Segmented Cursor Visualizing Image Effect Softness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current digital image editing tools lack a clear visual representation of how effects are applied, making it difficult for users to select and adjust brush settings effectively, as they cannot directly visualize the extent and softness of the effect without applying it.
Innovation Solution
A cursor with both an outer periphery and an effect indicating periphery is used to display the extent and softness of the effect, allowing users to visualize how the effect will be applied, with the effect indicating periphery changing size based on softness and brush size settings, providing a clear demarcation between maximum and minimum intensity areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a cursor displays only the outer periphery of the brush, then the device complexity is reduced, but the user cannot visualize the softness and extent of the effect application
Solution Approach 1:
The cursor is segmented into two distinct peripheries: an outer periphery indicating the maximum brush extent and an effect indicating periphery indicating the softness setting. This segmentation allows the cursor to convey multiple pieces of information (brush size and softness) simultaneously without requiring separate controls, thus reducing information loss while maintaining manageable device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a dimensional aspect to the cursor by introducing the effect indicating periphery as an additional visual layer within the outer periphery. This creates a nested structure where the effect indicating periphery is displayed within the outer periphery, allowing users to visualize both the extent and softness of the effect in a single integrated display rather than requiring separate indicators.
2Ease of operation
If the effect indicating periphery is displayed within the outer periphery, then the user can visualize the softness setting, but the cursor structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The effect indicating periphery is displayed using visual differentiation (such as transparency, shading, or color intensity) within the outer periphery. This allows the cursor to convey softness information through visual variation rather than requiring additional physical controls or complex mechanical structures, thus improving ease of operation while limiting the increase in device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the outer periphery is maintained at a fixed brush size while adjusting softness, then the user can independently control softness, but the cursor requires separate control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the visualization of brush size and softness into a single integrated cursor display. The outer periphery represents brush size while the effect indicating periphery within it represents softness, allowing both parameters to be controlled and visualized through one unified interface rather than requiring separate control mechanisms for each parameter.
Solution Approach 2:
The cursor serves multiple functions simultaneously: it displays the brush size through the outer periphery, indicates the softness setting through the effect indicating periphery, and provides a visual preview of how the effect will be applied. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate control mechanisms while increasing adaptability and versatility of the brush tool.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and techniques are disclosed for applying an effect to a digital image using a cursor. An effect can be applied to an image at a region under a cursor. The cursor has an outer periphery and an effect indicating periphery within the outer periphery. The outer periphery defines a maximum extent to which the effect is applied. The effect indicating periphery indicates how the effect will be applied to the image, such as providing a visual indication of a softness setting.