Method for managing a graphical user interface

Abstract

One aspect of the invention relates to a computer-implemented method for managing a graphical user interface comprising: obtaining a first function, a second function, and a third function, where: the first function defines a first result from a common variable, the second function defines a second result from the common variable, and the third function defines a third result from the common variable; displaying the first, second, and third functions in the form of a curve (230), the display of the curve being carried out according to the following rules: a first coordinate along a first dimension (210) of a point on the curve is defined according to a value of the first result; a second coordinate along a second dimension (220) of the point on the curve is defined according to a value of the second result; a distance, along the curve,The distance between two points on the curve is defined according to the difference between two values ​​of the common variable, and a first graphical characteristic of the curve is defined according to a value of the third result. This involves receiving a first user interaction involving the selection of a point on the curve, allowing the identification of a selection of a value of the common variable. Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Figure 2.

Description

Title of the invention: Method for managing a graphical user interface TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The technical field of the invention is that of computer ergonomics and in particular that of the physical ergonomics of a graphical user interface.

[0002] The present invention relates to a method for managing a graphical user interface. TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] In the computer field, a graphical user interface, commonly called GUI for "graphical user interface" in English, is generally formed of a set of graphical elements, in the form of pixels, which is displayed on a display device of electronic equipment, and with which one or more users can interact by means of appropriate peripherals. It is common to produce such a graphical user interface through a display device such as a computer screen, mobile equipment (such as a telephone), interactive table or tablet, touch screen, whiteboard or even interactive wall.

[0004] The graphical user interface allows a human-machine dialogue, in which: • the machine presents information, in an intelligible form, to Man, and • Humans interact with the machine in order to manipulate this information.

[0005] It is therefore common to characterize a graphical user interface by its ergonomics. The term “ergonomics” designates the ability of a computer product to be easily used by a person to carry out the task for which it was designed. This ease of use can therefore concern the cognitive aspect, in particular since the graphical user interface must be intelligible, that is to say understandable by humans. In the present application, the ergonomics of a graphical user interface is also considered from a physical point of view, that is to say by taking into account the physiological interactions of humans and their activity. These physiological interactions can in fact be made numerous and / or complex to carry out.An ergonomic graphical user interface is therefore a graphical user interface allowing user interaction that minimizes the number of manipulations, for example the number of mouse clicks, to perform a task. An ergonomic graphical user interface is also a graphical user interface that minimizes the precision required, for example in distance on the display surface, of the manipulations of the graphical user interface. lizer.

[0006] In recent years, home automation has taken a very important place in everyday life. Home automation is the set of techniques in electronics, building physics, automation, IT and telecommunications used in buildings, more or less "interoperable" and allowing the control of different systems and subsystems of the home and business.

[0007] Home automation provides functions related to comfort, security and energy management in particular. Home automation therefore makes it possible to control electrical equipment. This electrical equipment is connected to a network connection and has its own network address. This electrical equipment can therefore be controlled remotely. User interaction to configure the operation of this or these electrical devices is therefore an example of use in which the ergonomics of a graphical user interface is particularly critical. Indeed, the display of the graphical user interface can be carried out on different display devices whose size varies greatly. In addition, the means of user interaction in order to control this or these electrical devices can vary depending on the display device.Finally, during the interaction between a user and electrical equipment, the amount of data to be displayed on a graphical user interface is generally very large. For example, it is common to want to control the start time of electrical equipment. The start time of the electrical equipment can depend on many parameters whose result evolves according to this start time. Thus, the display of the evolution of the result of these different parameters according to the start time of the electrical equipment is essential to allow the user to select the start time of electrical equipment adapted to his needs.

[0008] There is therefore a need to provide a method for managing a graphical user interface making it possible to respond, at least partially, to the problems mentioned above, in particular in the case of a method for remotely controlling electrical equipment. Summary of the invention

[0009] The invention provides a solution to the problems mentioned above by allowing the display of three functions having a common variable by a single curve on a graphical user interface. Each point of the curve has a first coordinate along a first dimension which is defined as a function of a first result of the first function. Each point of the curve also has a second coordinate along a second dimension which is defined as a function of a second result of the second function. In addition, each point on the curve has a first graphical characteristic which is defined according to a third result of the third function. Finally, the distance, along the curve, between two points is defined according to a difference between two values ​​of the common variable.

[0010] One aspect of the invention relates to a computer-implemented method of managing a graphical user interface comprising: • obtaining a first function, a second function and a third function, with: • the first function defining a first result from a common variable, • the second function defining a second result from the common variable, and • the third function defining a third result from the common variable, • display of the first function, the second function and the third function in the form of a curve, the display of the curve being carried out according to the following rules: • a first coordinate according to a first dimension of a point of the curve is defined according to a value of the first result, • a second coordinate according to a second dimension of the point of the curve is defined according to a value of the second result, • a distance, following the curve, between two points of the curve is defined according to a difference between two values ​​of the variable common, and • a first graphic characteristic of the curve is defined according to a value of the third result. • receiving a first user interaction to select a point on the curve, the first user interaction making it possible to identify a selection of a value of the common variable.

[0011] Thanks to the invention, the ergonomics of the graphical user interface is optimized. Indeed, the number of manipulations in order to identify and select a value of the common variable is reduced. For example, the presentation in the form of a single curve makes it possible to identify the result, for the three functions, which corresponds to the value of the common variable of a point of the curve without having to compare different curves. Thus, the user saves manipulations in order to visualize this information at different locations in the graphical interface. In addition, the selection of a value of the common variable is facilitated by the fact that all the information to be taken into account is represented by a single curve. Thus, it is sufficient of a single user interaction on a point of the curve to allow selection of a value of the common variable.

[0012] In addition to the characteristics which have just been mentioned in the preceding paragraphs, the method according to one aspect of the invention may have one or more complementary characteristics among the following, considered individually or according to all technically possible combinations: • the common variable is a start-up time of electrical equipment, the method further comprising: • determine the start time of the electrical equipment from the selection of the value of the common variable, and • starting the electrical equipment at the determined start time, • the first graphic characteristic of the curve is a color of the curve and / or a thickness of the curve and / or a type of line of the curve, • the method comprises, after displaying the first function, the second function and the third function in the form of a curve: • obtaining at least one interval of values ​​of the variable common, and • display of at least one additional geometric shape defined according to at least one range of values ​​of the common variable, • a zoom on a part of the graphical user interface, the part of the graphical user interface corresponding to an additional geometric shape among the at least one additional geometric shape • the zoom is: • initiated automatically, and / or • performed after receiving a second user interaction to select an additional geometric shape from among the at least one additional geometric shape, • the at least one interval of values ​​of the common variable designates at least one time interval corresponding to the preferential and / or mandatory starting times of electrical equipment.

[0013] A second aspect of the invention relates to a system comprising a display means, a user interaction means and means configured to implement a method according to the invention.

[0014] A third aspect of the invention relates to a computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the latter to implement a method according to the invention.

[0015] A fourth aspect of the invention relates to a computer-readable data carrier diner, on which a computer program according to the invention is recorded.

[0016] The invention and its various applications will be better understood upon reading the following description and examining the accompanying figures. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0017] The figures are presented for information purposes only and in no way limit the invention. • [Fig.l] shows an example of a block diagram illustrating the steps of an example of the method according to the invention • [Fig.2] shows an example of a schematic representation of a graphical user interface obtained by the method according to the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Unless otherwise specified, the same element appearing in different figures has a single reference.

[0019] [Fig.l] is a block diagram illustrating the steps of an example of the method 100 according to the invention. The mandatory steps of the example of the method 100 are indicated by a solid line rectangle and the optional steps are indicated by a dotted line rectangle.

[0020] The method 100 is computer-implemented. By "computer-implemented" is meant that the steps, or substantially all of the steps, are performed by at least one computer or processor or other similar system. Thus, steps are performed by the computer, possibly fully automatically, or semi-automatically. In examples, the triggering of at least some of the steps of these methods may be performed by user-computer interaction. The level of user-computer interaction required may depend on the intended level of automation and balanced against the need to implement the user's wishes. In examples, this level may be user-defined and / or predefined.

[0021] A typical example of computer implementation of a method consists of executing the method with a system adapted for this purpose. The system or computer for implementing the method 100 therefore comprises means configured to implement the method. For example, the system may comprise a processor coupled to a memory, the memory having recorded a computer program comprising instructions for executing the method. The memory may also store a database. The memory is a hardware adapted for this type of storage, possibly comprising several distinct physical parts (for example, one for the program, and possibly one for the database). The system also provides a display means, such as a screen, and a user interaction means. The user interaction means may be a mouse or yet a touch-sensitive haptic device which may be, but is not limited to, a touchscreen, a pen display, or a pen tablet. The touchscreen or pen display may display the graphical user interface and thus also constitute the display means.

[0022] A first step 110 of the method 100 consists of obtaining a first function, a second function and a third function. The term “obtain” means in the present application that the computer implementing the method 100 receives and / or acquires and / or calculates the data considered. These obtained data can therefore be provided by a user via a graphical interface of the computer or even be sent by another computer or a server connected to an electrical device whose operation is modified using the method 100 or even by an electrical device, for example an electrical device whose operation is modified using the method 100, for example after having received a request from the computer implementing the method 100, or for example automatically. Each function among these three functions defines a result as a function of a common variable.In other words, the first function defines a first result from a common variable, the second function defines a second result from the common variable, and the third function defines a third result from the common variable. For example, a first function may provide the temperature of an electrical device based on a startup schedule. A second function may provide the mechanical power generated by an electrical device based on the startup schedule. A third function may provide the electrical consumption of an electrical device based on the startup schedule. In this example, the common variable is the startup schedule, the first result is the temperature of the electrical device, the second result is the mechanical power generated by the electrical device, and the third result is the electrical consumption of the electrical device.Thus, the method 100 makes it possible to select a start time taking into account the three results.

[0023] In one example, the result of one of the three functions may be calculated from the result of the other two functions. For example, the third result may be calculated from the first result and from the second result. By "calculated from", it is meant, for example, that the result of the third function is the product or quotient of the result of the first and second functions.

[0024] A second step 120 of the method 100 consists of displaying the first function, the second function and the third function in the form of a curve. A curve, or curved line, is an object similar to a straight line but not necessarily linear. Thus, a curve is a succession of points. A sub-part of the curve can be a segment when successive points of the curve are aligned. Each point of the curve corresponds to a value of the common variable. When the curve is displayed on a screen, the display of a point of the curve is carried out by one or more pixels of the screen depending on the size of the display of the graphical user interface. [Fig.2] shows an example of a schematic representation of a graphical user interface 200 according to the invention. The graphical user interface 200 comprises a curve 230 displayed in a frame comprising two orthogonal axes 210 and 220. These axes 210 and 220 are optional in the invention. In addition, these axes are not necessarily orthogonal in the invention. Each point of the curve 230 is selectable. As explained above, each point of the curve corresponds to a value of the common variable. In addition, each point of the curve can correspond to each integer value, or decimal value, of the common variable.When the common variable is a time or duration, each point on the curve can be an hour, a minute, or a second. The selection can be made using a first user interaction. The display is carried out with the screen of the computer or system implementing the method 100.

[0025] The display of the curve is carried out by respecting at least four rules. The first rule is that a first coordinate along a first dimension of a point of the curve is defined according to a value of the first result. In [Fig.2], the first dimension is for example represented by the axis 210. The second rule is that a second coordinate along a second dimension of the point of the curve is defined according to a value of the second result. In [Fig.2], the second dimension is for example represented by the axis 220. The third rule is that each distance, following the curve, between two points of the curve is defined according to a difference between two values ​​of the common variable. In other words, the length of the curve between two points of the curve is defined according to a difference between two values ​​of the common variable.In other words, a length of the curve corresponds, uniformly for the entire curve, to an interval of values ​​of the common variable. Finally, a first graphical characteristic of the curve is defined according to a value of the third result. In [Fig.2], the first graphical characteristic of the curve is the type of line used to display the curve 230. For example, a first part of the curve is a solid line while a second part of the curve is in short dashes and the third part of the curve is in long dashes. The first graphical characteristic of the curve can alternatively or additionally be a color of the curve and / or a thickness of the curve. This first graphical characteristic of the curve can represent the value of the third result by grouping, according to a predefined rule, the third values ​​of the third result into different intervals.By predefined rule is meant a rule that can be defined by default or by a user. For example, in [Fig.2], a first interval of third values ​​of the . third result corresponds to a first part of the curve represented by long dashes, a second interval of third values ​​of the third result corresponds to a second part of the curve represented by short dashes and a third interval of third values ​​of the third result corresponds to a third part of the curve represented by a solid line. Alternatively, the first graphical characteristic of the curve can represent the value of the third result continuously. In other words, each third unique value of the third result is represented by a first graphical characteristic of the unique curve. Thus, for example, the value of the line thickness of the curve can correspond to the value of the third result. In other words, the thicker the line of the curve, the higher the value of the third result.

[0026] A third optional step 130 of the method 100 consists of obtaining at least one interval of values ​​of the common variable. This interval may correspond to one or more intervals of preferred values ​​of the common variable according to predefined rules. This interval may also correspond to one or more intervals of mandatory values ​​of the common variable. By "preferential", it is understood that compliance with this interval is a weak constraint. Thus, when one or more intervals of values ​​of the common variable are preferential, a value of the common variable included or not in this or these preferential intervals can be selected. By "mandatory", it is understood that compliance with this interval is a strong constraint. Thus, when one or more intervals of values ​​of the common variable are mandatory, only one value of the common variable included in this or these mandatory intervals can be selected.For example, one or more first intervals may correspond to one or more intervals of preferred values ​​of the common variable and / or one or more second intervals may correspond to one or more intervals of mandatory values ​​of the common variable.

[0027] A fourth optional step 140 of the method 100 consists of displaying at least one additional geometric shape defined as a function of the at least one range of values ​​of the common variable. By "additional" is meant "in addition to the curve". In [Fig.2], the additional geometric shape is a rectangle 240. The additional geometric shape(s) may be different geometric shapes, for example a square, a circle or an oval. Similarly, the representation of the shape may vary, for example to make it possible to distinguish whether the additional geometric shape corresponds to a preferred or mandatory range of values ​​of the common variable. Thus, a second graphical characteristic of the additional geometric shape may be used to differentiate the different additional geometric shapes from each other.The second graphic characteristic of the additional geometric shape can for example be chosen from a color of the outline of the shape. additional geometric shape and / or a thickness of the outline of the additional geometric shape and / or a stroke type of the outline of the additional geometric shape and / or a color of the fill of the additional geometric shape and / or a transparency of the fill of the additional geometric shape. Each additional geometric shape among the at least one geometric shape is selectable by a second user interaction.

[0028] A fifth optional step 150 of the method 100 consists of receiving a second user interaction allowing the selection of an additional geometric shape from among the at least one additional geometric shape. The term “receive” means in the present application that the computer implementing the method receives the data(s). By “user interaction” is meant any means allowing the user to interact with the computer. For example, the second user interaction is a click operation of the left or right button of a mouse, a double-click operation of the left or right button of a mouse or even pressure exerted by a finger of a hand of the user on a touch screen.

[0029] A sixth optional step 160 of the method 100 comprises a zoom on a portion of the graphical user interface. By "zoom", it is understood that the portion of the display of the zoomed graphical user interface is enlarged, that is to say that its surface on the screen is greater after the zoom than before the zoom. The zoom is performed on a displayed portion of the graphical user interface corresponding to an additional geometric shape among the at least one additional geometric shape. "By "corresponding to", it is understood that the displayed portion of the graphical user interface is identical to the corresponding additional geometric shape. For example, the zoom can be performed on the additional geometric shape selected in step 150. Alternatively and / or additionally, the zoom can be initiated automatically on an additional geometric shape.For example, when there is only one additional geometric shape, zooming may be initiated automatically after a predetermined delay. In another example, when there are multiple additional geometric shapes, zooming may be initiated automatically for each additional geometric shape after a respective predetermined delay. Thus, if two additional geometric shapes are displayed, a first zoom may be initiated automatically for a first additional geometric shape after a first predetermined delay and then a second zoom may be initiated automatically for a second additional geometric shape after a second predetermined delay.

[0030] A seventh step 170 of the method 100 consists of receiving a first user interaction allowing the selection of a point of the curve. Given that each point of the curve corresponds to a single value of the common variable, the user interaction received at this step 170 makes it possible to identify a selection of a value of the common variable. The first user interaction is for example a click operation of the left or right button of a mouse, a double click operation of the left or right button of a mouse or even pressure exerted by a finger of a hand of the user on a touch screen.

[0031] In one example, consistent with the preceding examples, the method 100 is used for controlling electrical equipment. In such a case, the method 100 is a method for controlling electrical equipment. In this example, the common variable may be the start time of the electrical equipment. The first function may have as its first result an amount of carbon dioxide induced by the operation of the electrical equipment as a function of the start time of the electrical equipment. The second function may have as its second result a financial cost induced by the operation of the electrical equipment as a function of the start time of the electrical equipment. The third function may have as its third result an efficiency index, based on the financial cost and the carbon dioxide emissions, as a function of the start time of the electrical equipment.In this example, an interval of values ​​of the common variable corresponds to a time interval between two start times of the electrical equipment. A time interval can be preferential or mandatory. As before, the term "preferential" means that compliance with this interval is a weak constraint and the term "mandatory" means that compliance with this interval is a strong constraint.

[0032] An eighth optional step 180 of the method 100 comprises a determination of the start-up time of the electrical equipment from the selection of the value of the common variable. Given that each value of the common variable corresponds to a start-up time of the electrical equipment, the selection of a value of the common variable allows the determination of the start-up time of the electrical equipment.

[0033] A ninth optional step 190 of the method 100 is the starting of the electrical equipment at the determined starting time. The starting can for example be carried out by sending a control signal sent by the computer implementing the method 100 to the electrical equipment.

[0034] In one example, consistent with the previous examples, the value of the common variable of at least one point of the curve is displayed. For example, in [Fig.2], a time 250 is displayed for two points of the curve. This display of the value of the common variable of a point of the curve may be performed following a third user interaction. The third user interaction may for example be a mouse hover operation over the curve point, a left or right mouse button click operation, a left or right mouse button double click operation, or pressure exerted by a finger of a user's hand on a touch screen. The display can be performed on a screen displaying the graphical user interface or on another screen.

Claims

Claims

1. A computer-implemented method (100) for managing a graphical user interface comprising: - obtaining (110) a first function, a second function and a third function, with: • the first function defining a first result from a common variable, • the second function defining a second result from the common variable, and • the third function defining a third result from the common variable, - displaying (120) the first function, the second function and the third function in the form of a curve (230), the display of the curve being carried out according to the following rules: • a first coordinate along a first dimension (210) of a point of the curve is defined according to a value of the first result,• a second coordinate along a second dimension (220) of the point of the curve is defined according to a value of the second result, • a distance, following the curve, between two points of the curve is defined according to a difference between two values ​​of the common variable, and • a first graphical characteristic of the curve is defined according to a value of the third result. - reception (170) of a first user interaction for selecting a point of the curve, the first user interaction making it possible to identify a selection of a value of the common variable.,

2. A method (100) according to any preceding claim wherein the common variable is a start-up schedule of electrical equipment, the method further comprising: determine (180) the equipment start time electrical from the selection of the value of the common variable, and - starting (190) of the electrical equipment at the determined start time.

3. A method (100) according to any preceding claim wherein the first graphical characteristic of the curve is a color of the curve and / or a thickness of the curve and / or a line type of the curve.

4. Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims comprising after the display (120) of the first function, the second function and the third function in the form of a curve: - obtaining (130) at least one interval of values ​​of the common variable, and - displaying (140) at least one additional geometric shape defined as a function of the at least one interval of values ​​of the common variable.

5. Method (100) according to the preceding claim further comprising a zoom (160) on a portion of the graphical user interface, the portion of the graphical user interface corresponding to an additional geometric shape among the at least one additional geometric shape.

6. Method (100) according to the preceding claim in which the zoom (160) is: - initiated automatically, and / or - carried out after the reception (150) of a second user interaction for selecting an additional geometric shape from among the at least one additional geometric shape.

7. Method (100) according to one of claims 4 to 6 in which the at least one interval of values ​​of the common variable designates at least one time interval corresponding to the preferential and / or mandatory starting times of electrical equipment.

8. System comprising a display means, a user interaction means and means configured to implement a method

9. (100) according to one of the preceding claims. A computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the latter to put

10. implementing a method (100) according to one of claims 1 to 7. Computer-readable data carrier, on which a computer program according to claim 9 is recorded.

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