Non-linear Slider Widget Using Logarithmic Scaling for Wide Value Ranges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing slider widgets struggle with user selection from large ranges of values due to linear relationships, making it difficult to distinguish between small and large values, leading to awkward selection processes.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a non-linear relationship between the user-selected position of a slider widget and the range of numerical values, such as using a logarithmic function to enhance selectability, allowing for easier selection of values across varying ranges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a linear slider relationship is used, then the slider structure is simple, but it becomes difficult to distinguish and select between small and large values when the range spans several orders of magnitude
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transforming the linear relationship between slider position and value into a non-linear relationship. Specifically, it uses logarithmic scaling where equal distances on the slider correspond to equal ratios of values rather than equal differences. This allows the slider to effectively represent ranges spanning several orders of magnitude while maintaining intuitive control, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation for wide ranges and structural simplicity.
2Measurement precision
If the slider length is increased to provide finer granularity, then value selection precision improves, but the slider occupies more screen space and becomes less practical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent effectively uses another dimension by applying logarithmic transformation to the value scale. This allows achieving high precision for wide value ranges without increasing the physical slider length. The logarithmic scale compresses large values while expanding small values, providing fine granularity across the entire range within a compact slider length, thus resolving the contradiction between precision and length.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the number of values per linear distance is increased to cover a wider range, then the slider can represent more values, but control becomes awkward with standard mouse sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of the value distribution along the slider from linear to logarithmic. This transformation allows the slider to cover a wide range of values (high adaptability) while maintaining comfortable control. The logarithmic scaling ensures that values are distributed such that proportional changes are represented by equal distances, making the slider controllable with standard mouse sensitivity across the entire value range.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods disclosed herein accept a position along a length of a value-selection display screen widget. The value-selection widget is depicted in a graphical user interface that is displayed on a screen of a mobile device. A selection of the position along a length of the value-selection widget is received. A value corresponding to the position is determined. The determining is performed by relating a first ratio to a second ratio. The determined value corresponding to the position is displayed on the screen.