Two-Dimensional Message Grid Layout for Touchscreen Interface

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Solution Overview

Problem

Accessing and reviewing multiple items, such as email messages, from a list view is time-consuming and requires numerous server requests, as each message must be individually opened, leading to inefficiencies in data retrieval and display.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that generate user-controllable display data for a touchscreen interface, allowing multiple message items to be viewed in a two-dimensional array on a single screen, with selectable display objects enabling quick review and action on messages, reducing the need for individual message openings and minimizing server requests.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If messages are displayed in a one-dimensional list view, then each message can be clearly presented, but it requires many discrete server requests and individual message openings to review multiple messages, leading to time consumption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemessage review efficiencyVSAvoidtime to access and review messages
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the traditional one-dimensional list view into a two-dimensional grid layout where multiple message items are displayed simultaneously in rows and columns. This dimensional change allows users to review multiple messages at once without needing to open each individually, thereby reducing the number of server requests and time required for message review while maintaining full message visibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If multiple message items are displayed on a single screen, then review efficiency improves, but the display layout complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemessage review speedVSAvoiddisplay layout complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the display area into a structured grid with multiple rows and columns, where each cell contains a message item. This segmentation approach organizes multiple messages in a systematic layout that is easy to navigate and understand, improving review speed while managing display complexity through regular, predictable structure rather than chaotic arrangement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

By introducing a second dimension to the display layout, the patent enables parallel presentation of multiple messages. The two-dimensional grid structure naturally manages complexity by providing clear spatial organization, making it easier for users to locate and review messages compared to traditional linear lists, thus improving productivity without excessive complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Loss of information

If each message is opened individually for review, then complete message content can be accessed, but numerous server requests are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemessage content accessibilityVSAvoidserver request overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple message item displays into a single screen view, allowing users to access and review multiple messages simultaneously without opening each one individually. This consolidation reduces the number of discrete server requests required, as the system can retrieve and display multiple message items in a single operation, thereby reducing server overhead and energy consumption while maintaining full message content accessibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2770466B1Device and method for generating message item display data
Publication Date: 2018.07.18 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP2770466B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2770466B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2770466B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A device (201, 300) comprises a processor (240) configured to communicate with a display (204) and detect (600) a user selection indicative of a message items view (502). The processor (240) , in response to the detected user selection, is further configured to obtain (604) message data items (508, 510, 512, 514) via a message application executable on the device (201, 300); arrange (606) the message data items in a two-dimensional scheme (502); generate (608) display data of the two-dimensional scheme (502) of message data items (508, 510, 512, 514) for display; and output (610) the generated data to the display (204).