Two Step Content Selection for Precise Subset Editing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Precise content selection in computer programs can be difficult due to factors like large selection objects, environmental conditions, and user motor impairments, making it challenging to accurately select and manipulate content.
Innovation Solution
A two-step content selection method where the first step involves detecting movement of a selection object to calculate a selection area and select content, which is then copied and enlarged, and the second step allows for precise selection and editing of a subset of the content for pasting into a target location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a large selection object (e.g., finger) is used for content selection, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The selection process is divided into two distinct steps: first selecting a larger area of content, then precisely selecting a subset within that area. This segmentation allows the user to benefit from larger selection objects for initial selection while achieving precision in the final selection through the second step.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a temporal dimension to the selection process by using two sequential steps instead of a single simultaneous action. The first step establishes a selection area, and the second step refines it, adding a time-based layer to the spatial selection operation.
2Ease of operation
If environmental conditions (e.g., vibration or movement) are present, then ease of operation may be maintained, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The first step of selecting a larger area of content serves as a preliminary action that establishes a selection area before the final precise selection is made. This preliminary selection buffer allows users to compensate for environmental disturbances while still achieving accurate final selections.
3Ease of operation
If motor impairment is present, then ease of operation may be maintained, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The two-step selection process segments the selection task into a coarse selection phase and a fine selection phase, allowing users with motor impairments to complete the easier first step and then make precise adjustments in the second step without requiring high precision in a single motion.
4Device complexity
If a single-step selection method is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The selection operation is segmented into two distinct steps with different purposes: the first step for broad content area selection and the second step for precise subset selection. This segmentation increases precision while keeping each individual step relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
By adding a temporal dimension with two sequential steps, the system achieves higher precision without making either step overly complex. The first step handles the coarse selection and the second step handles the fine selection, distributing the complexity across time.
Data Source
AI summary
In a first step of a two step content selection operation, initial content can be selected by detecting movement of a content selection object with respect to a computing device. The selection area can be calculated based on the object movement that is detected. The content within the selection area can be selected and displayed in a second display area overlaying the original content. The initial content can be copied into the second display area. All or part of the initial content can be enlarged, enabling the second step of the selection operation in which a subset of the initial content is selected.