Diagram Object Creation with Ghosted Rows for Initial Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for creating diagrams of interconnected objects lack initial guidance, make relationships between object types unclear, and require separate steps for creating connections, leading to confusion and difficulty in visualizing object relationships.
Innovation Solution
A method is presented where a diagram is displayed with rows for different object types, featuring ghosted objects that represent creatable objects and show connectable relationships, allowing users to create objects and visualize connections directly, eliminating the need for a palette and reducing the complexity of creating diagrams.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a blank canvas is used for diagram creation, then users have freedom to place objects anywhere, but users lack initial guidance on where to begin and diagrams become difficult to read
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by automatically creating ghosted objects in appropriate rows based on the selected object type before the user actually creates objects. This preliminary setup provides immediate visual guidance on where objects should be placed and what connections are possible, eliminating the blank canvas problem while maintaining placement flexibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a blank canvas is used for diagram creation, then users have freedom to place objects anywhere, but relationships between object types are not apparent
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-creating ghosted objects in the appropriate rows corresponding to different object types. This preliminary arrangement immediately reveals the hierarchical relationships and connectability between object types, making the diagram structure apparent from the start rather than requiring users to figure it out through trial and error.
3Productivity
If conventional approaches are used, then users can create diagrams, but creating connections between objects requires separate steps and trial attempts
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-creating ghosted objects that represent potential connection targets before the user actually creates the connecting object. This preliminary setup shows users exactly what they can connect to and how, eliminating the need for trial-and-error attempts and separate connection creation steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The ghosted objects serve as intermediaries between the user's selection and the actual object creation. They mediate the connection process by visually representing the relationship and connectability, allowing users to understand connections before finalizing object creation, thus simplifying the overall process.
4Device complexity
If only object icons are used for visual distinction, then the canvas remains simple, but diagrams become difficult to read and understand
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies segmentation by organizing the canvas into distinct rows, with each row representing a specific object type. This segmentation provides clear visual structure and makes it easy to distinguish between different object types and their relationships, while maintaining canvas simplicity through systematic organization rather than adding complex visual elements to individual objects.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes presenting, on a display, a diagram. The presenting of the diagram includes presenting a first row that defines a location where objects of a first object type can be created, wherein a first ghosted object of a first object type is displayed in the first row. The first ghosted object represents a first creatable object of the first object type. The presenting of the diagram includes presenting a second row that defines a location where objects of a second object type can be created. The method also includes responsive to a first input to create a first object of the first object type in the first row, creating the first object of the first object type. Also in response to the first input, the method includes graphically changing the first ghosted object into the first object and presenting a second ghosted object of the second object type in the second row.