Hover Preview Window for Hierarchical Graphical Models
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional graphical programming environments face issues with window clutter and navigation complexity when dealing with hierarchical programs, as well as inefficient display of results data, leading to user frustration and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A graphical programming environment that provides a preview window for objects when a pointing device hovers over them, which automatically disappears when moved out of a predetermined region, allowing for efficient navigation and reducing window proliferation by using a hover mechanism to display content without opening new windows.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a multi-window interface is used to display hierarchical graphical programs, then the content of each subsystem can be displayed in detail, but window clutter increases and user navigation becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the subsystem content display into the parent window by using a nested view mechanism. The subsystem is displayed within the same window boundary as the parent graphical program, eliminating the need for separate windows. This is achieved through a coordinate transformation system that maps subsystem coordinates to parent window coordinates, allowing detailed content display without window proliferation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a hierarchical dimension to the display interface. Instead of opening new windows for subsystems, it creates a nested display structure where subsystems are rendered within the parent window at different hierarchical levels. This dimensional approach allows users to navigate hierarchy by scrolling or paning within the same window rather than switching between multiple windows.
2Device complexity
If the same window is used to display all hierarchy levels, then window clutter is avoided, but the user must use forward and backward buttons to navigate and each level must fit in the window size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic window adaptation where the display automatically adjusts to show the appropriate hierarchy level based on user interaction. When a user clicks on a subsystem, the view dynamically transitions to display that subsystem's content within the same window. The window size and coordinate system dynamically transform to accommodate the selected subsystem while maintaining the parent context, eliminating the need for fixed navigation buttons.
3Loss of information
If conventional graphical programming environments display results data in multiple windows, then detailed data can be displayed, but the number of windows increases and user efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges results data display with the graphical program interface by integrating data visualization elements directly into the model window. Results data such as scope blocks and data loggers are displayed within the same window as the graphical program, utilizing the existing coordinate system and display area. This eliminates the need for separate results windows and allows users to view both the graphical model and its execution data simultaneously.
Data Source
AI summary
Graphical programming or modeling environments in which a preview window of an object is provided are disclosed. The preview window may be provided when the pointer of a pointing device hovers over an object and automatically disappear when the pointer of the pointing device is placed out of a predetermined region relating to the object. The object can be hierarchical so that the object includes a subsystem. Another preview window may be provided when the pointer of the pointing device hovers over the subsystem and automatically disappear when the pointer of the pointing device is placed out of a predetermined region relating to the subsystem. The subsystem of the object may also include another subsystem.