Dynamic Icon Sizing and Placement for Wireless Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless devices with limited display screens face challenges in icon visibility and selection, particularly for users with impaired vision, learning disabilities, or cognitive impairments, as they struggle to distinguish or associate icons with their intended functions due to the small size and crowded layout.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that dynamically adjust icon sizing and placement by changing the size of underlays and overlays based on the selected number of icons to be displayed, allowing users to customize the grid layout and improve visibility, which includes receiving a signal for the selected number of icons, comparing it to the current number, and adjusting the underlay and overlay sizes accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If icons are displayed in a crowded layout to maximize screen utilization, then the quantity of information displayed increases, but the visibility and distinguishability of icons deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts icon size and spacing based on user input and screen real estate. Icons transition from a default crowded layout to a customized layout where size and positioning are modified to improve visibility while maintaining screen utilization efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes physical parameters of icon display including size, spacing, and positioning. By modifying these parameters based on user preferences and screen dimensions, the system optimizes both the number of visible icons and their distinguishability for users with visual impairments.
2Ease of operation
If icon size is increased to improve visibility for users with impaired vision, then the ease of operation improves, but the number of icons that can be displayed on the screen decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes screen real estate more effectively by adjusting the two-dimensional arrangement of icons. Through modified spacing and positioning in the horizontal and vertical dimensions, larger icons can be accommodated while maintaining a reasonable number of visible icons on the screen.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies display parameters including icon size, spacing between icons, and positioning to find an optimal balance. This allows users with visual impairments to see larger, more distinguishable icons while still accessing a sufficient number of functions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If custom icon arrangements are allowed to improve user accessibility, then the adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides self-service customization capabilities where users can directly input their preferred number of icons and select from predefined arrangement options. This eliminates the need for complex configuration interfaces or expert intervention, allowing users with various abilities to customize layouts independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal configuration system that serves multiple functions: it accommodates different visual impairments, supports various screen sizes, and provides multiple arrangement options. This multi-functional approach increases adaptability while keeping the underlying system relatively simple through standardized procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for displaying icons of a graphical user interface on a display screen of a device (e.g., a wireless or other device), comprising: receiving a signal indicating a selected number of the icons to be displayed; comparing the selected number to a current number of the icons to be displayed; changing a size of an underlay for at least one of the icons if the selected number is not equal to the current number; and, displaying icons corresponding to the selected number on the display screen.