Nested UI Element Expansion with Embedded Access Controls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computer screen interfaces struggle to efficiently control and access user interface elements, especially when multiple elements are nested or overlapping, making it difficult for users to manage and interact with specific windows or functions.
Innovation Solution
The method involves expanding or moving a user interface element that covers others, embedding text or UI elements within the expanded element to indicate what is covered, and allowing quick access to these covered elements by hovering or clicking on the embedded text/UI elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple user interface elements are displayed on the computer screen, then the information display capability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in controlling and accessing specific elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested window system where one window can be placed inside another window, allowing multiple user interface elements to be organized in a hierarchical structure. This enables users to access nested windows through a systematic approach rather than dealing with random overlapping elements, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining the ability to display multiple interface elements simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the display area into multiple independent window regions that can be individually controlled. Each window represents a separate user interface element that can be manipulated independently through defined actions (expand, minimize, close), allowing users to manage multiple interface elements without confusion caused by overlapping layouts.
2Area of stationary object
If windows are nested or lie on top of each other to maximize screen utilization, then the area utilization is improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring covered elements increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary actions by automatically performing specific operations when windows are nested or overlapped. When a window is expanded and covers another window, the system proactively minimizes the covered window or brings it to the foreground based on predefined rules, eliminating the need for users to manually search for and detect covered elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms that provide visual or interactive cues about the state of nested or covered windows. Users receive feedback about which windows are currently active, which are covered, and what actions are available to access them, making the detection of covered elements straightforward through the interface's responsive behavior.
3Area of stationary object
If a user interface element is expanded to cover more area, then the visibility of content is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to covering other important elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic window management where the state and position of windows automatically adjust based on user actions and system rules. When a window is expanded, the system dynamically responds by minimizing or repositioning covered windows, and provides dynamic feedback mechanisms that allow users to quickly access covered elements through hover or click actions, making the expanded state adaptable rather than static.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for displaying and controlling user interface elements is provided herein. During operation, when a user interface element is expanded and covers other user interface elements, the expanded user interface element will have embedded text or user interface elements (e.g., buttons) that show what is covered, and/or allow quick access to various functions for what is covered. Hovering over the text or embedded user interface elements, or clicking on them engages the covered user interface element.