Touchscreen Message Filtering via Directional Gesture Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices face challenges in efficiently navigating and filtering unread messages using one-handed gestures, as current methods often require two-handed operations or are prone to errors, especially in busy environments.

Innovation Solution

A mobile electronic device with a touchscreen that detects sliding touch inputs with a change in direction and static touch inputs near the edge, allowing for the display of a list of unread messages, enabling easy navigation and filtering of messages using ergonomic one-handed gestures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual filtering methods (pull down menus, navigation buttons) are used, then messages can be filtered, but the operation becomes complex and error-prone requiring two-handed operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of message filteringVSAvoidoperational complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical navigation methods (pull-down menus, navigation buttons requiring precise manual manipulation) with a gesture-based control system. The gesture detector identifies patterns in touch movements (swiping, tapping, holding) to trigger filtering operations, converting complex multi-step mechanical interactions into simple, intuitive physical gestures that can be executed with one hand.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically detects and responds to gesture patterns without requiring the user to manually navigate through menus or configure settings. The gesture detector continuously monitors touch input and automatically applies appropriate filtering based on recognized patterns, eliminating the need for users to service complex navigation interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If traditional navigation methods are used, then messages can be accessed, but errors increase in busy environments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of message accessVSAvoidusability in busy environments
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The gesture detection system provides immediate visual feedback when a gesture is recognized and executed. The system monitors touch patterns in real-time and confirms gesture execution through interface responses, allowing users to verify correct operation instantly. This feedback mechanism reduces errors by ensuring users know their input was correctly interpreted, which is critical in busy environments where attention may be divided.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If one-handed operation is enabled, then usability improves, but precise gesture detection becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveone-handed usabilityVSAvoidgesture detection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The gesture detection system is designed to recognize a variety of dynamic touch patterns including swipes, taps, holds, and combinations thereof. Rather than requiring precise static positioning, the system detects movement patterns and temporal characteristics of touches, making it robust to the natural variations in one-handed gestures while maintaining high detection accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2827221B1Device and method for filtering messages
Publication Date: 2019.09.04 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP2827221B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2827221B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2827221B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A device and method for filtering messages is provided. The device comprises: a processor; a memory storing messages, at least a subset of the messages designated as unread messages; and a touchscreen including a display. A sliding touch input is detected at the touchscreen, the sliding touch input including a change in direction, the sliding touch input terminating in a static touch input proximal an edge of the touchscreen. In response to detecting the static touch input, a list of the unread messages is provided at the display.