Dynamic Control Attribute Ordering for Context-Aware Interfaces

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Solution Overview

Problem

User interfaces with pre-set control arrangements can become tedious for users when navigating between controls requires multiple keystrokes, as the fixed layout does not adapt to context or user needs.

Innovation Solution

A method to dynamically determine the order of controllable attributes based on context, prioritizing them for display in an interface, thereby reducing the number of keystrokes needed to navigate and making the interface more user-friendly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If controls are arranged in a pre-set fixed layout, then users can become familiar with control positioning, but navigating to desired controls requires multiple keystrokes which becomes tedious

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser familiarity with control positioningVSAvoidnumber of keystrokes required for navigation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The control arrangement transitions from a static pre-set layout to a dynamic context-aware layout that automatically repositions controls based on the current context and user needs, reducing navigation keystrokes while maintaining usability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the positional parameters of controls dynamically based on contextual information, allowing frequently needed controls to be placed in optimal positions while less frequent controls are moved to secondary positions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If controls are repositioned dynamically based on context, then navigation efficiency improves, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenavigation efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity for dynamic arrangement

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary analysis of contextual information and user needs before repositioning controls, preparing the optimal control arrangement in advance to minimize navigation steps while managing complexity through structured decision-making

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If the same control arrangement is used across different applications, then users can maintain consistent muscle memory, but the interface cannot adapt to application-specific contexts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconsistent control positioningVSAvoidcontext-specific adaptation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The control arrangement system serves multiple functions by maintaining a base consistent layout for muscle memory while simultaneously adapting to specific application contexts through contextual analysis, making the interface both familiar and context-appropriate

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9015610B2Display of controllable attributes for a controllable item based on context

Publication Date: 2015.04.21 ARRIS ENTERPRISES LLC

AI summary

In one embodiment, a method includes determining focus on a focus item associated with a controllable item. The focus item is displayed on an interface that includes a plurality of display positions. A context for the controllable item based on the focus being on the focus item and a set of controllable attributes associated with the controllable item are determined. The method dynamically determines an order of the set of controllable attributes based on the context. The context is used to prioritize the set of controllable attributes in the order. The set of controllable attributes is displayed in the order in at least a portion of the plurality of display positions.