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, following 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 field of computer science, a graphical user interface, commonly called a GUI, is generally made up 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 using appropriate peripherals. It is common to implement such a graphical user interface through a display device such as a computer screen, mobile device (such as a phone), interactive table or tablet, touchscreen, whiteboard, or interactive wall.

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

[0005] It is therefore common to characterize a graphical user interface by its ergonomics. The term "ergonomics" refers to the ability of a computer product to be easily used by a person to perform the task for which it was designed. This ease of use can therefore relate to 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, taking into account the physiological interactions of humans and their activity. These physiological interactions can indeed be numerous and / or complex to perform.An ergonomic graphical user interface is therefore one that allows for user interaction that minimizes the number of actions required, such as mouse clicks, to perform a task. An ergonomic graphical user interface is also one that minimizes the precision required, for example... in distance on the display surface, manipulations of the graphical user interface.

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

[0007] Home automation provides functions related to comfort, security, and energy management, among other things. Home automation thus allows the control of electrical equipment. This electrical equipment is connected to a network and has its own network address. Therefore, this electrical equipment can be controlled remotely. User interaction to configure the operation of this or these electrical devices is an example of a use case where the ergonomics of a graphical user interface are particularly critical. Indeed, the graphical user interface can be displayed on various viewing devices of varying sizes. Furthermore, the means by which the user interacts to control this or these electrical devices may vary depending on the viewing device.Finally, during 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 electrical equipment can depend on numerous parameters, the results of which change according to this start time. Thus, displaying the evolution of the results of these different parameters as a function of the electrical equipment's start time is essential to allow the user to select the start time of electrical equipment that best suits their needs.

[0008] There is therefore a need to provide a method for managing a graphical user interface that allows us to respond, at least partially, to the problems mentioned above, particularly 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 on the curve has a first coordinate along a first dimension that is defined as a function of a first result of the first function. Each point on the curve also has a second The coordinate system has a second dimension defined by a second result of the second function. Furthermore, each point on the curve has a first graphical characteristic defined by a third result of the third function. Finally, the distance along the curve between two points is defined by the difference between two values ​​of the common variable.

[0010] 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, 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 along a first dimension of a point on the curve is defined according to a value of the first result, • a second coordinate along a second dimension of the point on the curve is defined according to a value of the second result, • A distance, along the curve, between two points on the curve is defined as 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. • reception of a first user interaction to select a point on the curve, the first user interaction allowing identification of a selection of a value of the common variable.

[0011] Thanks to the invention, the ergonomics of the graphical user interface are optimized. Indeed, the number of steps required to identify and select a value of the common variable is reduced. For example, the presentation as a single curve makes it possible to identify the result, for the three functions, that corresponds to the value of the common variable at a point on the curve without having to compare different curves. Thus, the user saves steps in viewing this information in different locations on the graphical interface. Furthermore, selecting a value of the common variable is facilitated by the fact that the set The information to be considered is represented by a single curve. Thus, a single user interaction at a point on the curve is sufficient to allow the selection of a value for the common variable.

[0012] In addition to the characteristics mentioned in the preceding paragraphs, the method according to one aspect of the invention may have one or more additional characteristics from among the following, considered individually or in all technically possible combinations: • The common variable is a start-up time for electrical equipment; the process also includes: • determine the start time of the electrical equipment based on the selected value of the common variable, and • Start-up of electrical equipment at the predetermined start-up time, • The first graphic characteristic of the curve is a curve color and / or a curve thickness and / or a curve line type, • The process includes, after displaying the first function, the second function and the third function in the form of a curve: • obtaining at least one range of values ​​for the common variable, and • display at least one additional geometric shape defined according to at least one range of values ​​of the variable common, • a zoom on a part of the graphical user interface, the part of the graphical user interface corresponding to an additional geometric shape among at least one additional geometric shape • The zoom is: • automatically initiated, and / or • performed after receiving a second user interaction to select an additional geometric shape from among at least one additional geometric shape, • at least one range of values ​​of the common variable designates at least one time range corresponding to the preferred and / or mandatory start times of an 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, lead the latter to implement a process according to the invention.

[0015] A fourth aspect of the invention relates to a computer-readable data carrier 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 illustrative purposes only and are in no way limiting of the invention. • Figure 1 shows an example of a block diagram illustrating the steps of an example of the process according to the invention • Figure 2 shows an example of a schematic representation of an interface user graph obtained by the method according to the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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

[0019] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating the steps of an example of process 100 according to the invention. The mandatory steps of the example of process 100 are indicated by a solid rectangle and the optional steps are indicated by a dashed rectangle.

[0020] The method 100 is computer-implemented. By "computer-implemented," it is meant that the steps, or virtually all of the steps, are executed by at least one computer or processor or other similar system. Thus, steps are carried out by the computer, possibly fully automatically, or semi-automatically. In examples, the triggering of at least some of the steps of these methods can be achieved through user-computer interaction. The level of user-computer interaction required may depend on the level of automation expected and be 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 a 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 includes means configured to implement the method. For example, the system may include a processor coupled to memory, the memory having stored a computer program comprising instructions for executing the method. The memory may also store a database. Memory is hardware adapted for this type The system includes storage, possibly comprising several distinct physical parts (for example, one for the program and possibly one for the database). It also provides a display means, such as a screen, and a means of user interaction. The user interaction means can be a mouse or a touch-sensitive haptic device, which may include, but is not limited to, a touchscreen, a pen display, or a pen tablet. The touchscreen or pen display can display the graphical user interface and thus also serve as 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 "obtaining" means in this application that the computer implementing the method 100 receives and / or acquires and / or calculates the data in question. This obtained data can therefore be provided by a user via a graphical interface of the computer or be sent by another computer or a server connected to electrical equipment whose operation is modified using the method 100, or by electrical equipment itself, for example, electrical equipment whose operation is modified using the method 100, for example, after receiving a request from the computer implementing the method 100, or for example, automatically. Each of 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 same common variable, and the third function defines a third result from the same common variable. For example, a first function might provide the temperature of an electrical device based on a start-up time. A second function might provide the mechanical power generated by an electrical device based on the same start-up time. A third function might provide the electrical power consumption of an electrical device based on the same start-up time. In this example, the common variable is the start-up time, 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 power consumption of the electrical device.Thus, process 100 allows a start time to be selected taking into account the three results.

[0023] In one example, the result of one of the three functions can be calculated from the results of the other two functions. For example, the third result can be calculated from the first result and from the second result. By "calculated from," it is understood, for example, that the result of the third function is the product or quotient of the results 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-portion 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 performed by one or more pixels of the screen, depending on the display size 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 coordinate system comprising two orthogonal axes 210 and 220. These axes 210 and 220 are optional in the invention.Furthermore, these axes are not necessarily orthogonal in the invention. Each point on curve 230 is selectable. As explained above, each point on the curve corresponds to a value of the common variable. Moreover, each point on the curve can correspond to any integer or decimal value of the common variable. When the common variable is a time or a duration, each point on the curve can represent an hour, a minute, or a second. The selection can be made through an initial user interaction. The display is performed using the screen of the computer or system implementing method 100.

[0025] The curve is displayed according to at least four rules. The first rule is that a first coordinate along a first dimension of a point on the curve is defined according to a value of the first result. In [Fig. 2], the first dimension is, for example, represented by axis 210. The second rule is that a second coordinate along a second dimension of a point on the curve is defined according to a value of the second result. In [Fig. 2], the second dimension is, for example, represented by axis 220. The third rule is that each distance, along the curve, between two points on 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 on 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 across the entire curve, to a range 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. For example, the first part of the curve is a solid line, while the second part is a dashed line, and the third part is a dashed line. The first graphical characteristic of the curve can alternatively or additionally be a color. The curve and / or its thickness. This first graphical feature of the curve can represent the value of the third result by grouping the third values ​​of the third result into different intervals according to a predefined rule. A predefined rule is understood to be 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 the first part of the curve represented by long dashes, a second interval of third values ​​of the third result corresponds to the second part of the curve represented by short dashes, and a third interval of third values ​​of the third result corresponds to the third part of the curve represented by a solid line. Alternatively, the first graphical feature of the curve can represent the value of the third result continuously.In other words, each unique third value of the third outcome is represented by a first graphical characteristic of the unique curve. Thus, for example, the thickness of the curve line can correspond to the value of the third outcome. In other words, the thicker the curve line, the higher the value of the third outcome.

[0026] An optional third step 130 of the process 100 consists of obtaining at least one range of values ​​for the common variable. This range may correspond to one or more preferred ranges of values ​​for the common variable according to predefined rules. This range may also correspond to one or more mandatory ranges of values ​​for the common variable. By "preferred," it is understood that compliance with this range is a weak constraint. Thus, when one or more ranges of values ​​for the common variable are preferred, a value of the common variable, whether or not it falls within this or these preferred ranges, may be selected. By "mandatory," it is understood that compliance with this range is a strong constraint. Thus, when one or more ranges of values ​​for the common variable are mandatory, only a value of the common variable that falls within this or these mandatory ranges may be selected.For example, one or more initial 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 required values ​​of the common variable.

[0027] An optional fourth step 140 of the process 100 consists of displaying at least one additional geometric shape defined as a function of at least one range of values ​​of the common variable. By "additional," it is understood "in addition to the curve." In [Fig. 2], the additional geometric shape is a rectangle 240. The additional geometric shape(s) can be different geometric shapes, for example, a square, a circle, or an oval. Similarly, the representation of the shape can vary, for example, to allow distinguishing whether the geometric shape The additional shape corresponds to a range of values ​​for the preferred or mandatory common variable. Thus, a second graphic characteristic of the additional geometric shape can be used to differentiate between the various additional geometric shapes. This second graphic characteristic can, for example, be chosen from a color for the outline of the additional geometric shape, and / or a thickness for the outline of the additional geometric shape, and / or a line type for the outline of the additional geometric shape, and / or a color for the fill of the additional geometric shape, and / or a transparency for the fill of the additional geometric shape. Each additional geometric shape, among the at least one geometric shape, is selectable through a second user interaction.

[0028] An optional fifth step 150 of the method 100 consists of receiving a second user interaction allowing the selection of an additional geometric shape from among at least one additional geometric shape. The term "receive" means in this application that the computer implementing the method receives the data(s). "User interaction" means any means by which the user interacts with the computer. For example, the second user interaction is a left or right mouse button click, a left or right mouse button double-click, or a touchscreen press by the user's finger.

[0029] An optional sixth step 160 of the method 100 includes zooming in on a portion of the graphical user interface. "Zoom" means that the zoomed portion of the graphical user interface display is enlarged, i.e., its screen area is larger after zooming than before. The zoom is performed on a displayed portion of the graphical user interface corresponding to an additional geometric shape from among at least one additional geometric shape. "Corresponding to" means 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 complementarily, the zoom can be initiated automatically on an additional geometric shape.For example, when there is only one additional geometric shape, zooming can be initiated automatically after a predetermined delay. In another example, when there are several additional geometric shapes, zooming can be initiated automatically for each additional geometric shape after a respective predetermined delay. Thus, if two additional geometric shapes are displayed, a first zoom can be initiated automatically for the first additional geometric shape after a first predetermined delay, and then... A second zoom can be initiated automatically for a second additional geometric shape after a second predetermined delay.

[0030] A seventh step 170 of the process 100 consists of receiving a first user interaction allowing the selection of a point on the curve. Since each point on the curve corresponds to a unique value of the common variable, the user interaction received in 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 left or right mouse button click, a left or right mouse button double-click, or pressure exerted by a finger of the user's hand on a touchscreen.

[0031] In an example consistent with the preceding examples, process 100 is used to control electrical equipment. In such a case, process 100 is a method for controlling electrical equipment. In this example, the common variable can be the start time of the electrical equipment. The first function can have as its first result a quantity of carbon dioxide induced by the operation of the electrical equipment as a function of the electrical equipment's start time. The second function can have as its second result a financial cost induced by the operation of the electrical equipment as a function of the electrical equipment's start time. The third function can have as its third result an efficiency index, based on the financial cost and carbon dioxide emissions, as a function of the electrical equipment's start time.In this example, a range of values ​​for 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 adherence to this interval is a weak constraint, and the term "mandatory" means that adherence to this interval is a strong constraint.

[0032] An optional eighth step 180 of the method 100 includes determining the start time of the electrical equipment by selecting the value of the common variable. Since each value of the common variable corresponds to a start time of the electrical equipment, selecting a value of the common variable allows the start time of the electrical equipment to be determined.

[0033] An optional ninth step 190 of the process 100 is the starting of the electrical equipment at the predetermined start time. The starting can, for example, be effected by sending a control signal from the computer implementing the process 100 to the electrical equipment.

[0034] In an example consistent with the preceding examples, the value of the common variable for at least one point on the curve is displayed. For example, in [Fig. 2], 250 is displayed for two points on the curve. This display of the value of the common variable for a point on the curve can be triggered by a third user interaction. The third user interaction could, for example, be hovering the mouse over the point on the curve, clicking the left or right mouse button, double-clicking the left or right mouse button, or pressing a finger on a touchscreen. The display can be shown on a screen displaying the user interface or on another screen.

Claims

Demands

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, - display (120) of the first function, the second function and the third function as a single 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, between two points on the curve is defined as 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. - reception (170) of a first user interaction of selection of a point of the curve, the first user interaction allowing to identify a selection of a value of the common variable.

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

3. Method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the first graphic feature of the curve is a color of the curve and / or a thickness of the curve and / or a type of stroke of the curve.

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

6. Method (100) according to the preceding claim wherein the zoom (160) is: - initiated automatically, and / or - performed after the receipt (150) of a second user interaction of selection of an additional geometric shape from among at least one additional geometric shape.

7. Method (100) according to any one of claims 4 to 6 wherein at least one range of values ​​of the common variable designates at least one time range corresponding to the preferred and / or mandatory start times of an electrical equipment.

8. System comprising a display means, a user interaction means and means configured to implement a method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims. 14

9. A computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to implement a method (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7

10. / . Computer-readable data carrier on which a computer program according to claim 9 is stored.

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