Dynamic Preview of Diagram Elements in Flowchart Applications
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of diagramming applications face inefficiencies when adding shapes to flowcharts, as they cannot preview the changes until the operation is complete, leading to potential errors and decreased productivity due to the need for repeated attempts.
Innovation Solution
A diagramming application provides a dynamic preview of diagram elements to be inserted by displaying them on the drawing canvas when the user hovers over an element insertion control for a threshold period, allowing users to assess the outcome before selecting the control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a user selects a connection control or shape type from the mini-toolbar to add elements to the diagram, then the diagram can be updated with new shapes and connectors, but the user cannot preview the changes before the operation is complete, leading to potential errors and repeated attempts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by displaying a preview of the shape and connector before the user completes the selection. The preview is rendered in advance based on the selected connection control and default shape type, allowing the user to see exactly what will be added to the diagram before committing to the operation. This resolves the contradiction by providing both ease of operation (through automatic shape insertion) and reliability (through preview confirmation).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by providing visual confirmation of the impending changes through the preview display. When a user selects a connection control, the system immediately renders a preview showing the upcoming shape and connector placement, giving the user feedback about the expected outcome before the actual insertion occurs. This feedback mechanism allows users to adjust their selection if the preview does not match their expectations, thereby improving reliability without sacrificing operational ease.
2Reliability
If the user must use undo functionality to remove inserted shapes and connectors, then the diagram can be corrected, but the diagramming process becomes less efficient due to repeated attempts
Solution Approach 1:
By performing the preview action before the actual shape insertion, the system prevents incorrect operations from being executed in the first place. Users can see the exact changes that will occur and adjust their selections accordingly, eliminating the need for undo operations and reducing repeated attempts. This preliminary preview step directly improves productivity by preventing errors before they occur rather than correcting them after the fact.
3Loss of information
If the diagramming application provides detailed preview information, then users can make more informed decisions about shape insertion, but the application complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies copying by creating a visual replica of the shape and connector that will be inserted into the diagram. The preview displays a copy of the default shape type and connector in the intended location, allowing users to assess the changes without actually modifying the original diagram. This copying approach provides comprehensive information about pending changes while maintaining relatively simple implementation, as it merely renders alternative visual representations rather than managing complex data structures.
Data Source
AI summary
Technologies are described herein for providing a dynamic preview of diagram elements to be inserted into a flowchart or other diagram. Through the use of the embodiments presented herein, a diagramming application program displays a preview of diagram elements to be inserted into a diagram by an element insertion control on a drawing canvas when a cursor is placed over the element insertion control for threshold period of time. The preview is displayed until the mouse cursor is moved away from the element insertion control or the element insertion control is selected.