Graphical Planner Using Icon-Based Task Scheduling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing planners and calendars for mobile devices are limited by their reliance on text to represent events and tasks, leading to space constraints, inefficient information conveyance, and lack of visual or auditory feedback for task completion, which reduces user engagement.
Innovation Solution
A graphical planner system that allows users to schedule events and tasks using graphic icons on a touch screen, enabling non-linear, ad-hoc planning, with visual and auditory indicators for completion, and integration of textual data within icons.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If text is used to represent events and tasks in traditional calendar format, then information can be conveyed, but the text appears too small to read due to space constraints on mobile device screens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the representation parameter from text-based to image-based. By allowing users to select from multiple graphical icons (e.g., calendar icon, task list icon, checklist icon) to represent events and tasks, the system overcomes the readability problem while maintaining information conveyance. The graphical representation enables larger, more legible display elements that are easily distinguishable on mobile screens.
2Stability of the object's composition
If traditional linear calendar format is used to display events, then chronological organization is achieved, but user engagement is reduced due to lack of visual feedback for completion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements visual feedback mechanisms to enhance user engagement. When users complete tasks or events, the system provides visual confirmation through icon changes, checkmarks, or other graphical indicators. This feedback loop motivates users to complete their planning tasks by providing immediate visual recognition of accomplishment, while maintaining the chronological organization through the calendar grid structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes color changes to indicate different states of events and tasks. Different colors can represent pending, completed, or upcoming events, providing visual differentiation that enhances user engagement. Color-coded icons or markers make it easier for users to quickly assess their schedule and track progress, adding an emotional reward component to the planning process.
3Loss of information
If separate lists are used to manage tasks and events, then detailed information can be displayed, but the interface becomes complex and difficult to navigate on small screens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the display of events and tasks into a unified graphical interface. Instead of separate lists, the system presents both events and tasks as graphical icons within the same calendar grid, allowing users to view and manage both types of entries simultaneously. This consolidation reduces interface complexity while maintaining detailed information through the graphical representations and associated metadata.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional linear list view to a two-dimensional graphical grid view. By organizing events and tasks in a calendar grid format with graphical icons, the system provides spatial context and visual organization that reduces cognitive load. Users can quickly scan the grid to understand their schedule at a glance, while detailed information remains accessible through icon interaction.
Data Source
AI summary
A graphical planner allows a user to create or select, and then display, images that represent tasks and events to be completed by the user, as well as corresponding images that represent tasks and events that the user has already completed. The graphical planner allows a user to plan and schedule events and tasks by indicating an event or task in a non-textual (i.e., graphic or symbolic) manner. Completion of the events and tasks by the user can also be signaled or otherwise indicated in a non-textual (e.g., visual, audible) manner.