Information Display Terminal Z-Axis Object Scrolling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing graphical user interface (GUI) systems in three-dimensional virtual spaces face challenges in maintaining visibility and operability due to overlapping objects, which hinder intuitive interaction and navigation.

Innovation Solution

The information display terminal employs a touch panel and touch pad with contact sensors to detect location and scroll information, allowing users to scroll and move objects along the z-axis and x-y plane, and adjust the viewpoint, thereby improving visibility and operability by controlling the display of objects based on detected input.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If multiple objects are displayed in a three-dimensional virtual space, then the visibility and operability are improved, but objects overlap and hinder intuitive interaction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintuitive interactionVSAvoidobject visibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a third dimension (depth/z-axis) to the traditional two-dimensional display space. Objects can be positioned at different depths along the z-axis, allowing multiple objects to coexist without overlapping in the same visual plane. This dimensional expansion resolves the contradiction by enabling both multiple objects to be displayed and maintained visibility through depth-based layering.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic viewpoint control where the projection plane and object positions can be adjusted in real-time based on user interaction. The system dynamically changes the projection angle and depth positioning to optimize object visibility and reduce overlap, transforming a static display into a dynamic spatial arrangement that adapts to interaction needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If objects are arranged in three-dimensional space, then operability is improved, but navigation and control become more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveoperabilityVSAvoidnavigation control
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a projection plane that serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the display surface, the interaction plane, and the reference frame for depth positioning. This multi-functional design simplifies navigation control by providing a universal interface that handles both 2D plane operations and 3D depth management, reducing the complexity of controlling three-dimensional arrangements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Loss of information

If the viewpoint is fixed, then the display is stable, but visibility of multiple objects is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveobject visibilityVSAvoiddisplay stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the fixed viewpoint into a dynamic adjustable viewpoint. The projection plane can be rotated and repositioned along the z-axis based on user input, allowing the system to adapt the viewing angle to optimize visibility of different objects. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by enabling both improved visibility through viewpoint changes and maintained stability through controlled, user-directed transformations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2068237B1Information display terminal, information display method and program
Publication Date: 2015.12.02 SONY GROUP CORP
  • EP2068237B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP2068237B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2068237B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

There is provided an information display terminal for displaying an object of a graphical user interface on a display screen including a first operation information acquiring unit for acquiring first operation information including location information on the display screen via a contact detection surface provided so as to overlap with the display screen; a second operation information acquiring unit for acquiring second operation information including location information on the display screen via a contact detection surface provided on a surface on the side opposite to the display screen; and a display controlling unit for controlling the display of the object on the display screen on the basis of the acquired first operation information and second operation information. As a result, an information display terminal having excellent visibility and operability, which can provide an operating environment where intuitive operation is possible, can be provided.