Visible Interaction Point for Touch Screen Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Touch screens lack precision due to opaque touch objects blocking the interaction point, making it difficult for users to accurately perform gestures like drawing or selecting items on the screen.
Innovation Solution
Displaying one or more visible points of interaction on the touch screen, detected by a unique touch configuration, allows users to visually track their input and improve precision during gestures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a touch sensor panel with opaque touch objects is used, then touch input is enabled, but the interaction point is blocked from view, reducing precision
Solution Approach 1:
A virtual cursor is introduced as an intermediary visual element that represents the touch interaction point. The cursor is displayed at the detected touch location on the screen, serving as a mediator between the physical touch and the visual output. This allows users to see where their touch is registering even though their finger blocks the underlying display area.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a visual copy or representation of the touch interaction point through the cursor. Instead of directly displaying the touch point itself (which is blocked by the finger), the system displays a cursor that copies the position and function of the touch point, making it visible to the user.
2Measurement precision
If the touch object contact surface is enlarged, then touch detection accuracy is improved, but the blocked view area increases, reducing precision
Solution Approach 1:
The cursor acts as an intermediary that decouples the visual feedback from the physical touch area. Even though a larger finger contact area improves detection accuracy, the cursor provides precise visual feedback at the exact touch point, preventing the blocked view area from reducing operational precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system separates the touch detection function (which benefits from larger contact area) from the visual feedback function (which requires precise point indication). The cursor segments the visual information, providing accurate point-level feedback independent of the size of the touch object.
3Device complexity
If no visible point of interaction is displayed, then the touch screen remains simple, but user precision during gestures is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cursor provides real-time visual feedback to the user about the touch interaction point. This feedback loop allows users to adjust their gestures for greater precision while maintaining a simple interface. The cursor appears only when needed for precision tasks, adding complexity only when beneficial.
Solution Approach 2:
The cursor is dynamically activated based on the touch gesture being performed. It appears when precision is needed (such as during drawing or text entry) and can be deactivated or modified for other gestures, allowing the interface to adapt its complexity to the task at hand.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method is disclosed. The method includes: detecting at least two touches on a touch screen; determining a touch area corresponding to at least two of the touches; determining a location on the touch screen in proximity to, but at least partially outside of the touch areas; and displaying a point of interaction at the determined location on the touch screen.