Heterogeneous Data Canvas for Unified Interaction

Solution Overview

Problem

Computing systems require significant resources and time to switch between different applications, especially when moving from one task to another, as users often need to switch contexts between various applications to interact with different types of objects.

Innovation Solution

A two-dimensional canvas is introduced that allows the arrangement of heterogeneous objects with associated controls, enabling users to interact with different types of objects and controls within a single edit area without switching applications, and an interactive board work area for organizing and editing related objects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If users switch between different applications to interact with different types of objects, then users can access specialized functionality for each object type, but users consume significant computing resources and time for context switching

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to interact with different object typesVSAvoidtime spent switching contexts

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple application functionalities into a single integrated interface that can display and interact with heterogeneous objects of different types simultaneously. The system merges document viewing, video playback, and other application functions into one unified window, eliminating the need to switch between separate applications while maintaining access to specialized controls for each object type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal interface that can handle multiple types of objects and operations within a single application. The system provides multi-functional capabilities by allowing users to interact with documents, videos, and other objects through a common interface that adapts its controls based on the selected object type, rather than requiring separate specialized applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If users switch between different applications to interact with different types of objects, then users can access specialized functionality for each object type, but computing resources are consumed for context switching

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to interact with different object typesVSAvoidcomputing resources for context switching

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple application functionalities into a single integrated interface that can display and interact with heterogeneous objects of different types simultaneously. The system merges document viewing, video playback, and other application functions into one unified window, eliminating the need to switch between separate applications while maintaining access to specialized controls for each object type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal interface that can handle multiple types of objects and operations within a single application. The system provides multi-functional capabilities by allowing users to interact with documents, videos, and other objects through a common interface that adapts its controls based on the selected object type, rather than requiring separate specialized applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Loss of time

If a single interface is used to interact with heterogeneous objects, then context switching is reduced, but the interface complexity increases to accommodate different object types and controls

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetime spent switching applicationsVSAvoidinterface complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by providing context-specific controls that appear only when relevant to the currently selected object type. The interface dynamically adjusts its controls and options based on what the user has selected, showing document-specific controls when a document is selected and video-specific controls when a video is selected, rather than presenting all possible controls simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a dynamic interface that changes its structure and available controls based on the user's current selection and context. The interface can reconfigure itself to show or hide specific controls, tools, and options depending on the type of object being interacted with, making the complexity adaptive rather than static.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS9535590B2Controlled interaction with heterogeneous data

Publication Date: 2017.01.03 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC

AI summary

A two-dimensional canvas displays objects of various types. The canvas may be displayed in miniaturized form with a view box superimposed upon the canvas. As the view box is moved relative to the miniaturized canvas, the enlarged portion of the corresponding canvas is displayed in another view.