Graphical Item Map Icons for Intuitive Usage Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing graphical user interfaces that represent items non-textually do not intuitively convey information about the items, requiring user input for additional information display.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for generating a graphical user interface that includes a map of items, where icons representing each item are dynamically adjusted based on usage characteristics, incorporating height, color, and other indicators to provide intuitive information without additional user input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If items are shown as non-text based representations (images, shapes), then the graphical user interface becomes more visually appealing and easier to understand at a glance, but information regarding the items is not intuitively ascertained and additional user input is required to retrieve detailed information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes to icons representing items on the map. The color of each icon is dynamically adjusted based on usage characteristics (e.g., popularity, frequency of access). This allows users to intuitively understand item characteristics through visual color cues without requiring additional input, thus resolving the contradiction between visual appeal and information accessibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds visual dimensions (color, size) to the icon representations beyond the basic image or shape. By encoding usage characteristics into these additional visual dimensions, the system conveys more information through the non-textual representation itself, eliminating the need for separate information retrieval steps
2Loss of information
If a time delayed display is shown when a user provides an input for a predetermined amount of time, then information about the item is provided, but the user interface becomes less responsive and requires user waiting time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-calculating and preparing the visual representation (icon with color/size based on usage characteristics) before the user even requests information. The information is already prepared and displayed immediately when the user interacts with the interface, eliminating the need for time-delayed responses and reducing user waiting time
3Loss of information
If icons are dynamically adjusted based on usage characteristics including height, color, and other indicators, then users can intuitively understand item characteristics, but the graphical user interface becomes more complex to generate and maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal system where a single icon representation serves multiple functions: it identifies the item, displays usage characteristics through color and size variations, and provides intuitive visual feedback. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate visual elements for different types of information, simplifying the overall GUI structure despite the dynamic adjustments
Data Source
AI summary
A device, system, and method generate a graphical interface including a map for a set of items. The method includes identifying the items in the set of items. For each item, the method includes measuring a usage characteristic for the item at a predetermined time and generating an icon for the item, a display characteristic of the icon based on the usage characteristic. The method includes generating the map including the icons.