Virtual Touchpad Segmentation for One-Handed Operation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional touch screens on portable devices are difficult to operate with one hand due to their fixed shape and size, and frequent touch interactions can damage the screen, necessitating an intuitive and natural interface to enhance user interaction.

Innovation Solution

A virtual touch pad operation method that determines whether a hovering input or touch input meets predetermined conditions, allowing the display of a virtual touch pad on the screen, which can be operated by distinguishing touch inputs based on pressure magnitude or area, enabling intuitive interaction without physical damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If the touch screen is made wider and bigger, then the display area is increased, but the ease of operation by one hand deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetouch screen areaVSAvoidone-hand operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The touch screen operation area is segmented into multiple virtual touch pads positioned at different locations. Each virtual touch pad can be operated independently, allowing users to access different functional areas without reaching across the entire screen. This segmentation enables one-hand operation on large screens by dividing the interface into manageable zones.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Virtual touch pads serve as intermediary interfaces between the user and the main touch screen. These virtual pads can be positioned closer to the user's hand and act as mediators to control the larger screen, reducing the need to reach across the entire display area while maintaining full screen functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the number of touch interactions is increased, then the user interface functionality is enhanced, but the screen damage risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser interface functionalityVSAvoidscreen damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system creates virtual copies of touch pad interfaces that can be interacted with through hovering gestures. Instead of requiring direct physical contact for all operations, hovering-based virtual touch pads provide alternative interaction methods that achieve the same functionality without increasing physical wear on the screen surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The interface dynamically switches between different interaction modes (hovering vs. touching) based on the virtual touch pad state. This dynamic behavior allows the system to provide enhanced functionality through hovering operations when possible, reducing the frequency and intensity of direct touches that cause screen damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If a virtual touch pad mode is introduced, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveone-hand operationVSAvoidoperation mode

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects user intent and switches between normal touch mode and virtual touch pad mode without requiring explicit user commands. The interface self-adjusts based on gesture patterns, reducing the cognitive load on users while maintaining the benefits of enhanced operability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The touch screen maintains universal functionality by supporting both traditional touch operations and the new virtual touch pad mode within a single interface framework. This multi-functionality allows the system to serve diverse user needs without requiring separate devices or complex mode switching mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10031604B2Control method of virtual touchpad and terminal performing the same

Publication Date: 2018.07.24 HIDEEP INC

AI summary

A virtual touch pad operation method includes: determining whether or not a hovering input or a touch input to a touch screen meets a predetermined condition; entering a virtual touch pad mode when the hovering input or the touch input meets the predetermined condition; and operating a virtual touch pad. A terminal includes: a touch screen; and a controller which controls a hovering input or a touch input to the touch screen and displays a virtual touch pad on a portion of the touch screen by the hovering input, or the terminal includes: a touch screen, and a controller which distinguishes a touch input to a virtual touch pad in accordance with a pressure magnitude or area of the touch and controls the operation of the virtual touch pad. The virtual touch pad is formed on a portion of the touch screen by the touch input satisfying a predetermined condition.