Input Object Routing for Multi-Functionality Graphics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing computing devices face challenges in routing user input to the correct graphics functionality when multiple graphics functionalities manage different visual elements within a display region, leading to inefficient interaction and potential security vulnerabilities.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of an input object that acts as a data structure linked to visual elements, enabling input to be routed to the appropriate graphics functionality responsible for managing those elements, thereby creating a custom input pipeline and enhancing security by preventing unauthorized access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple graphics functionalities are used to manage different visual elements within a display region, then the versatility and functionality of the visual content processing is improved, but the complexity of routing user input to the correct graphics functionality increases and security vulnerabilities arise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegraphics functionality versatilityVSAvoidinput routing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary layer (input object/linker) that sits between the user input and multiple graphics functionalities. This intermediary receives input events, determines which visual element was interacted with, and routes the input to the appropriate graphics functionality. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining multiple graphics functionalities (versatility) while simplifying the input routing mechanism through a centralized intermediary (reduced complexity).

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the display region into multiple zones, each associated with a specific visual element and its managing graphics functionality. By dividing the display area and establishing clear boundaries between regions managed by different graphics functionalities, the system can efficiently route input based on the spatial location of the interaction, reducing the complexity of determining which functionality should handle the input while preserving the ability to support multiple functionalities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple graphics functionalities manage different visual elements within a display region, then the functionality and options for processing visual content is improved, but security vulnerabilities and unauthorized access risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisual content processing optionsVSAvoidsecurity vulnerability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The intermediary layer acts as a security gatekeeper that validates and controls access between user input and multiple graphics functionalities. It ensures that input is routed only to the intended graphics functionality responsible for the specific visual element, preventing unauthorized access to other functionalities. This maintains the versatility of having multiple graphics functionalities while improving security by enforcing proper access control through the intermediary.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by associating each visual element with its specific managing graphics functionality through spatial or contextual binding. Each region of the display has a defined owner (graphics functionality), and input routing is determined by the local context of where the interaction occurred. This ensures that each graphics functionality only receives input from its designated visual elements, preventing unauthorized cross-access while maintaining the diverse capabilities of multiple functionalities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Measurement precision

If an input object is introduced to route input to the correct graphics functionality, then input routing accuracy and security are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinput routing accuracyVSAvoidsystem structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The input object is designed as a universal, multi-functional component that can handle routing to any graphics functionality through a standardized interface. Rather than creating separate complex routing mechanisms for each graphics functionality, a single universal input object performs all routing operations. This improves routing accuracy while minimizing the increase in system complexity by using a unified approach rather than multiple specialized components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3005083B1Input object configured to route input for a visual element to a graphic framework
Publication Date: 2020.06.24 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC
  • EP3005083B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3005083B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3005083B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Techniques for an input object for routing input for visual elements are described. In at least some embodiments, a region of a display area includes multiple graphic elements that can be generated and/or managed by different graphics functionalities. For instance, a graphical user interface (GUI) for an application can include a primary window and visual elements within the primary window, such as banners, control buttons, menus, tillable fields, and so forth. In at least some embodiments, the primary window of the GUI can be managed by a first graphics functionality, while one or more visual elements within the primary window can be managed by a second graphics functionality. In accordance with one or more embodiments, an input object is employed to route input to visual elements to a graphics functionality responsible for managing the visual elements.