Integrated Numeric Control for Simultaneous Parameter Editing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional user interfaces require users to switch between multiple controls to achieve desired changes in multiple parameters, leading to increased time and effort, and lack integration, resulting in inefficient value editing and record-keeping.
Innovation Solution
A flexible, dynamic slider control that combines multiple functionalities into one control, allowing for quick numeric value editing, control of multiple parameters, and simultaneous manipulation of values, with features like dynamic increment/decrement, stepwise adjustment, and contextual menus for recent value selection, enabling users to perform tasks in fewer steps and less time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate controls are used to manipulate different parameters, then each parameter can be controlled independently, but the user must switch between controls and perform multiple steps, increasing time and effort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate controls into a single integrated control element that can manipulate multiple parameters simultaneously. This unified control allows users to adjust different parameters without switching between separate controls, directly reducing the time and effort required while maintaining the ability to control multiple aspects of the interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated control is designed to perform multiple functions - it can manipulate different parameters, support various input methods (sliding, clicking, keyboard input), and provide multiple interaction modes. This multi-functionality allows a single control to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate controls, improving efficiency without sacrificing versatility.
2Ease of operation
If traditional separate controls are used, then each control is simple and focused on one parameter, but they are poorly integrated and require switching between controls
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated control is segmented into distinct functional regions or modes that correspond to different parameters or control methods. Each segment maintains the simplicity of traditional controls while being coordinated through a unified structure, allowing users to access different functions without dealing with the overall complexity of the integration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a large number of controls are provided for extensive parameter manipulation, then detailed control is possible, but valuable user interface space is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated control serves as a universal interface element that can manipulate multiple parameters within a single compact footprint. This eliminates the need for multiple separate controls spread across the interface, preserving valuable screen real estate while maintaining comprehensive parameter manipulation capability.
4Device complexity
If traditional controls are used without value recording, then the interface remains simple, but users must manually keep records of entered values
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated control automatically records and manages parameter values without requiring user intervention for manual note-taking. The control system itself performs the record-keeping function, freeing users from the burden of tracking values externally while adding minimal complexity to the control structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A user interface comprises a control for adjusting a numeric field value. The control includes controls for editing the numeric field text directly and for dynamically incrementing and decrementing the value. In addition, the control includes controls for combining several functions into one control, allowing for quicker numeric value editing, control of multiple parameters, and taking up less user interface space.