Multidimensional Graphical Interface Depth and Reflection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Graphical user interfaces face challenges in conveying information intuitively as processing device capabilities advance, requiring innovative methods to represent system objects in a manner that enhances user experience.

Innovation Solution

A multidimensional desktop graphical user interface is implemented, featuring a back surface, a reflection surface, and a visualization receptacle, where visualization data is transformed to display reflections of objects on the reflection surface, creating a 3D-like environment with depth, enhancing user interaction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a traditional 2D graphical user interface is used, then the interface is simple and easy to implement, but it fails to convey information intuitively as processing device capabilities advance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintuitiveness of information conveyanceVSAvoidinterface structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a traditional 2D graphical user interface to a 3D multidimensional interface by introducing depth dimension. Visualization objects are disposed at different depths along the Z-axis, and a reflection surface is added to create reflected visualizations. This dimensional change enables more intuitive information conveyance by leveraging spatial relationships and reflections that mirror real-world perception, while the systematic organization of elements maintains implementability.

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

2Quantity of substance

If more visualization objects are displayed simultaneously, then information conveyance is improved, but the interface becomes more complex and harder to navigate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of visualization objectsVSAvoiduser interaction intuitiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the display space into multiple depth layers along the Z-axis, with different visualization objects positioned at different depths. This segmentation allows multiple objects to be displayed simultaneously without creating a cluttered 2D plane. Users can selectively focus on objects at specific depths, and the reflection surface provides organized mirrored representations, making the interface easier to navigate despite the increased quantity of visualization objects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If a 3D environment with reflection surfaces is implemented, then user engagement and intuitiveness are enhanced, but rendering complexity and processing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser experience qualityVSAvoidrendering system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses reflection surfaces to create mirrored copies of visualization objects and their surroundings. Instead of rendering every possible element from multiple angles, the reflection surface provides a simplified mirrored representation that enhances user experience by creating immersive 3D effects. This copying approach reduces rendering complexity compared to full 3D rendering of all elements, as reflections can be computed more efficiently than complete 3D scene rendering.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS8432396B2Reflections in a multidimensional user interface environment
Publication Date: 2013.04.30 APPLE INC
  • US8432396B2 patent drawing
  • US8432396B2 patent drawing
  • US8432396B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A graphical user interface has a back surface disposed from a viewing surface to define a depth. A visualization object receptacle is disposed between the back surface and a viewing surface and contains a visualization object. A reflection surface is defined such that a reflection of the visualization object is displayed on the reflection surface.