Nested Overlay Viewing Areas for Touchscreen Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for navigating through multiple viewing areas in graphical user interfaces are cumbersome and inefficient, causing cognitive burden and wasting energy, particularly in battery-operated devices.
Innovation Solution
A method and interface for navigating through multiple viewing areas using a touch-sensitive device, where a first viewing area is displayed with selectable objects, and subsequent viewing areas are overlaid on portions of the initial area, allowing users to interact with gestures to manage and close these areas efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional methods are used to navigate through multiple viewing areas, then users can access information in multiple applications, but the cognitive burden on users increases and navigation becomes tedious
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nested viewing areas where smaller viewing areas are overlaid on top of larger viewing areas. This allows multiple viewing areas to be displayed simultaneously in a hierarchical structure, enabling users to access multiple applications and information sources without switching between them, thereby reducing cognitive burden while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional sequential navigation (one viewing area at a time) to a multi-dimensional overlay approach where viewing areas are arranged in layers. This dimensional change allows users to navigate through multiple viewing areas simultaneously by interacting with different layers, improving ease of operation while maintaining adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional navigation methods are used, then users can move between viewing areas, but the time required for navigation increases and energy is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
By nesting viewing areas within each other, users can access multiple viewing areas simultaneously rather than sequentially. This reduces navigation time significantly as users don't need to switch between viewing areas one by one, while still maintaining the capability to navigate through all areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-loads and displays multiple viewing areas in overlay fashion before the user needs to access them. This preliminary action allows users to quickly navigate to any viewing area without waiting for sequential loading, reducing navigation time while maintaining full navigation capability.
3Device complexity
If multiple viewing areas are displayed sequentially, then the interface is simple to implement, but user productivity decreases due to tedious navigation
Solution Approach 1:
The nested overlay structure provides a balance between implementation complexity and productivity benefits. While the interface is more complex than sequential navigation, it dramatically improves user productivity by allowing simultaneous access to multiple viewing areas, reducing the tedious nature of navigation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically manages multiple viewing areas by allowing users to interact with different layers and adjust the display according to their needs. This dynamic approach improves productivity by adapting to user workflows, while the complexity is managed through programmable overlay controls.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If conventional navigation is used in battery-operated devices, then devices can function with standard battery life, but energy consumption increases and battery life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The nested overlay interface allows users to access multiple viewing areas without repeatedly switching applications, which reduces the energy consumption associated with frequent application loading and unloading. This extends battery life while maintaining the functionality of navigating multiple viewing areas.
Solution Approach 2:
By maintaining multiple viewing areas in overlay fashion, the system eliminates the need to continuously switch between applications, providing continuous useful action without the energy penalty of repeated application transitions. This continuous operation mode conserves battery energy compared to sequential navigation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes: displaying a first viewing area, the first viewing area including a first plurality of selectable objects; in response to detecting activation of an object in the first plurality of selectable objects, overlaying a second viewing area on a portion of the first viewing area while maintaining display of a remaining portion of the first viewing area. The second viewing area includes a second plurality of selectable objects. The method also includes, in response to detecting activation of an object in the second plurality of selectable objects, overlaying a third viewing area on a portion of the first viewing area. The third viewing area includes a third plurality of selectable objects. The method also includes displaying a portion of the second viewing area overlaid on a portion of the first viewing area; and maintaining display of a remaining portion of the first viewing area.