UI Element Mediator for Precision Touch Targeting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Touch-sensitive devices face challenges in precise targeting due to the size of the fingertip or stylus, and inconsistent pressure during drag inputs, which can lead to unintended inputs.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves controlling the display of UI elements to maintain a topmost position, adjust transparency, size, and position, and combining drag inputs based on characteristics to ensure accurate and consistent user interactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a finger or broad-tipped stylus is used to touch the touch-sensitive device, then the input method is simple and natural, but the targeting precision deteriorates because the fingertip is larger than the target area and the user cannot see through the fingertip
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a UI element as an intermediary between the user's finger and the target object. The UI element is a graphical depiction that surrounds or is adjacent to the cursor, allowing the user to drag the UI element to precisely position the cursor. This mediator enables accurate targeting while maintaining the simplicity of finger-based input, as the user interacts with the visible UI element rather than directly manipulating the invisible cursor.
2Measurement precision
If a UI element is displayed to improve cursor control precision, then the targeting accuracy improves, but the UI element may interfere with other information or interaction with nearby targets displayed on the screen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the UI element transparent or semi-transparent in specific regions. This allows the UI element to be displayed for improved cursor control while simultaneously allowing underlying information and nearby targets to remain visible through the UI element, thereby reducing visual interference in critical areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by allowing the UI element's display properties (such as transparency, size, and position) to be dynamically adjusted based on the context. The system can modify the UI element's characteristics depending on what other information is displayed on the screen, ensuring that the UI element provides precision assistance without causing excessive interference with other displayed content.
3Ease of operation
If the user provides drag input with inconsistent pressure, then the input process is natural and forgiving, but the input accuracy deteriorates because accidental cessation of contact causes unintended inputs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by providing visual confirmation through the UI element's state changes during the drag operation. The system monitors the drag input and provides continuous visual feedback about the current input state, allowing the user to see when the drag is being recognized and when it might be interrupted. This feedback mechanism helps distinguish between intentional pauses and accidental contact loss, improving input reliability while maintaining natural interaction.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods of controlling the display and use of a UI element are disclosed. In an embodiment, the UI element may configured so that it initially maintains a topmost position but eventually allows other applications to assume the topmost position. In an embodiment, the display of the element may be adjusted in response to an input so that the UI element is not visible on the display. In an embodiment, the use of the UI element may allow for seamless dragging of the UI element even if the user inadvertently fails to make consistent contact with the touch-sensitive display while dragging the UI element.