GUI Path Selection Mode for Object Grouping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing graphical user interface (GUI) methods for selecting multiple closely packed objects are either inefficient, such as using a selection rectangle which may inadvertently select unwanted objects, or tedious, like individually selecting each object with a pointing device.
Innovation Solution
A path selection mode where objects intersecting a curve traced by a cursor are selected or deselected, allowing for intuitive and simple selection or deselection of multiple objects by toggling their selection state based on the number of intersections with the path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a selection rectangle is used to select multiple objects, then the selection process is simple, but unwanted objects may be inadvertently selected
Solution Approach 1:
The selection process is segmented into two distinct phases: first drawing a rough path to define the selection region, then refining the selection by adding or removing individual objects. This segmentation allows users to initially capture the general area of interest and then precisely adjust the selection to exclude unwanted objects, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary selection based on the path drawn by the user, pre-selecting objects that intersect with the path before final confirmation. This preliminary action allows users to review and adjust the selection, ensuring accuracy while maintaining operational simplicity through the initial intuitive path-drawing gesture.
2Reliability
If individual objects are selected one by one using a pointing device, then selection accuracy is high, but the process is tedious
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple individual selection operations into a single path-drawing gesture. Instead of requiring separate click actions for each object, the user draws one continuous path that automatically selects all intersecting objects, dramatically improving productivity while maintaining accuracy through subsequent refinement capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The selection process uses continuous path-drawing action rather than discrete individual clicks. The user maintains continuous motion to define the selection region, which is more efficient than stopping and clicking for each object. The system processes the entire continuous path to determine object selection, preserving both speed and precision.
3Productivity
If a path selection mode is implemented to select objects intersecting a curve, then selection of multiple objects becomes efficient, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The path selection mechanism serves multiple functions: it selects objects for grouping, defines regions for operations, and enables both inclusive and exclusive selection modes. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing a unified interface for various selection tasks, improving overall system efficiency without requiring separate mechanisms for different selection scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from traditional two-dimensional rectangular selection to free-form curvilinear path selection, adding a dimensional aspect of flexibility. This allows selections to follow the actual spatial arrangement of objects rather than being constrained to rectangular boundaries, improving selection efficiency for irregularly arranged objects while the underlying data structure manages the complexity.
4Measurement precision
If path modification operations are allowed to adjust selection criteria, then selection precision is improved, but the operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The path selection system is dynamic and adaptive, allowing users to modify the path and adjustment the selection during the interaction process. Users can add control points, adjust curve segments, and refine the path to precisely match the desired selection boundary. This dynamic capability improves selection precision while the system automatically manages the complexity through intuitive controls and real-time feedback.
Data Source
AI summary
A system, computer-readable storage medium including instructions, and a computer-implemented method for manipulating one or more objects in a graphical user interface for a display device is presented. A start of a path selection mode is detected. A first path traversed by a cursor in the graphical user interface is detected, with the first path intersecting one or more objects in a plurality of objects displayed in the graphical user interface of the display device. A curve corresponding to the first path is displayed in the graphical user interface. An end of the path selection mode is detected. A selection state of the one or more objects is updated based on the curve, the selection state including a selected state and a deselected state.