Touchscreen Formatting Copy via Object Contact Gesture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for changing formatting attributes of user interface objects on touch-sensitive devices are cumbersome and inefficient, requiring multiple steps through menus, which increases cognitive burden and energy consumption, especially in battery-operated devices.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a method that allows users to simultaneously display two user interface objects with different formatting attributes, where one object's attributes are changed to match the other upon contact, using gestures on a touch-sensitive display, eliminating the need for navigating through menus.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If existing keyboard-based methods are used to change object attributes, then formatting attributes can be changed, but the process requires multiple steps through menus which increases cognitive burden and time consumption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of changing formatting attributesVSAvoidtime to change formatting attributes

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the copying principle by enabling users to copy formatting attributes from one user interface object to another through direct contact on the touch-sensitive display. When a second object contacts a first object, the formatting attributes (such as color, font, size) are automatically copied, eliminating the need to navigate through menus to change each attribute individually.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The touch-sensitive display serves as an intermediary that enables direct interaction between objects. By allowing objects to contact each other on the touch-sensitive surface, the system mediates the transfer of formatting attributes without requiring users to interact with intermediate menu structures or control panels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If existing methods are used to change object attributes, then formatting can be modified, but the process is cumbersome and inefficient requiring multiple steps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveefficiency of changing formatting attributesVSAvoidcomplexity of the interface for changing attributes

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of object selection, attribute viewing, and attribute modification into a single interaction. By combining these operations into one contact gesture on the touch-sensitive display, the interface complexity is reduced while improving productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides self-service by automatically copying formatting attributes when objects contact each other on the touch-sensitive display. The system autonomously performs the attribute transfer without requiring users to manually configure each attribute through complex menu structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Use of energy by moving object

If existing methods are used to change formatting attributes, then attributes can be modified, but it takes longer than necessary thereby wasting energy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumption during attribute changingVSAvoidduration of attribute changing operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables skipping the intermediate steps of menu navigation and attribute-by-attribute modification. By rushing through the process with a single contact gesture that instantly copies all formatting attributes, the system reduces both the time required and the energy consumed during the operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #21Skipping (Rushing through)

Data Source

PatentUS9626098B2Device, method, and graphical user interface for copying formatting attributes

Publication Date: 2017.04.18 APPLE INC

AI summary

An electronic device simultaneously displays on a touch-sensitive display a first user interface object and a second user interface object. The second user interface object has formatting attributes, one or more of which are distinct from corresponding formatting attributes in the first user interface object. The device detects a first contact on the first user interface object and a second contact on the second user interface object. While continuing to detect the first contact and the second contact, the device detects movement of the second contact across the touch-sensitive display, and moves the second user interface object in accordance with the movement of the second contact. The device changes one or more formatting attributes for the second user interface object to match corresponding formatting attributes for the first user interface object if the second user interface object contacts the first user interface object while moving.