Graphical User Interface Layering for Mobile Screen Real Estate Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile communication devices face challenges in displaying and accessing multiple data sources simultaneously due to limited screen size, leading to increased battery consumption and user inconvenience when switching between modules like calendar and scheduler.
Innovation Solution
A method to concurrently display data from multiple data sources on a single screen by generating a graphical user interface that overlays or layers data from a second data source onto the first, allowing users to input data while providing contextual information, thereby reducing the need for frequent module switching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If multiple data sources are displayed simultaneously on a limited screen, then information accessibility is improved, but screen real estate and display complexity are exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from displaying multiple data sources sequentially in time (different screens) to displaying them concurrently in space (overlaid layers on the same screen). This dimensional change from temporal to spatial arrangement allows multiple information layers to coexist without exceeding screen boundaries, resolving the contradiction between information accessibility and screen real estate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested display structure where data from the second data source is overlaid or layered onto the first data source. This nesting approach allows multiple data sources to be contained within the same display area, with each data source forming a layer that can be independently accessed while maintaining screen real estate constraints.
2Adaptability or versatility
If users switch between distinct modules to access different functionality, then device functionality is maintained, but user convenience and time efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the display of multiple data sources into a single concurrent view rather than requiring separate module switches. By combining calendar data and scheduler data in an overlaid display, the system maintains full device functionality while eliminating the time loss associated with switching between distinct modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-loading and displaying multiple data sources simultaneously before the user needs to switch between them. This allows users to access multiple functionalities in one view, eliminating the need for subsequent module switching and the associated time loss.
3Area of stationary object
If display screen size is increased to show more information, then information visibility is improved, but device portability and battery consumption worsen
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing screen area to display more information, the patent uses the dimensional approach of overlaid layers to pack more information into the existing screen real estate. This vertical layering of data sources allows comprehensive information display without requiring a larger physical screen, thereby maintaining battery efficiency and portability.
4Ease of operation
If multiple data sources are displayed concurrently, then user experience is improved, but display complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent manages display complexity by nesting data sources in a hierarchical layered structure. Each data source is contained within its own layer that can be independently managed, allowing the system to handle multiple concurrent data sources through a structured approach that abstracts the underlying complexity from the user experience.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and computing device are provided for showing affordance of list scroll-ability within a display of a computing device. As part of the rendering process of the graphical user interface a user is prompted through the provision of additional data to that ultimately displayed to consider that the final displayed list is a subset of data which may be accessed through the graphical user interface.