Repeatable Object Set Replication in GUI Layouts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing graphical user interface design tools require tedious manual replication and repositioning of objects, and changes to one item do not efficiently apply to other items, making it difficult to experiment with different layouts and edit content/format across multiple objects.
Innovation Solution
A system for efficiently replicating and modifying repeatable object sets within a layout structure, allowing automatic application of changes to all objects, reducing the need for manual reconfiguration and enabling quick evaluation of design changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If manual copy and paste replication is used, then objects can be replicated multiple times, but the initial structuring becomes tedious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated copying functionality where a single object definition is replicated across multiple fields automatically. The system creates copies of objects (such as contact list items with avatars, names, job titles, and chevrons) and distributes them across grid fields without requiring manual copy-paste operations for each instance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by allowing users to define the object structure and replication parameters in advance. The system pre-configures the object set with all necessary elements (avatar, text fields, icons) and their relationships before replication occurs, so that when replication is executed, all objects are automatically created with proper structure already in place.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual repositioning of copied objects is performed, then layout matching can be achieved, but the process becomes tedious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements equipotentiality by automatically positioning all replicated objects at equivalent locations within their respective fields. The system calculates the proper position once and applies it uniformly across all replicated instances, ensuring consistent layout alignment without requiring manual repositioning of each object individually.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by creating a reusable object set template that can be replicated across multiple fields with automatic positioning. The same object definition and positioning rules are universally applied to all replicated instances, allowing the system to handle layout positioning for any number of fields through a single configuration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If changes are made to one object aspect, then that specific change is achieved, but manual modification of all other aspects becomes tedious
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple related objects into a single object set unit. Elements such as avatar, name field, job title field, and chevron icon are combined into one replicable object set. When the user modifies any aspect of this merged object set, the change is automatically applied to all replicated instances across all fields, enabling efficient experimentation with different layouts and styles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the object set modifications automatically propagate across all replicated instances. The system dynamically updates all copies whenever the user makes changes to the object set definition, allowing real-time experimentation with different text styles, spacing, shapes, and other formatting aspects without manual reconfiguration of each instance.
4Ease of operation
If individual object modification is performed, then specific edits can be made, but applying changes across multiple objects becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses copying to create multiple instances from a single object set definition. When the user edits the original object set, these copies automatically update to reflect the changes. This copying mechanism enables easy operation for editing since the user only needs to modify one object set rather than individually editing each replicated object across multiple fields.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide systems, methods, and computer storage media directed to facilitating object set replication. In embodiments described herein, a repeatable object set can be generated. Such a repeatable object set can include one or more objects and a field format indicating a position of the object(s) within a field. The generated repeatable object set can be replicated as replicated object sets into a set of fields within a layout structure, wherein each of the replicated object sets includes a representation of the object(s) placed within a corresponding field in accordance with the field format indicating the position of the one or more objects. The replicated object sets within the set of fields the layout structure can then be presented.