Touchscreen Pointing via Vertical Distance Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing touchscreen systems face challenges in allowing users to intuitively point to and select objects that are either hidden behind their finger or distant from their finger tip, as they require the user to hold the device differently or use external buttons, which complicates the relationship between the object and the button.
Innovation Solution
A method that calculates the coordinates of a point Q on a touchscreen by determining the vertical distance R from the finger tip to the touchscreen surface, extending a line segment OQ in the same direction as the line segment OP connecting the origin O and the finger tip, with a length proportional to R, allowing the system to determine object selection based on display attributes changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the user directly touches the touchscreen to select an object, then the operation is intuitive and simple, but the user cannot point to objects that are hidden behind the finger or distant from the finger tip
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a third dimension (vertical distance from touchscreen surface) to extend the pointing range beyond the limited two-dimensional finger reach. By detecting the vertical distance R and mapping it to an extended position on the touchscreen, users can select objects that are hidden or distant without leaving the intuitive touch interface.
2Adaptability or versatility
If external buttons are disposed outside the display area to extend pointing range, then objects beyond finger reach become selectable, but the relationship between objects and buttons becomes difficult to understand
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using separate external buttons, the patent creates a virtual extension of the touchscreen surface by mapping the vertical distance to an extended position Q on the display area. This copying approach maintains the visual relationship between objects and their selectable positions while extending the reachable range.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the user holds the device differently to access distant objects, then all objects become reachable, but the operation becomes more complex and less intuitive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical solution of physically repositioning the device with an automated sensing and calculation system. The system automatically detects the vertical distance R and calculates the extended position Q, eliminating the need for users to manually adjust device orientation while maintaining full object accessibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, system and computer program product for pointing to an object displayed on a touchscreen, the touchscreen having a display function. The coordinates of a point P, the point P being a position of a fingertip of a user on a surface of the touchscreen, is calculated. A vertical distance R between the surface of the touchscreen and the fingertip is further calculated. Furthermore, the coordinates of a point Q of a line segment OQ is calculated, the line segment OQ extending in the same direction as a line segment OP connecting an origin O on the surface of the touchscreen and the point P, the line segment OQ having a length that is proportional to the vertical distance R. In response to an object being displayed at the coordinates of the point Q, determining that the object has been pointed to.