Dynamic Enlarged Object Overlay for Occlusion-Free User Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing information processing systems face challenges in displaying thumbnail images effectively, as enlarged objects occlude other objects, making it difficult for users to visually confirm and select occluded items, and conventional solutions narrow the reduced object list display area, hindering user convenience.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus and method that allows for the superimposition of a second object on a first object at a designated position on the screen, using a storage unit, display units, a designation unit, and a determination unit to ensure the second object is displayed without occluding the first object, using a coordinate calculation algorithm to determine the optimal display position based on the pointing device's position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an enlarged object is displayed at the same position as the original reduced object, then the enlarged object can be easily located by users, but other objects are occluded and cannot be visually confirmed or selected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional screen layout to a three-dimensional layered display structure. The enlarged object is rendered on a higher layer (z-axis) while the reduced object list remains on the lower layer, allowing both to coexist without occlusion. This dimensional transition enables the enlarged object to be prominently displayed at its original position while preserving visibility of other objects in the background layer.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a separate reduced object list display area and enlarged object display area are distinguished, then both areas can function independently, but the reduced object list display area becomes narrow and users can hardly select objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the reduced object list display area and the enlarged object display area into a single integrated display space. The reduced object list is displayed in the background layer across the entire screen width, while the enlarged object overlay appears on top at the desired position. This merging maintains the full width of the reduced object list display area for easy selection while enabling independent functional operation of both display purposes.
3Device complexity
If the enlarged object is always displayed at the center of the screen, then the display position is fixed and simple, but the user cannot easily select occluded objects and the interface becomes less flexible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic positioning of the enlarged object based on user interaction. Instead of a fixed center position, the enlarged object moves to the location where the user points (using a pointing device). The system dynamically calculates the position based on the pointing device coordinates and renders the enlarged object at that location, providing flexible user selection capability while maintaining relatively simple implementation through coordinate transformation.
Data Source
AI summary
There is disclosed a highly convenient user interface which can suitably perform enlarged display of a designated object and suitably allow the user to operate original objects occluded under the object which undergoes the enlarged display or the like. An arbitrary position on a reduced image displayed on a screen of a display unit is designated using a pointer. A pointer sensing unit determines whether or not the designated position falls within the display range of the reduced image, and an enlarged image corresponding to the reduced image is displayed at a position according to the designated position of the pointer within that region.