Portable Device GUI Data Layout for Power Saving

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Solution Overview

Problem

Portable electronic devices face challenges in displaying large amounts of data on small screens while minimizing power consumption, as traditional scrolling methods consume significant power and are not user-friendly.

Innovation Solution

A method that sorts data entities by start time and optimally places them on a graphical user interface (GUI) using a cache table, allowing for efficient display without scrolling, by grouping data entities into rows and using a timeline representation, which reduces the need for scrolling operations and conserves power.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If traditional scrolling methods are used to display large amounts of data on small screens, then the display completeness is improved, but the power consumption increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay completenessVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from one-dimensional linear scrolling to two-dimensional matrix-based display organization. Data entities are arranged in a grid structure with rows and columns, allowing comprehensive data presentation without sequential scrolling. This dimensional change enables users to view multiple data points simultaneously across the screen space, eliminating the need for continuous scrolling while maintaining complete data visibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the display area into multiple rows and columns forming a matrix structure. Each cell in the matrix can independently display a data entity or aggregation of entities. This segmentation allows the interface to present large volumes of data in an organized, compact format that fits within the limited screen real estate without requiring scrolling operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Quantity of substance

If more data entities are displayed on the screen, then the information density is improved, but the readability and user-friendliness deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation densityVSAvoidreadability
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by allowing different regions of the matrix to serve different functions. Header rows and columns provide contextual labels and navigation, while data cells present information. The matrix structure creates natural visual hierarchy and grouping, with rows and columns acting as organizational boundaries that guide user attention and improve readability despite high information density.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The matrix structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it organizes data spatially, provides navigation through row/column headers, enables filtering and sorting operations, and presents information in a compact format. This multi-functionality allows the same display structure to handle various data types and user interactions without sacrificing readability.

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

3Productivity

If data entities are sorted and organized in a cache table, then the display efficiency is improved, but the processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay efficiencyVSAvoidprocessing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary sorting and organization of data entities into the cache table matrix structure before display. Data is pre-arranged in rows and columns based on relevant criteria, with headers establishing the organizational framework. This preliminary structuring eliminates the need for complex runtime processing during display operations, as the data is already optimized for efficient rendering.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2741196B1Power-saving in a portable electronic device operating in a telecommunication network
Publication Date: 2015.11.18 SAP SE
  • EP2741196B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2741196B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2741196B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for power saving in a telecommunication network, and in particular in a mobile telecommunication device. Data entities that are to be displayed on a graphical user interface (GUI) of the portable electronic device are arranged in an extremely efficient way avoiding any 'wasting' of space of the GUI. Thus, the need for any scrolling operations on the GUI for navigating through the data entities is minimized or even avoided. Due to the optimal placement of the data entities in an as compact manner as possible on the GUI, the number of user scrolling operations is drastically minimized. As a consequence, the power consumption of the device will decrease and the operational time of the device in case of operation on battery is increased.