Image Element Animation for Display Layouts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current social networking systems lack an engaging and intuitive method for presenting and interacting with image and video content, particularly in displaying animation sequences for concurrently-displayed image elements, which limits user engagement and interaction.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of animation sequences that allow image elements to enlarge and display information panels upon user input, with videos playing upon selection, and revert to original size and position upon dismissal, enhancing user interaction and content presentation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If animation sequences are implemented to enlarge image elements and display information panels, then user engagement and interaction are improved, but device complexity and processing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser engagementVSAvoidanimation processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic animation sequences that transform static image elements into interactive, moving elements. When a user selects an image element, it dynamically enlarges and transitions to a detailed view, while information panels dynamically swing into view. This dynamic behavior enhances user engagement by creating a lively, responsive interface that reacts to user input with smooth visual transformations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates simplified visual copies and representations of content through animated transitions. Instead of immediately displaying complex detailed views, the system uses animated enlargements and information panels that copy and present essential information in an engaging manner. This allows complex information to be presented through simplified, animated visual representations that are easier to process and more engaging for users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Productivity

If video playback is integrated into the animation sequence, then content presentation is enhanced, but processing time and energy consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontent presentation efficiencyVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent prepares video content for playback by pre-loading and positioning it before the animation sequence completes. The system anticipates user interest in video content and has it ready to play immediately when the animation transitions to the detailed view. This preliminary preparation ensures seamless video integration without noticeable delays, enhancing content presentation efficiency while managing energy consumption through targeted pre-processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent maintains continuous, smooth animation sequences that lead directly into video playback without interruption. The enlargement animation, information panel transitions, and video playback are connected as a continuous flow of useful action. This continuity keeps the user engaged throughout the entire interaction, maximizing content presentation efficiency by eliminating dead air or loading delays between animation phases and video playback.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Ease of operation

If multiple animation sequences are displayed for selected and dismissed elements, then user interaction is enhanced, but loss of time occurs during transitions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser interactionVSAvoidtransition time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic, rhythmic animation sequences for selecting and dismissing image elements. Each interaction follows a consistent pattern: select animation plays, video plays, dismiss animation plays, and the element returns to its original position. This periodic structure creates predictable, rhythmic interactions that users can anticipate and understand, enhancing ease of operation through consistent behavioral patterns while managing transition time through optimized repetition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes animation transitions by skipping unnecessary intermediate steps and rushing through essential transformations. When an image element is dismissed, the animation efficiently shrinks and returns it to its original position without lingering. Information panels swing away quickly, and video playback stops precisely when needed. These skipped and rushed transitions minimize loss of time while maintaining smooth, polished visual effects that enhance user interaction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #21Skipping (Rushing through)

Data Source

PatentUS10476937B2Animation for image elements in a display layout
Publication Date: 2019.11.12 META PLATFORMS INC
  • US10476937B2 patent drawing
  • US10476937B2 patent drawing
  • US10476937B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Particular embodiments provide a plurality of image elements arranged in a display layout. When user input selecting one of the image elements is received, a first animation sequence for an information panel associated with the selected image element may be displayed, wherein the information panel swings down from a bottom edge of the selected image element. As the information swings down, the selected image element may also be enlarged until it reaches a pre-determined size with respect to a display of the computing device. In response to receiving user input dismissing the selected image element, another animation sequence may shrink the selected image element while showing the information panel swinging up and eventually disappearing.