Microsoft Patents Dynamic User Interface That Changes According To A Type Of Input

A patent regarding touch UI from Microsoft became public today. Several modern devices such as Surface Pro series, Galaxy Note series supports both touch and stylus for interaction. In these cases, the UI of the application remains same whether you are using touch or pen/stylus input. This patent describes an improved dynamic user interface in which an UI of an application may be optimized according to a type of input detected. For example, if touch input is used, the UI may be presented in touch-optimized mode, where the UI may be displayed in a manner that is optimized for touch or gesture input. If a user switches between touch and precision modes (e.g., the user uses a finger tap and a mouse), a precision UI may be presented, wherein the precision UI may be optimized for precision input.

Abstract:

An improved dynamic user interface is provided. According to a type of input detected, an application UI may be optimized to the type of input. Optimization may include arrangement of functionality controls, as well as interaction models of UI elements to provide a better user experience depending on a type of input mechanism being used. If touch input is used, the functionality controls in a touch-optimized UI may be spaced farther apart, hit target areas may be larger, and behavior of the functionality controls may be optimized for touch input. If a user switches between touch and precision modes (e.g., the user uses a finger tap and a mouse), a precision UI may be presented, where functionality controls may be more compactly arranged and may utilize features specific to a mouse, pen/stylus, or other type of precision input device.

Source: USPTO