Dynamic User Interface Control Panel for Image Editing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing software application user interfaces often suffer from clutter and inefficiency when editing image attributes, as users must manually manage and navigate control panels, which can obscure the image and require multiple inputs to display and hide controls.

Innovation Solution

A user interface control panel system that automatically hides and re-displays portions based on user input, allowing sliders to be moved to desired locations within the interface, reducing clutter and simplifying control management through intuitive cursor and keyboard interactions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a control panel is displayed to enable modifying image attributes, then users can access editing controls, but the control panel obscures the image and creates screen clutter

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess to editing controlsVSAvoidvisible image area
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The control panel is segmented into multiple sections (e.g., brightness controls, contrast controls, saturation controls) that can be independently displayed or hidden. When a user selects a specific slider or control section, only that segment remains visible while other segments are hidden, reducing overall screen clutter while maintaining access to editing functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control panel transitions from a static full-display state to a dynamic state where portions are automatically hidden or shown based on user interaction. When a user clicks or hovers over a specific control element, the panel dynamically adjusts its visibility to show only the relevant portion, thereby reducing obscuration of the image while preserving ease of operation for the selected control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple control panel portions are displayed simultaneously, then all editing options are visible, but the number of inputs required to manage the panel increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess to all editing optionsVSAvoidtime to manage control panel
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary organization of control panel elements into logical groups or sections. When a user interacts with any control element, the system has already prepared the appropriate view state, so no additional inputs are required to switch between different control sections. This preliminary structuring reduces the time and inputs needed to manage the panel while maintaining access to all editing options.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The control panel implements a universal navigation mechanism where a single user interaction (such as clicking anywhere on the panel or using a keyboard shortcut) can toggle between different display states (full panel, sectioned panel, or minimized panel). This multi-functional approach allows users to access all editing options regardless of the current display state, reducing the number of specialized inputs needed to manage the panel.

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

3Ease of operation

If the control panel remains constantly visible, then users can continuously access controls, but screen real estate is wasted and focus on image editing is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous access to controlsVSAvoidscreen real estate for image
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The control panel implements self-service behavior by automatically hiding when not in active use and automatically reappearing when needed. The panel monitors user interactions and automatically adjusts its visibility state without requiring explicit user commands to show or hide it. This self-managing behavior maintains continuous accessibility while minimizing screen real estate consumption, allowing users to focus on image editing when the panel is hidden.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The control panel employs periodic visibility adjustments based on user interaction patterns. Instead of remaining constantly visible, the panel periodically hides itself after a set period of inactivity or upon completion of a control action, then reappears when the user needs to make further adjustments. This periodic action reduces screen clutter and allows focus on the image while maintaining ease of operation when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUSRE47592E1Managing user interface control panels
Publication Date: 2019.09.03 APPLE INC
  • USRE47592E1 patent drawing
  • USRE47592E1 patent drawing
  • USRE47592E1 patent drawing

AI summary

A computer-implemented method includes displaying a user interface on a display device, the user interface displaying a content item, in response to receiving input, displaying a user interface control panel including a user interface control, the user interface control configured to enable modifying one or more attributes of the content item, and in response to detecting a first selection of the user interface control, displaying a portion of the user interface control panel and hiding a portion of the user interface control panel, the displayed portion of the user interface control panel including the user interface control.