DE102014217357A1 - Moving graphical screen elements on touch-sensitive input / output unit - Google Patents

Abstract

Method and arrangement for moving graphical elements on a touch-sensitive input / output unit of an electrical device or between different electrical devices.

Description

The invention relates to a method for moving graphical elements on a touch-sensitive input / output unit of an electrical device. Furthermore, the invention relates to an electrical device and an arrangement, each set up for carrying out the method. Furthermore, the invention relates to a computer program product and a computer-readable medium, each comprising machine-readable instructions for performing the method.

In particular, portable computers (e.g., laptops, notebooks, PDAs) and communication terminals (e.g., smartphones, tablet computers) with touch-sensitive input / output units (e.g., touch screens) are widely used today. A touch screen can e.g. be implemented as a resistive system with an indium tin oxide (ITO) film, or else, e.g. based on capacitive or inductive technology.

On a touchscreen, graphical controls (e.g., icons) are typically displayed, activating them (e.g., by tapping the corresponding icon) to launch programs or applications (apps) on the device.

The devices usually already have a basic configuration of programs and applications with associated icons for activation. However, a user may also load additional applications (apps) onto his device provided by so-called app store providers (e.g., Google Play Store, Amazon Appstore).

Thus, there is a need for a user for a simple and user-friendly method of customizing icons on the touchscreen of his device.

The patent US 8619038 B2 discloses a method for moving icons on a touch screen. In this method, an icon to be moved is selected by a finger touch and moved to a destination by a continuous movement on the touch screen and "dropped" (drag-and-drop). However, the uninterrupted movement on the touchscreen required by a user is unwieldy, especially when moving over several display pages of the touchscreen.

It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a simple method for moving graphical elements on a touch-sensitive input / output unit of an electrical device, in particular for shifting over a plurality of display pages of the touch-sensitive input / output unit.

The object is achieved by a method for moving graphical elements on a touch-sensitive input / output unit of an electrical device, the method comprising the following steps:
Representing the graphical element to be moved on a first region on the touch-sensitive input / output unit;
Selecting the graphic element to be displaced by a mechanical contact of the graphic element to be displaced, wherein the mechanical contact occurs at least for a predefined period of time;
Selecting a second region on a touch-sensitive input / output unit;
Selecting a destination within the second region of the touch-sensitive input / output unit by mechanically touching the destination at least for the predefined period of time;
Selecting a second region (R2, R2 ') on a touch-sensitive input / output unit, selecting a target location (ZO1, ZO2) within the second region of the touch-sensitive input / output unit by mechanically touching the target location at least for the predefined time period, and
Positioning the graphic element to be moved at the destination (ZO1, ZO2).

Advantageously, the predefined time period is longer than the time required to perform a function represented by the graphical element (e.g., "Weather" app or "Calendar" app) (e.g., click time). The length of the predefined time period may e.g. be determined by a corresponding menu entry in the settings of the respective graphical element user-defined.

Graphical elements (e.g., icons) on touch-sensitive surfaces or displays (so-called touchscreens) can be moved in a user-defined manner without the user having to remain permanently connected to the touchscreen with a finger or pen. Thus, the graphical elements for a user are easier and more comfortable to move on an electrical device (e.g., smartphone, tablet computer) or even transferred to other devices. The transfer to other devices can be done by moving or copying the graphical element, depending on the user's preference. The selection between move and copy may e.g. done by a different length of contact time.

Of course, it is also possible that a graphic element can be moved within the same region of the touch screen. A physical region of the touchscreen (eg a Tray) typically contains multiple rows and / or multiple columns in which graphical elements can be arranged. Each row or column of a region (eg tray or dock) can thus be considered as a separate region. In principle, any area on a touch screen can be defined as the first or second region in the sense of the invention. One can also speak of virtual regions on the touchscreen in this context.

A first advantageous embodiment of the invention is that the predefined period of time is longer than the contact time for activating the graphical element. Activation of the graphic symbol, i. The application program (app) represented by the graphical symbol is usually started by briefly tapping the graphic symbol. If the time period to select the icon is longer than the app start time to start the app, it will ensure that an app to be moved is not started by mistake. Advantageously, the contact time for selecting a graphical element to be shifted is in the range of 1-2 sec.

A further advantageous embodiment of the invention is that after the selection of the graphic element to be moved, this changes its representation (visual feedback). The graphical element may e.g. after a selection with a bold outline or a color change. Due to the changed representation, a user knows which graphical element is selected for movement.

A further advantageous embodiment of the invention is that the selection of the graphic element to be displaced by a mechanical contact with a finger, a stylus or positioning of a cursor via a corresponding input device. The means for selecting a graphical element is thus flexibly selectable. Advantageously, a suitable and appropriate selection of the selection agent based on the implementation technology of the touch screen.

A further advantageous embodiment of the invention is that the first and the second region are located on different display sides of the touch-sensitive input / output unit. Especially on smartphones and tablet computers, the scope for displaying graphic elements is limited. This problem is typically solved by having multiple pages available on a device to display graphical elements. About a page turning mechanism can be changed by a user between different pages. Among other things, the present invention allows a graphic element to be very elegantly and easily moved between different display pages, especially between non-consecutive pages.

A further advantageous embodiment of the invention is that the second region is located on a touch-sensitive input / output unit of the electrical device. The present invention allows, inter alia, that a graphical element can be moved very elegantly and simply between different display pages of the same electrical appliance, in particular between non-consecutive sides of the appliance.

A further advantageous embodiment of the invention is that a second electrical device is connected to the electrical device via a communication link (eg WLAN), wherein an exchange mechanism for graphical elements between the electrical device and the second electrical device is set up, and wherein the second region is located on a touch-sensitive input / output unit of the second device. The communication link may be e.g. to act a Wi-Fi connection or a Bluetooth connection. The replacement mechanism may be e.g. to trade a common user account with an app store provider (e.g., Google Play Store, Amazon Appstore), or act to authorize access to a social media account (e.g., Facebook) for both electrical devices.

Furthermore, the object is achieved by a computer program product, comprising a program code stored on at least one storage medium, which is designed to perform the inventive method when executed by an electronic processor device of an electrical device with a touch-sensitive input / output unit. By implementing the inventive shift method in a computer program product, it is e.g. possible with an app store provider (e.g., Google Play Store, Amazon Appstore) to download the inventive method as an app ("move app") to a device (e.g., smartphone, tablet). The device can thus be retrofitted to the shift function "upgraded".

In addition, the object is achieved by a computer-readable medium, comprising machine-readable instructions which, when executed by an electronic processor device of an electrical device with a touch-sensitive input / output unit, make the electrical device capable of carrying out the method according to the invention. About suitable computer-readable media (eg USB memory stick or memory cards (flash cards), the inventive method can be distributed or loaded onto devices.

Furthermore, the object is achieved by an electrical device, comprising:
a touch-sensitive input / output unit for displaying a graphic element to be moved; and
an electronic processor device, configured for carrying out the inventive method. The electrical device may be, for example, a smartphone, a tablet computer or a notebook. Especially with smartphones, the display pages are very crowded with downloaded apps and confusing. In the case of an electrical device equipped according to the invention, the icons for apps can be moved very easily and arranged in a user-defined manner.

Furthermore, the object is achieved by an arrangement comprising:
a correspondingly equipped first electrical device (eg smartphone or tablet);
a suitably equipped second electrical device (eg smartphone or tablet);
a communication network (eg, WLAN) for providing a communication link between the first and second electrical devices, wherein an exchange mechanism (eg, shared account with an app store provider) for graphical elements (eg, icons or tiles) between the first electrical device Device and the second electrical device is set up; and
wherein the first and the second electrical device each comprise an electronic processor device, set up for carrying out the method according to the invention. First and second electrical devices may belong to different users. The graphical elements (eg icons or tiles) may be moved between the first electrical device and the second electrical device or, depending on the usage option, also copied. A usage option can be done, for example, by a different duration of contact time.

The invention and advantageous embodiments of the present invention will be explained using the example of the following figures. Showing:

1 a first exemplary schematic representation for a use of the present invention,

2 a second exemplary schematic representation of a use of the present invention, and

3 an exemplary flowchart with method steps for carrying out the present invention.

1 shows a first exemplary schematic diagram for use of the present invention. The representation according to 1 shows the electrical device EG1 (eg a smartphone) with a touch-sensitive input / output unit D1. Advantageously, the touch-sensitive input / output unit is a touch-sensitive display D1, which is also referred to as touchscreen. The touch screen D1 has a touch-sensitive transparent user input area as an input unit and a display as an output unit. The touch screen D1 of the electrical appliance EG1 contains two regions R1 and R2. In 1 For example, the two regions R1 and R2 are shown on the same display side of the touch panel D1 as an example. The two regions R1 and R2 may also be located on different display sides of the touch screen D1. The regions R1 and R2 may be, for example, a notification field (Taskbar Notification Area (TNA)), a tray, a taskbar (taskbar) or a so-called "dock".

For example, a graphical element GE1-GE3 can be an icon, a tile, or a dialog box (dialog box) for user input. In 1 the graphic elements GE1-GE3 are shown for example applications (applications) "game", "music" and "phone".

The representation according to 1 shows exemplary states A to D for the displacement of the graphic element GE1 "game" from the region R1 to a destination ZO1 in the region R2.

• – Darstellen des zu verschiebenden grafischen Elementes GE1 „game“ auf einer ersten beispielhaften Region R1 auf der berührungssensitiven Ein-/Ausgabeeinheit D1 des elektrischen Gerätes EG1;
• – Selektieren des zu verschiebenden grafischen Elementes GE1 „game“ durch eine mechanische Berührung des zu verschiebenden grafischen Elementes, wobei die mechanische Berührung mindestens für eine vordefinierte Zeitperiode (z.B. in einem Bereich von 1–2 Sekunden) erfolgt;
• – Auswählen einer zweiten Region R2 auf der berührungssensitiven Ein-/Ausgabeeinheit D1;
• – Selektieren eines Zielortes ZO1 innerhalb der zweiten Region R2 der berührungssensitiven Ein-/Ausgabeeinheit D1 durch mechanische Berührung des Zielortes ZO1 mindestens für die vordefinierte Zeitperiode, und
• – Positionieren des zu verschiebenden grafischen Elementes GE1 „game“ am Zielort ZO1 in der Region R2.

The method of, for example, moving the graphical element GE1 "game" on the touch-sensitive input / output unit D1 of the electrical appliance EG1 comprises the following steps:

• Representing the graphic element GE1 "game" to be shifted on a first exemplary region R1 on the touch-sensitive input / output unit D1 of the electrical appliance EG1;
• Selecting the graphic element GE1 "game" to be displaced by a mechanical contact of the graphic element to be displaced, the mechanical contact taking place at least for a predefined period of time (eg in a range of 1-2 seconds);
• Selecting a second region R2 on the touch-sensitive input / output unit D1;
• - Selecting a destination ZO1 within the second region R2 of the touch-sensitive input / output unit D1 by mechanical Touching the target location ZO1 at least for the predefined time period, and
• - Positioning of the displaceable graphic element GE1 "game" at the destination ZO1 in the region R2.

In 1 the selection of the graphic element GE1 "game" to be shifted and the selection of the destination ZO1 are effected by mechanical contact by a finger of a hand H1, but in principle a stylus or a cursor (control by input mouse) could also be used.

Advantageously, the contact times for selecting the graphical element to be moved and for selecting a destination are identical.

From an ergonomic point of view, the contact time for the selection of the destination should not be longer than the contact time for the selection of the graphic element to be moved.

Description of the states A to D according to 1 :

Condition A:

On the touch screen D1 of the electrical device EG1 (eg a snartphone or tablet) several graphical elements GE1 GE3 are shown. The graphic elements GE1 "game" and GE2 "music" are located in the region R1, the graphic element GE3 "phone" is located in the region R2 of the touchscreen D1. A user wants to move the graphical element GE1 "game" from its original location in region R1 to a destination ZO1 in region R2. To do this, the user selects the graphic element GE1 "game" by touch (the contact is advantageously made by a mechanical contact), wherein the contact is made at least for a predefined period of time (eg at least 1 second). In 1 For example, selection is made by touching a finger of a user's hand H1. The contact can be done in principle but also by a suitable stylus.

Condition B:

Here it is shown that the selected graphic element GE1 "game" changes its presentation form. Shown here by way of example by a bold border. However, the changed form of representation of a selected graphic element can also be used e.g. by a color change or other highlighting (e.g., highlighting).

State C:

The user determines on the touch screen D1 by touching with the finger of a hand H1 the destination ZO1 for the graphical element GE1 to be moved. In 1 the destination ZO1 lies in a region R2 of the touch screen D1. The determination (selection) of the destination ZO1 can, however, in principle also take place by means of a suitable stylus.

Of course, it is also possible that a graphic element can be moved within the same region of the touch screen. A physical region of the touch screen (e.g., a tray) typically includes multiple rows and / or columns in which graphical elements may be arranged. Each row or column of a region (e.g., tray or dock) may thus be construed as a separate region. In principle, any area on a touch screen can be defined as the first or second region in the sense of the invention.

Condition D:

In this state, it is shown that the graphical element GE1 "game" to be relocated has been repositioned from its original location in the region R1 to the destination location ZO1 in the region R2.

2 shows a second exemplary schematic diagram for use of the present invention. The representation according to 2 shows the electrical devices EG2 and EG3 (eg smartphones), each with a touch-sensitive input / output unit (touch screen) D2 or D3. On a region R1 'of the touch screen D2 of device EG2 are the exemplary graphic elements GE4 "game" and GE5 "music". On a further region WR of the touch screen D2 is the exemplary graphical element GE6 "phone".

On a region R2 'of the touch screen D3 of the electrical device EG3 are the exemplary graphical elements GE7 "friends" and GE8 "music".

The electrical devices EG2 and EG3 are connected for data or information exchange via a communication link KV (eg WLAN connection, Bluetooth connection or mobile radio connection (eg GSM)). For this purpose, the electrical devices (as usual today) with appropriate communication mechanisms (eg antenna) equipped with appropriate software or firmware. With an exchange mechanism, a graphical element can be moved or copied from the touch screen D2 of the device EG2 to the touch screen D3 of the device EG3. "Move" and "Copy" can eg different duration of contact times are activated. The replacement mechanism may be, for example, a shared user account with an app store provider (eg Google Play Store, Amazon Appstore) or act as an authorized for both electrical device access to a social media account (eg Facebook).

In 2 the selection of the displaceable graphic element GE4 "game" and the selection of the destination ZO2 by mechanical touch by a finger of a hand H2, but it could in principle also a stylus or a cursor (control by input mouse) are used. The selection of the graphical element to be moved on the device EG2 and the selection of the destination ZO2 on the device EG3 can be done by the same or by different users.

Description of the states A to D according to 2 :

Condition A:

On the touchscreen D2 of the electrical device EG2 (eg a smartphone or tablet) several graphical elements GE4-GE6 are shown. The graphic elements GE4 "game" and GE5 "music" are located in the region R1 ', the graphic element GE6 "phone" is located in a further region WR of the touchscreen D2. A user wants to move the graphic element GE4 "game" from its original location in the region R1 'to a destination ZO2 on a region R2' of the touch screen D3 of the device EG3 (eg tablet or smartphone). For this purpose, the user selects the graphical element GE4 "game" by touch (with advantage the contact is made by a mechanical contact), whereby the touch occurs at least for a predefined period of time (eg at least 1 second). In 2 For example, selection is made by touching a finger of a user's hand H1. The contact can be done in principle but also by a suitable stylus.

Condition B:

Here it is shown that the selected graphic element GE4 "game" changes its presentation form. Shown here by way of example by a bold border. However, the changed form of representation of a selected graphic element can also be used e.g. by a color change or other highlighting (e.g., highlighting). Advantageously, in each case a different form of representation is used for a selected graphical element, according to which a "shifting" or a "copying" of the graphical element is to take place.

Through the communication link KV (e.g., WLAN), an exchange mechanism (e.g., an app installed on both devices EG2, EG3) is activated. The replacement mechanism may also be a user account authorized for both devices EG2 and EG3, e.g. at an app store provider or social media platform (e.g., Facebook). Advantageously, the exchange mechanism between device EG2 and device EG3 is activated by a "handshake" mechanism.

State C:

The user determines on the touch screen D3 by touching with the finger of a hand H2 the destination ZO2 for the to be moved graphical element GE4. In 2 is the destination ZO2 in a region R2 'of the touch screen D3 of the device EG3. The determination (selection) of the destination ZO2 can, however, in principle also be effected by means of a suitable stylus. The selection of the graphic element GE4 "game" to be moved or copied on the device EG2 and the selection of the destination ZO2 on the device EG3 can be carried out by different users.

Condition D:

In this state, it is shown that the graphical element GE4 "game" to be moved has been moved from its original location in the region R1 'of the device EG2 to the destination location ZO2 in the region R2', i. was repositioned.

In a "move" disappears the graphic element GE4 "game" on the touchscreen D2 of device EG2 after positioning on the touchscreen D3 of device EG3.

Upon a "copy", the graphic element GE4 "game" remains on the touchscreen D2 of device EG2 after positioning on the touchscreen D3 of device EG3 at its original position on the touchscreen D2 of device EG2.

• – Darstellen (VS1) des zu verschiebenden grafischen Elementes auf einer ersten Region auf der berührungssensitiven Ein-/Ausgabeeinheit;
• – Selektieren (VS2) des zu verschiebenden grafischen Elementes durch eine mechanische Berührung des zu verschiebenden grafischen Elementes, wobei die mechanische Berührung mindestens für eine vordefinierte Zeitperiode erfolgt;
• – Auswählen (VS3) einer zweiten Region auf einer berührungssensitiven Ein-/Ausgabeeinheit;
• – Selektieren (VS4) eines Zielortes innerhalb der zweiten Region der berührungssensitiven Ein-/Ausgabeeinheit durch mechanische Berührung des Zielortes mindestens für die vordefinierte Zeitperiode, und
• – Positionieren (VS5) des zu verschiebenden grafischen Elementes am Zielort.

3 shows an exemplary flowchart with method steps VS1-VS5 for moving graphical elements on a touch-sensitive input / output unit (eg touch screen) of an electrical device. The method comprises the following steps:

• - representing (VS1) the graphic element to be moved on a first region on the touch-sensitive input / output unit;
• - Selecting (VS2) of the graphic element to be moved by a mechanical touch of the graphic to be moved Element, wherein the mechanical contact is at least for a predefined period of time;
• - selecting (VS3) a second region on a touch-sensitive input / output unit;
• - Selecting (VS4) of a destination within the second region of the touch-sensitive input / output unit by mechanical contact of the destination at least for the predefined period of time, and
• - Positioning (VS5) the graphic element to be moved at the destination.

The electrical device is e.g. to a smartphone, tablet, PDA or a laptop with a touch-sensitive input / output unit. Advantageously, the touch-sensitive input / output unit is a touch-sensitive display D1, which is also referred to as touchscreen. The touch screen D1 has a touch-sensitive transparent user input area as an input unit and a display as an output unit. The electrical device also has a processor, memory and a corresponding operating system. For communication and data exchange with other devices, the electrical device has corresponding communication means (e.g., antenna) and / or LAN port.

By defining different minimum touch times for selecting a graphical element, it can be determined whether the selected graphical element (e.g., icon, tile, dialog box) should be moved or copied.

Method and arrangement for moving graphical elements on a touch-sensitive input / output unit of an electrical device or between different electrical devices.

reference numeral

• EC1-EC3

  Electric device

  GE1-E8

  Graphic element

  R1, R1 '

  First region

  R2, R2 '

  Second region

  WR

  Further region

  D1-D3

  Touch-sensitive input / output unit

  H1, H2

  hand

  ZO1, ZO2

  destination

  A, B, C, D

  Status

  KV

  communication link

  VS1-VS5

  step

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• US 8619038 B2 [0006]

Claims (11)

 Method for moving graphic elements (GE1-GE8) on a touch-sensitive input / output unit (D1-D3) of an electrical appliance (EG1-EG3), comprising the following steps: Representing the graphic element (GE1-GE8) to be shifted on a first region (R1, R1 ') on the touch-sensitive input / output unit (D1-D3); - selecting the graphic element to be displaced (GE1-GE8) by a mechanical contact of the graphic element to be displaced (GE1-GE8), the mechanical contact taking place at least for a predefined period of time; Selecting a second region (R2, R2 ') on a touch-sensitive input / output unit (D1-D3); - Selecting a destination (ZO1, ZO2) within the second region of the touch-sensitive input / output unit (D1-D3) by mechanical contact of the destination at least for the predefined period of time, and - Positioning of the graphic element to be moved (GE1-GE8) at the destination (ZO1, ZO2).  The method of claim 1, wherein the predefined time period is longer than the touch time for activating the graphical element (GE1-GE8).  Method according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein after the selection of the graphic element (GE1-GE8) to be moved, this changes its representation.  Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the selection of the graphical element to be moved (GE1-GE8) by a mechanical touch with a finger, a stylus or positioning of a cursor via a corresponding input device.  Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein first (R1, R1 ') and second region (R2, R2') are located on different display sides of the touch-sensitive input / output unit (D1-D3).  Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second region (R2, R2 ') on a touch-sensitive input / output unit (D1-D3) of the electrical device (EG1-EG3) is located.  Method according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a second electrical device (EG1-EG3) is connected to the electrical device (EG1-EG3) via a communication link (KV), wherein a graphical element exchange mechanism (GE1-GE8) between the electrical device (EG1-EG3) and the second electrical device (EG1-EG3) is set up, and wherein the second region (R2, R2 ') on a touch-sensitive input / output unit (D1-D3) of the second device (EG1- EG3) is located.  Computer program product comprising a program code stored on at least one storage medium, which is designed, when executed by an electronic processor device of an electrical appliance (EG1-EG3) with a touch-sensitive input / output unit (D1-D3), a method according to one of claims 1 to 7 perform.  Computer-readable medium comprising machine-readable instructions which, when executed by an electronic processor device of an electrical device (EG1-EG3) with a touch-sensitive input / output unit (D1-D3), the electrical device (EG1-EG3) obtains a method according to one of claims 1 to perform 7.  An electrical appliance (EG1-EG3) comprising: A touch-sensitive input / output unit (D1-D3) for displaying a graphical element (GE1-GE8) to be shifted; - An electronic processor device, adapted for carrying out a method according to one of claims 1 to 7.  An arrangement comprising: - A first electrical device (EG1-EG3) according to claim 10; - A second electrical device (EG1-EG3) according to claim 10; - A communication network (KV) for providing a communication link (KV) between the first and the second electrical device, wherein a graphic element exchange mechanism (GE1-GE8) between the first electrical device (EG1-EG3) and the second electrical device (EG1 -EG3) is set up; and wherein the first and the second electrical device (EG1-EG3) each comprise an electronic processor device, set up for carrying out a method according to one of claims 1 to 7.

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