Object Group Layout Switching via Drag Gesture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing information processing systems face difficulties in intuitively changing layouts, making it hard for users to understand relationships within data groups and remember they are viewing the same data from different perspectives, as layout changes are often triggered by GUI buttons rather than user interaction.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus with a display section and a detection section that allows users to naturally change layouts by interacting with the system, where objects are rearranged and information is displayed differently based on user input, such as dragging motions, allowing for reversible and intuitive layout changes without the need for explicit GUI buttons.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If layout change is triggered by GUI buttons, then layout switching is achieved, but user understanding of data relationships deteriorates and operability worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelayout changing operabilityVSAvoiduser understanding of data relationships

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system allows users to directly manipulate objects by dragging them to change layouts, eliminating the need for separate GUI buttons. The objects themselves serve as the control interface, enabling users to intuitively understand data relationships through direct manipulation while achieving layout switching.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an operation detection mechanism that mediates between user input and layout changes. This intermediary detects drag operations and automatically triggers appropriate layout switching, removing the need for explicit GUI buttons and maintaining continuous user awareness of data relationships.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If layout is suddenly switched, then layout change is achieved, but user reminder of data relativity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelayout switching efficiencyVSAvoiduser reminder of data relativity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic layout switching where the layout changes continuously during the user's drag operation rather than suddenly. This dynamic transition maintains user awareness of data relationships by showing the transformation process, while still achieving efficient layout switching upon completion of the gesture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If GUI buttons are used for layout change, then layout switching is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelayout switching capabilityVSAvoidGUI button structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes objects serve multiple functions: they are both the data being displayed and the control interface for layout switching. By enabling objects to be directly manipulated for layout changes, the system eliminates dedicated GUI buttons while maintaining versatile layout switching capability across different object types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20230325073A1Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program

Publication Date: 2023.10.12 SONY GROUP CORP

AI summary

There is provided an information processing apparatus including a display section which displays, as a first layout state, an object group including a plurality of objects arranged in a first direction, a detection section which detects an operation input that is input to the display section, and a control section which, when the detection section detects an operation input in a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction, changes the first layout state into a second layout state in which the respective objects constituting the object group which has been selected are spread and pieces of information associated with the plurality of objects, respectively, are displayed.