3D Interface Element Highlighting for Off-Axis Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties in determining active interface elements on portable computing devices due to their small form factor and the challenge of accurately selecting elements, especially at off-axis viewing angles, where the relative size of the user's finger to the rendered element makes it hard to interact effectively.
Innovation Solution
The system uses a combination of camera image analysis and motion sensors to determine the user's relative position and device orientation, rendering interface elements with three-dimensional depth cues, such as z-levels, to highlight active elements and provide a consistent point of view-dependent rendering, ensuring users can accurately select and interact with interface elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If the device uses a small form factor, then portability is improved, but it becomes difficult for users to determine which interface elements are active and able to receive input
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes by rendering active interface elements in a first color and inactive elements in a second color, creating visual distinction that helps users identify which elements are active and able to receive input, directly addressing the difficulty of detecting interface element state on small portable devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a third visual dimension by varying the apparent depth or elevation of interface elements, rendering active elements as appearing to protrude from or be closer to the front of the display, which enhances the distinction between active and inactive elements without increasing physical device size
2Adaptability or versatility
If the device is placed flat on a table or viewed at off-axis angles, then device versatility is improved, but it becomes difficult for users to accurately select interface elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by continuously monitoring the device's orientation using motion sensors and dynamically adjusting the rendering of interface elements based on the detected viewing angle, ensuring that active elements remain visually distinct and accurately selectable regardless of whether the device is held vertically, placed flat, or viewed at oblique angles
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using motion sensors to detect device orientation and viewing angle, then using this information to adjust the rendering of interface elements in real-time, creating a closed-loop system that maintains accurate element selection capability across diverse viewing conditions
Data Source
AI summary
A graphical user interface can provide a three-dimensional appearance that is consistent for changes in a current location or point of view of a user. The user's point of view can be determined by analyzing images showing a current relative location of the user with respect to the device, and motion sensors operable to provide information about changes in orientation or position of the device. In addition to point of view updates, the interface can render active elements such that the elements appear to be closer to an outer surface of the display element. Such rendering can enable the user to easily determine which elements are active, such as may be used to provide text input to the device.