Immersive GUI for Geology and Geophysics Data Visualization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Geology and Geophysics (G&G) applications with non-immersive graphical user interfaces (GUIs) divert user attention from data visualization due to occupying significant screen space, complex navigation, repetitive strain injuries, non-interactive workflows, and lack of touch-screen optimization, leading to decreased productivity and user experience.

Innovation Solution

An immersive GUI that utilizes screen estate efficiently by varying transparency of GUI elements based on input device location, providing context-sensitive controls, and allowing immediate application of operations to G&G data, including 3D and 2D views, search functionality, and light source control, to minimize distractions and enhance usability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If non-immersive GUI with support controls is used, then operations on G&G data can be performed, but user attention is diverted from data visualization and screen space is occupied

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to perform operations on dataVSAvoidscreen space occupied by controls

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the support controls from the traditional fixed perimeter layout and allows them to be dynamically positioned anywhere on the screen. Controls can be detached from their conventional locations and placed in optimized positions that minimize obstruction of the data view while maintaining accessibility for operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The GUI controls are made dynamic rather than static. Controls can move, resize, and change opacity based on user interaction and context. The interface adapts its layout in real-time, allowing controls to be temporarily highlighted or dimmed based on the current operational context, rather than occupying fixed screen real estate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple support controls are added for advanced workflows, then more operations can be performed, but navigation complexity increases and RSI risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability to perform advanced operationsVSAvoidnumber of controls and navigation steps

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements universal controls that can perform multiple functions depending on context. A single control element can serve different purposes based on the current state and selected data, reducing the total number of controls needed while maintaining comprehensive operational capability for advanced workflows.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces contextual menus and intermediate control layers that appear only when needed. Rather than presenting all controls simultaneously, the system uses contextual intermediaries that provide relevant controls based on the current operation, reducing navigation complexity while maintaining access to advanced functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If non-transparent dialogs are used for interactive workflows, then user input can be collected, but user view of data is blocked

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to input parameters and trigger updatesVSAvoidvisibility of data view

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional opaque dialog boxes with semi-transparent control panels that function like thin films overlaying the data view. These controls allow users to input parameters and trigger updates while maintaining visibility of the underlying data through their semi-transparent nature, eliminating the need to block the view for interaction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Area of stationary object

If full-screen mode is used for data visualization, then data view is maximized, but user cannot perform operations without switching modes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata view screen spaceVSAvoidefficiency of performing operations

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the full-screen visualization mode with operational controls into a single unified interface. Rather than requiring separate full-screen and control modes, the system combines both functionalities simultaneously, allowing users to perform operations directly on the full-screen data view without mode switching, thereby maintaining both maximum visibility and operational efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS9182879B2Immersive interaction model interpretation

Publication Date: 2015.11.10 SCHLUMBERGER TECH CORP

AI summary

Embodiments of the present disclosure include one or more of a method, computing device, computer-readable medium, and system for providing an immersive GUI. According to an embodiment, this may include providing a view of G&G data within at least a substantial portion of the GUI, a first GUI element, wherein transparency of the first GUI element varies depending on a location of an input device with respect to the first GUI element, and a second GUI element, wherein the second GUI element is customized based on a context.