Map-Bound and Unbound Layer Transition for Touch Interface Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing information systems for facility management, such as HVAC and surveillance systems, rely on tree-structured navigation optimized for traditional PC interfaces, limiting their usability in touch/gesture controlled environments.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method for displaying building information via a touch/gesture driven user interface, featuring a map layer with content control objects that allow navigation and content loading based on current navigation data and user attributes, enabling transition between map-bound and map-unbound layers and sharing content across networked devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If tree-structured navigation is used for facility management systems, then the system is optimized for traditional PC interfaces, but the usability is limited in touch/gesture controlled environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic user interface that adapts its navigation structure based on the input device being used. When a touch/gesture device is detected, the system dynamically transforms the traditional tree-structured navigation into a map-based navigation interface with visual spatial representation, allowing users to navigate facility layouts intuitively through touch and gestures rather than navigating through hierarchical menus
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the fundamental parameters of the interface representation by transitioning from an abstract hierarchical structure to a concrete spatial map representation. This parameter change includes altering the navigation paradigm from parent-child relationships to spatial coordinates and visual landmarks, making the interface naturally suited for touch and gesture interactions
2Stability of the object's composition
If content display objects are bound to the map layer for pan and zoom operations, then the content maintains proper spatial relationship with the map, but the content position changes relative to the display screen during navigation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the display system into two distinct layers: a map-bound layer where content maintains spatial relationships with the map during pan and zoom operations, and a map-unbound layer where content remains fixed relative to the display screen. This segmentation allows different content types to have different positioning behaviors appropriate to their function
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces a layer management mechanism that acts as an intermediary between the map navigation system and the content display system. This layer mechanism mediates the positioning behavior of content objects, allowing them to be associated with either the map layer for spatial accuracy or the screen layer for persistent visibility, thus resolving the conflict between spatial fidelity and accessibility
3Ease of operation
If traditional PC-style interface is used for facility management, then keyboard and mouse control is optimized, but touch/gesture control is not supported
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal interface architecture that can operate with multiple types of input devices. The system detects the available input device (touchscreen, mouse, keyboard) and automatically adapts its control mechanisms, allowing the same facility management system to be effectively controlled through touch gestures, mouse clicks, or keyboard navigation without requiring separate interfaces for each device type
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are frameworks, devices and methods configured for enabling display for facility information and content, in some cases via touch/gesture controlled interfaces. Embodiments of the invention have been particularly developed for allowing an operator to conveniently access a wide range of information relating to a facility via, for example, one or more wall mounted displays. While some embodiments will be described herein with particular reference to that application, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to such a field of use, and is applicable in broader contexts.