Object Display Order Changing Program Using Coordinate Input

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for changing the display order of multiple objects on a screen are cumbersome and require high precision scrolling operations, making them inefficient and difficult to use.

Innovation Solution

A computer-readable storage medium with an object display order changing program that allows users to change the display order of objects on a screen using coordinate input means, enabling easy selection of process methods based on designated position movements, allowing for scrolling and object insertion between adjacent objects without the need for a separate scroll box.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a conventional drag-and-drop method with scroll box is used to change object display order, then objects can be reordered, but the operation becomes bothersome and requires high precision scrolling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of object display order changeVSAvoidcomplexity of scrolling operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the scroll box functionality directly into the object display area by utilizing the space adjacent to objects. Instead of requiring a separate scroll box, the system allows users to drag objects into the margin area to trigger scrolling, combining the object manipulation and scrolling functions into a unified interaction model. This eliminates the need for a separate scroll box while maintaining the ability to scroll through objects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a provisional saving area as an intermediary zone between the object display area and the margin area. When users drag objects to the margin area, objects are temporarily saved in this provisional area rather than being immediately reordered. This intermediary mechanism simplifies the operation by providing a buffer zone that automatically handles the reordering logic, reducing the precision required for direct drag-and-drop operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If an elongated scroll box is provided for scrolling the display area, then scrolling functionality is available, but high precision operation is necessary for indicating position on the scroll box

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of scrolling operationVSAvoidprecision of position indication
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the scrolling function with the object display area by utilizing the margin area adjacent to objects. Instead of requiring a separate scroll box that demands precise positioning, the system allows users to drag objects into the margin area to trigger scrolling. This integration eliminates the need for a separate scroll box and reduces the precision required for scrolling operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides self-service scrolling by automatically detecting when an object is dragged to the margin area and performing the scrolling action accordingly. The margin area itself serves as the trigger mechanism for scrolling, eliminating the need for a separate scroll box that would require precise positioning. The system automatically handles the scrolling based on the user's drag action.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If multiple process steps are required to move a thumbnail image to a desired destination, then precise positioning is achievable, but the operation becomes bothersome

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision of object positioningVSAvoidease of object movement operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a provisional saving area as an intermediary zone that simplifies the object reordering process. Instead of requiring users to complete multiple precise drag-and-drop steps to move objects to specific positions, users can drag objects to the margin area where they are temporarily saved. The system then automatically handles the reordering logic, reducing the operation to a single intuitive drag action while maintaining precise positioning capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the object reordering process into two distinct zones: the object display area for viewing and the margin area for triggering reordering actions. By separating the display function from the reordering trigger function, the system allows users to perform reordering operations without requiring precise positioning during the drag operation itself. The margin area serves as a dedicated zone that automatically initiates the reordering process when objects are dragged into it.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2112594B1Object display order changing program and apparatus
Publication Date: 2017.12.20 NINTENDO CO LTD
  • EP2112594B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2112594B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2112594B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

An icon line is displayed on a screen so as to align icons laterally. When a user slides a stick laterally based on an originating point corresponding to a point on an icon of the icon line, it is possible to scroll the icon line laterally in accordance with the stick being moved, and when a user slides a stick vertically based on an originating point corresponding to a point on an icon of the icon line, it is possible to move only the icon of the icon line in accordance with the stick being moved. Therefore, a user is allowed to easily change the display order in which a plurality of objects are displayed on the screen.