliminating separate confirmation steps while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting and confirming the user's intent through the gesture pattern. The visual indicator at the starting position enables the system to self-verify the command without requiring additional user actions, making the operation simpler while maintaining reliability.
3Ease of operation
If a touchscreen interface is used for direct command input, then ease of operation is improved, but the risk of unintended activations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by displaying a visual indicator at the exact starting position where the user should initiate the gesture. This preliminary visual cue ensures the user begins the command at the correct location, preventing unintended activations while maintaining the simplicity of direct touchscreen interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical confirmation mechanisms (such as physical buttons or multiple dialog boxes) with a visual indicator system on the touchscreen. This substitution maintains the ease of direct touchscreen operation while adding a layer of reliability through precise visual guidance that prevents accidental activations.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, an apparatus comprises a touchscreen and a control device for executing an operating command which is input on the user side via the touchscreen. The control device is adapted to control the touchscreen such that, in order to prompt a command input, a first graphic element marking a touching starting location and a destination graphic arrangement having at least one second graphic element at a distance from the first graphic element are displayed on the touchscreen. The control device is further adapted to recognise a command input depending detecting a first movement of at least one object over the touchscreen starting from the touching starting location continuously up to a second graphic element of the destination graphic arrangement and on reaching this second graphic element a movement stoppage of the object, followed by a follow-up action of the object on the touchscreen.