Cursor Hierarchy Traversal for Nested Object Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In complex page layouts with nested objects, users face inefficiencies when trying to select specific objects within object groups, requiring cumbersome navigation through menus and multiple ungrouping and regrouping operations to isolate and operate on desired objects.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that allow users to select objects in a graphical user interface by monitoring the cursor position and initiating cursor actuation signals to traverse the object hierarchy levels, enabling selection of desired objects without extensive menu navigation by tracking and updating object levels, allowing movement up or down the hierarchy as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users navigate through menus and perform multiple ungrouping and regrouping operations to select objects within nested groups, then object selection capability is achieved, but operation time and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested object hierarchy where objects can contain other objects at multiple levels. The cursor actuation mechanism allows users to traverse this nested structure by repeatedly activating the cursor at the same location, automatically moving from parent objects to child objects without requiring menu navigation or ungrouping operations. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining the nested structure (avoiding ungrouping) while enabling efficient traversal through the hierarchy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically determining the hierarchy level to traverse to based on the cursor position and actuation count. Instead of requiring users to manually navigate through menus or perform multiple ungrouping/regrouping operations, the system pre-calculates and executes the necessary hierarchy transitions, saving significant time and reducing operational complexity.
2Ease of operation
If users manually navigate through menus to select objects in nested groups, then object selection is possible, but device complexity and operation steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the object selection functionality from complex menu navigation structures and implements it through a simple cursor actuation mechanism. By removing the need for menu interactions and ungrouping operations, the system simplifies the user interface while maintaining the ability to select objects within nested groups. The cursor actuation signal directly triggers hierarchy traversal, eliminating the intermediary menu structure.
3Stability of the object's composition
If objects are grouped into nested groups for organization, then layout structure is maintained, but object selection becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains the nested object group structure while enabling efficient selection by implementing a cursor actuation mechanism that automatically traverses the nested hierarchy. Users can select objects at any level by repeatedly activating the cursor at the desired location, and the system automatically navigates through parent-child relationships without requiring the groups to be ungrouped or restructured. This preserves the organizational structure while dramatically improving selection ease.
Data Source
AI summary
In an example embodiment, a system and method is illustrated that includes receiving a first cursor actuation signal from a cursor controlling device where the first cursor actuation signal received at a first cursor position in a graphical user interface. Further, the system and method includes determining an old hierarchy level, determining a new hierarchy level based on the first cursor position and the old hierarchy level, and selecting a target object based on the new hierarchy level and the first cursor position.