Multi-Axis Information Display for Visual Browsing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties in selecting desired information from a vast amount of data on information terminals and databases due to the lack of effective visual browsing methods, as existing search functions require specific keyword input and do not facilitate the discovery of related information.
Innovation Solution
A display information selection apparatus and method that allows users to visually select information by inputting multiple criteria, aligning related items on a display axis and non-display axis, enabling the user to sequentially change the displayed information and relation criteria using input devices, facilitating the perception and selection of desired information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If keyword search functions are used to retrieve information, then information can be found based on specific keywords, but users cannot visually browse or discover related information that matches their vague browsing objectives
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the traditional one-dimensional keyword search into a multi-dimensional information display system. Information items are arranged in an n-dimensional space where each dimension represents a different relation criterion (e.g., time, category, author). This allows users to visually browse information by moving along different axes, discovering related information without needing to specify keywords in advance.
Solution Approach 2:
The display device serves multiple functions: it acts as both a visual browser and a search result presenter. The same display interface enables users to both visually explore information relationships and retrieve specific information, eliminating the need for separate keyword search functions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If all relation criteria are displayed simultaneously, then users can see all possible information relationships, but the display becomes cluttered and difficult to navigate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic display system where the dimension corresponding to the selected relation criterion is activated while other dimensions are deactivated or hidden. As users change the selected relation criterion, the display dynamically reconfigures to show only the relevant dimension, keeping the interface simple while maintaining access to all information relationships.
Solution Approach 2:
The information space is segmented into multiple independent dimensions, each representing a different relation criterion. Users can selectively activate or deactivate specific dimensions by choosing different relation criteria, allowing them to focus on one type of relationship at a time while maintaining the ability to explore other relationships when needed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If information items are arranged in an n-dimensional space according to keywords, then information can be organized by multiple criteria, but users still cannot easily visually select desired information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses visual highlighting to indicate the currently selected information item and its related items. When a user selects an information item, the display highlights it and shows its relationships along the active dimension, making it easy to visually identify and select desired information from the organized space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediate selection mechanism where users first select a relation criterion, which then mediates the display of information relationships. This intermediate step simplifies the visual selection process by filtering the displayed relationships to match the user's current browsing intent, making it easier to find desired information.
Data Source
AI summary
In a display device, information related to specified information, which is displayed large in a center portion of a display, by a selected relation criterion is displayed aligned on a selection axis, while information related by other relation criteria is displayed aligned on non-selection axes. Information selected as the specified information can be sequentially changed in accordance with an input from an up or down direction key, and a relation criterion of information displayed on the selection axis and the non-selection axes can be sequentially changed in accordance with an input from a left or right direction key. Also, in accordance with an input from an X button, an immediately preceding input from a direction key is cancelled, and a display condition returns to an immediately preceding history. In accordance with an input from a Δ button, a display condition previously bookmarked by an input from a □ button is displayed.