Touchscreen UI Mode Switching by Display Orientation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Transitioning between touch-based and mouse/keyboard-based input modes on touch screens is inefficient and often disruptive to user workflow due to differences in UI suitability for each mode.
Innovation Solution
Sensing changes in the orientation of a display using sensors such as accelerometers and rotation sensors to automatically trigger transitions between high-resolution and low-resolution input modes, adjusting the user interface accordingly by sliding or zooming elements off-screen and allowing retrieval through intuitive touch gestures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the display is used for touch-based input mode, then the interface is suitable for touch interaction, but it is not suited for mouse/keyboard-based input mode
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically changes the user interface based on the detected input mode. When the display orientation changes indicating a switch from touch-based to mouse/keyboard input (or vice versa), the system automatically transitions between different UI configurations optimized for each input mode, making the interface adaptable to the current interaction method
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes UI parameters such as element size, positioning, and layout based on the detected input mode. The processor detects orientation changes and modifies display parameters to optimize the interface for either touch or mouse/keyboard interaction, resolving the contradiction between touch suitability and input mode versatility
2Measurement precision
If the display is used for mouse/keyboard-based input mode, then the interface is suitable for precise input, but it is not suited for touch-based input mode
Solution Approach 1:
The user interface dynamically adapts to the detected input mode by modifying element characteristics. When mouse/keyboard input is detected, the UI displays smaller, more densely packed elements suitable for precise pointer control. When touch input is detected, elements are enlarged and spaced appropriately for finger interaction, thus maintaining precision when needed and ease of touch operation when required
3Ease of operation
If manual transition between input modes is implemented, then user control is maintained, but user workflow is disrupted and efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects display orientation changes and autonomously transitions between input modes without requiring explicit user commands. The processor monitors sensor data, determines when the display orientation indicates a mode change, and automatically switches the UI configuration, thereby maintaining user control through implicit intent while eliminating manual transition steps that disrupt workflow
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from orientation sensors to automatically adjust the input mode. The processor continuously monitors display orientation and uses this feedback to determine when to switch between touch-based and mouse/keyboard modes, creating a responsive system that adapts to user behavior patterns without interrupting workflow
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates seamless transitions between input modes with minimal user input, reducing clutter and maintaining user familiarity by preserving essential UI elements, thus enhancing user experience.
Implementation Method 1
an accelerometer in the display can sense the force of gravity along an axis, and the measured force can be used to determine an angle of the display with respect to the ground
Implementation Method 2
a rotation sensor can be mounted in an adjustable stand of the display. The rotation sensor can measure a rotation position of the stand, such as an angle between the base of the stand and a hinged arm that connects the base and the display
Data Source
AI summary
Transitioning between a high-resolution input mode, such as a mouse-based interface, and a low-resolution input mode, such as a touch-based interface, is described. A change of orientation of a touch screen between a first orientation and a second orientation is detected. Transitioning between the two input modes and corresponding user interfaces (UIs) is based on the detected change of orientation. A change of orientation can be detected with one or more sensors, such as an accelerometer, position sensors, etc. Transitioning from one mode to another can include modifying an item displayed in the UI of the one mode into a corresponding item displayed in the UI of the other mode. The modifying can include enlarging/reducing, obscuring/unobscuring, moving, etc. For example, an item can be obscured by the visual effect of sliding it off of the screen.