Input Region Hierarchy for Overlapping GUI Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional graphical user interfaces (GUIs) face challenges in accurately determining which input regions are affected by user inputs when these regions overlap, leading to confusion about which region the input is intended for, and existing methods either focus on a single window or require constant decision-making among overlapping regions.
Innovation Solution
A method that assigns actuation levels, allocation to GUI regions, and blocking types to input regions, allowing detection and evaluation of user inputs based on ranking, where higher-ranking regions can block or allow inputs to lower-ranking regions, and signaling inputs to corresponding processes dynamically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If all programs receive all user inputs, then every program can potentially respond to inputs, but it becomes difficult to determine which input region the user intended and increases system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The solution segments the GUI into multiple input regions with hierarchical actuation levels. Each input region is independently identifiable and can be evaluated separately, allowing the system to determine which specific region the user intended without requiring all programs to process all inputs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a hierarchical dimension (actuation levels) to organize input regions. Instead of flat overlapping regions, input regions are arranged in levels where higher-level regions can block or allow passage of inputs to lower-level regions, adding a vertical dimension to input processing.
2Device complexity
If focused input regions are used, then input processing becomes simpler, but users must switch between windows before use, reducing operational efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically determines which input region is active based on the user's input position and the blocking types of overlapping regions. Instead of requiring users to manually switch between focused windows, the system automatically adapts to the user's intent by evaluating the hierarchical structure and blocking properties of input regions in real-time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary evaluation mechanism that sits between the user input and the program processing. This intermediary layer evaluates the input position against the hierarchical actuation levels and blocking types to automatically determine the intended target, eliminating the need for manual window switching.
3Adaptability or versatility
If input regions overlap with different actuation levels, then more functionality can be layered, but determining which region is affected by an input becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Each input region is assigned specific local properties including its actuation level and blocking type. These local qualities allow the system to quickly determine which region the user intended by evaluating the properties of regions at the input position, rather than searching through all overlapping regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary organization of input regions into hierarchical actuation levels before user interaction. This pre-arranged structure allows for efficient determination of the intended input region by simply evaluating the hierarchical levels and blocking types, rather than complex real-time analysis of all overlapping regions.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and device are described for determining input regions that are affected by a user input at a graphical user interface, GUI. For each input region, the following are associated with one another: (i) an actuation level of the input region, (ii) an allocation of the input region to a region of the GUI, and (iii) a blocking type of the input region. The method includes detecting a user input, wherein the user input is allocated an input position on the GUI. The method additionally includes determining at least one input region that contains the input position. Finally, the method includes evaluating the blocking type allocated to that input region in order to determine whether the user input to at least one lower-ranking input region that contains the input position is blocked.