Touchscreen Time Bar Interface for Precise Range Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing user interfaces on small screen devices, such as mobile phones, are not well-suited for entering parameter ranges due to the small size of objects displayed relative to a user's finger, making it difficult to accurately input and manipulate time ranges.
Innovation Solution
A touchscreen-based method and apparatus for entering, modifying, merging, and removing time ranges by displaying a time bar and using touch inputs to place, drag, and release time markers, allowing users to select and edit time ranges graphically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If text input fields are used for entering parameter ranges, then the input method is simple to implement, but the input precision and user control are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional text input to a two-dimensional graphical time bar interface. Users can visually select time ranges by dragging across the time bar, which provides much finer precision control than text input while maintaining simplicity through intuitive graphical interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The time bar serves as an intermediary between the user and the time range data. Instead of directly inputting text values, users interact with the visual time bar representation, which then translates their selections into precise time range values, improving both precision and usability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional time grid interfaces are used with multiple rows for time ranges, then multiple time ranges can be entered, but the screen space consumption is excessive on small devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple time range entries into a single consolidated time bar interface. Instead of requiring separate rows for each time range, all time ranges are represented and manipulated within one visual timeline, dramatically reducing screen space while maintaining the ability to handle multiple ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The time bar serves multiple functions simultaneously: it displays the timeline, allows selection of multiple time ranges, enables editing of individual ranges, and provides visual feedback for overlaps and conflicts. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate interface elements for each operation.
3Length of moving object
If small objects are displayed on mobile phone screens, then the device portability is maintained, but the input accuracy and user interaction precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the full width of the small screen to create an extended horizontal time bar, effectively utilizing the available screen real estate in the horizontal dimension. This allows for much finer time selection precision despite the limited vertical space and small overall screen size.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface dynamically adjusts the time bar scaling and marker sizes based on the device screen dimensions. On smaller screens, the time bar expands to utilize available space, and interaction targets are optimized for finger touch precision, maintaining accuracy across different device sizes.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are methods and apparatuses for receiving the input of parameter ranges into computing devices. In one embodiment, a method is disclosed for accepting user input of a time range into a computing device equipped with a touchscreen. The method includes displaying a time bar on the touchscreen and receiving a touch input ending at a first location and a second touch input ending at a second location. The computing device displays time markers at the first and second locations. The method further includes identifying first and second times corresponding to the first and second locations and a time range including the first and second times. The method further includes receiving a third touch input commencing at one of the time markers and terminating at a third location. The method further includes updating the time marker at the position of the third location and updating the time range.