Graphical Modeling Speed Buttons for Linking Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional graphical modeling environments require cumbersome user interactions, such as right-clicking and accessing menus, to define links between modeling components, which decreases productivity especially in large-scale models.
Innovation Solution
A graphical user interface that displays speed buttons and context menus in response to user input, allowing users to select and drag elements to create links with defined operations, thereby simplifying the linking process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional techniques (right-click and menu access) are used to define links, then the system maintains standard menu-driven operation, but the operation becomes cumbersome and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The context menu is segmented into multiple tabs (Linking tab, Properties tab, etc.), allowing users to access different operations in organized groups. The speed buttons further segment the most common linking operations into easily accessible icons, reducing the need to navigate through entire menu structures.
Solution Approach 2:
Speed buttons act as an intermediary between the user and the full context menu system. These buttons provide direct access to common operations without requiring users to right-click and navigate through menu hierarchies, thus simplifying the interaction while maintaining the underlying menu-driven architecture.
2Productivity
If speed buttons are displayed adjacent to each selected element, then the linking operation becomes more intuitive and efficient, but the interface complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The speed buttons are dynamically displayed only when elements are selected, and they adapt based on the selection state. The buttons appear adjacent to selected elements and provide context-specific operations, reducing interface clutter when elements are not selected while providing efficient access when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The selected elements automatically display their own speed buttons, making the interface self-organizing based on user selection. This eliminates the need for separate toolbars or menus that must be manually activated, as the interface automatically presents relevant operations based on the current selection state.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple tabs are provided in the context menu, then comprehensive control over link operations is achieved, but the operation becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The speed buttons provide preliminary access to the most common linking operations before the user even opens the full context menu. Frequently used operations are pre-packaged in speed buttons, allowing users to complete simple linking tasks without navigating through multiple tabs, while still providing full tab-based control for complex operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A first element in a graphical modeling environment is selected by a user which results in a plurality of speed buttons adjacent to the first element being displayed. Such speed buttons define operations to be conducted on the first element in connection with a second element. After one of the displayed speed buttons is selected, it can be dragged to a display point. A second element is generated at the display point based on the selected displayed speed button which is linked to the first element. The link can be characterized by the operations defined by the selected displayed speed button. Related techniques, apparatus, systems, and products are also described.