Circular Sector Multi-Selection for Radial Visualizations
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing graphical selection systems in computing systems are not efficient or intuitive for selecting multiple elements within visualizations, particularly in scenarios involving complex data representations like pie charts or maps.
Innovation Solution
A user interface system that allows for intuitive and efficient selection of graphical elements by using a touch-sensitive input to define a circular sector within a visualization, where elements within the sector are selected and can be deselected based on the radius of the circular area touched, providing a more intuitive and efficient method compared to traditional mouse-based or key-modified selection techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional mouse-based selection techniques are used, then elements can be selected one by one or via rectangle dragging, but the selection process becomes inefficient and non-intuitive for radial visualizations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies spheroidality by using a circular sector shape that matches the radial geometry of pie charts and similar visualizations. Instead of rectangular selection boxes, the system uses a circular sector defined by a center point and radius, allowing natural selection of pie slices and radial elements. This curved geometric approach makes the selection method intuitive for radial data representations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a radial dimension for selection by defining selection areas using polar coordinates (center point and radius) rather than Cartesian coordinates. This dimensional change allows users to select elements radially outward from a center point, matching the natural structure of pie charts and enabling efficient multi-element selection without traditional rectangle-dragging.
2Ease of operation
If rectangle dragging is used to select multiple elements, then selection can be performed without modifier keys, but the selection area does not match radial visualization structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by adapting the selection shape to match the local geometry of different visualization types. For radial visualizations like pie charts, circular sectors are used; for other visualizations, appropriate geometric shapes can be applied. This localized adaptation ensures the selection method is both simple to use and compatible with various visualization structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter representation from Cartesian coordinates (x, y) to polar coordinates (center point, radius, angle). This parameter change enables the selection mechanism to adapt to radial visualizations while maintaining simple user interaction through touch or click-drag gestures.
3Measurement precision
If modifier keys are used for multi-selection, then precise element-by-element selection is possible, but the operation becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining the selection geometry as a circular sector before the user performs the selection gesture. The system prepares the radial selection template in advance, so when the user clicks and drags, the selection area is immediately established in the correct radial shape, eliminating the need for modifier keys and reducing selection time while maintaining precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A system may include presentation of a visualization including a plurality of elements, detection of a first user input received at a first location of the visualization, determination of one of the plurality of elements located at least partially at the first location, presentation of the one of the plurality of elements as selected, detection of a second user input received at a second location of the visualization, determination of one or more of the plurality of elements located at least partially within a circular sector having a first radius from a third location of the visualization to the first location and a second radius from the third location to the second location, and presentation of the one or more of the plurality of elements located at least partially within the circular sector as selected.