In-Context GUI Text Editing Tool for Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
GUI design and localization processes face challenges due to language editors lacking context for terms or phrases, leading to inconsistencies and quality issues, especially when translators work apart from the main development team without access to the GUI layout and behavior.
Innovation Solution
An editing tool manages a shell area where a GUI is operable and an editing area where text for GUI elements can be edited, providing context by highlighting the GUI element with overlay and allowing concurrent editing of text items like labels, tool tips, and descriptions, with features like live updates and error simulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If translators work apart from the main development team without access to the GUI, then localization can be performed independently and efficiently, but language editors lack context for terms or phrases leading to inconsistencies and quality issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a visual copy or representation of the GUI layout that is displayed alongside the translation interface. This visual copy provides translators with contextual information about where text appears in the actual interface, enabling accurate translation without requiring access to the full development environment or source code.
2Loss of information
If static preview or screenshot tools are used to show GUI context, then translators can see the layout, but only a single GUI element is depicted and the preview is not complete or operable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the translation interface into distinct functional areas: a visual representation area showing the GUI layout with highlighted elements, and an editing area for text translation. This segmentation allows the complex information to be presented in an organized, manageable way that reduces perceived complexity while providing comprehensive context.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a visual dimension to the translation process by displaying a graphical representation of the GUI layout alongside the text editing interface. This transforms the traditionally text-only translation workflow into a multi-dimensional experience that combines visual context with textual editing capabilities.
3Manufacturing precision
If translators have full access to the operable GUI and development team, then complete context is available for accurate translation, but the localization process becomes less independent and more time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential contextual information needed for translation—the visual layout and current GUI element—presenting it in a simplified format that translators can access independently. This extraction provides sufficient context for accurate translation without requiring translators to engage with the complete development environment, source code, or operational GUI.
Data Source
AI summary
Innovations in the area of tools for editing text of elements of a graphical user interface (“GUI”) are presented herein. For example, an editing tool manages a shell area and an editing area. In the shell area, the editing tool renders a GUI that is operable by a user. The GUI has multiple elements. In the editing area, the editing tool renders editable text associated with a GUI element. While the text is shown in the editing area, the GUI element can be concurrently highlighted in the shell area. The editing tool receives user input from the user and, based at least in part on the user input, updates (e.g., for revision, translation) at least some of the text associated with the GUI element. By showing the context of the GUI element while text for it is being edited, the editing tool facilitates language editing with fewer errors and inconsistencies.