Virtual Control Segments for Touchscreen GUI Adaptability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing graphical user interfaces (GUIs) on touch screens often have controls that are not easily accessible or tailored to user preferences, requiring significant effort and time to manipulate, especially on small screens.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for displaying a virtual control on a touch-sensitive display screen with detachable control segments that cycle through program options based on user movement, allowing easy manipulation of GUI features like browser tabs by detecting contact and movement, and activating corresponding control instructions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional fixed-scale virtual controls are used in GUI, then the control structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the ease of operation deteriorates because controls are not easily accessible or tailored to user preferences, requiring significant effort and time to manipulate
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual control is divided into multiple detachable control segments that can be independently manipulated. Each segment represents a different control function or parameter, allowing users to access and manipulate specific controls without moving entire control panels. This segmentation enables tailored control arrangements while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The control segments are designed to be virtually detachable and repositionable, transforming static fixed controls into dynamic flexible controls. Users can detach segments from their original positions and reattach them elsewhere on the display, enabling real-time customization of control layouts to match user preferences and improve accessibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If controls are made detachable and repositionable to improve user preferences, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases due to additional control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The control segments are designed as universal, multi-functional elements that can serve different purposes depending on their position and configuration. Each segment can be detached and reused in different locations or contexts, eliminating the need for separate specialized controls for each function. This universality increases adaptability while actually reducing overall system complexity by reusing the same modular components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple control segments are provided for different functions, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases due to multiple interactive elements
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into independent, standardized control segments that can be selectively activated. Rather than providing all controls simultaneously, the system divides functionality into discrete segments that can be individually enabled or disabled based on user needs, reducing the perceived complexity while maintaining comprehensive adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A virtual control is displayed on a touch-responsive display screen. The virtual control visually is displayed as multiple control segments, and layered over an active graphical user interface (GUI). When a contact and subsequent movement is detected on the surface of the display screen at a selected control segment, the selected control segment visually detaches and moves in the direction of the movement. Simultaneously, the GUI is instructed to cycle through a plurality of available program options based on a current position of the selected control segment on the display screen. When the contact is released, the GUI is set to a selected option corresponding to the current position of the selected control segment.