Single touch process to achieve dual touch user interface

摘要

A process to experience a two touch interface with single touch functionality is disclosed. Use of two fingers simultaneously presents a degree of freedom constraint on the hand. In an embodiment of the present invention, the simultaneous two touch interface is simulated using a single touch process. In a special input mode, a mechanism is used to first fix a point of reference. A second and subsequent single touch with respect to the fixed point of reference is then made. The time skewed touches enable free use of the index finger for both touches. Closed figures are easily drawn and zoom in and zoom out functions are similarly implemented by a point of reference and a line traced away from or to the object. Limitations of the dual touch are overcome, while maintaining full interface capability of the dual touch.

主权项

1. A touch interface method comprising:
responsive to a first user interaction with a touch screen, entering a first mode of operation; within the first mode of operation, recognizing a second user interaction with the touch screen, the second user interaction being to establish a point of reference; subsequent to the second user interaction and within the first mode of operation, recognizing a third user interaction with the touch screen wherein the third user interaction includes a finger swipe spaced a first distance to the point of reference to establish scrolling at a first speed; and subsequent to the second user interaction and within the first mode of operation, recognizing a user interaction including a finger swipe spaced a second distance to the point of reference to establish scrolling at a second speed, wherein the touch screen is a single touch sensitive touch screen comprising a flat panel display and wherein within a second mode of operation different from the first mode of operation, not recognizing the second user interaction as establishing the point of reference.