Operation Tree for Screen Transition Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow diagrams that link screen transition history and setting change history become complicated when operations involve shifting between hierarchical levels, making it difficult to understand the operation procedure.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus generates an operation tree with a tree structure using operation history and hierarchy position information, allowing for a visually clearer representation of screen transitions and setting changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a one-way flow diagram is used to represent operation procedures, then the complete sequence of operations can be recorded, but the diagram becomes complicated and difficult to understand when operations involve shifting between hierarchical levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the operation procedure representation by introducing hierarchical level markers that divide the flow diagram into distinct hierarchical segments. Each screen transition is annotated with its hierarchical level, allowing the diagram to be mentally segmented into hierarchical layers. This segmentation prevents the diagram from becoming a tangled mass by providing visual cues about the hierarchical structure, thus reducing perceived complexity while preserving complete operation information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a hierarchical dimension to the traditional one-way flow diagram by incorporating hierarchical level information as an additional attribute. Instead of merely showing sequential screen transitions, the diagram now operates in two dimensions: the temporal sequence of operations and the hierarchical level of each screen. This dimensional enhancement allows users to understand both the sequence of operations and their hierarchical context simultaneously, preventing confusion even in complex procedures.
2Loss of information
If screen transitions are recorded in chronological order, then the complete operation sequence is preserved, but hierarchical levels that are not arranged in order become difficult to identify
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses visual differentiation (analogous to color changes) by marking screens with their hierarchical level identifiers. Each hierarchical level can be visually distinguished through markers, symbols, or visual cues embedded in the flow diagram. This visual encoding allows users to quickly detect and identify hierarchical levels without having to trace through the entire chronological sequence, making hierarchical structure immediately apparent even when screens are not arranged in strict hierarchical order.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces hierarchical level markers as intermediary elements that mediate between the chronological screen transitions and the hierarchical structure. These markers act as intermediaries that carry hierarchical information along the chronological sequence, allowing users to understand both the temporal order of operations and the hierarchical relationships without confusion. The markers serve as a bridge that connects the two dimensions of information.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus includes a processor configured to: obtain an operation history including content of transition of screens and content of changing of settings; and generate an operation tree having a tree structure by using the obtained operation history and hierarchy position information indicating a position of a hierarchical level which is preset for each screen, the operation tree representing the content of the transition of screens and the content of the changing of settings.