Dynamic Output Preview Tray for Editable Screen Item Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current output preview functionalities in computer applications are limited as they typically render rasterized images, making it difficult for users to dynamically update and edit previews without requiring extensive navigation or re-rendering processes.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that generate a user interface with an output preview tray, allowing users to drag and drop screen items onto output mode objects, creating dynamic and editable previews linked to the original screen item data, enabling real-time updates and storage as templates for future use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rasterized images are used for output preview, then the preview can be generated quickly, but the preview cannot be dynamically updated without re-rendering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a copy of the screen item data specifically for the preview tray, linking it to the original data through a pointer or hotlink. This copy can be updated by referencing the original screen item data without requiring complete re-rendering, thus maintaining preview accuracy while reducing update complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary data structure that acts as a bridge between the original screen item data and the preview display. This intermediary layer allows the preview to reflect changes in the original data while maintaining its own rendering independence, solving the contradiction between accuracy and update complexity.
2Ease of operation
If users navigate to update previews in current systems, then the preview can be refreshed, but extensive navigation and re-rendering processes are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the preview functionality directly into the user interface by integrating the preview tray within the same application window where screen items are managed. This eliminates the need for separate navigation to update previews, making the operation easier and faster by combining related functions in one location.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-linking the preview data to the screen item data through pointers or hotlinks before any updates are needed. This preliminary setup allows for instant updates without requiring navigation or re-rendering processes, reducing both operational complexity and time loss.
3Device complexity
If rasterized snapshots are used for preview, then the preview display is simple, but editing and dynamic updates are difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static rasterized snapshot into a dynamic preview by establishing live links between the preview data and the original screen item data. This allows the preview to dynamically adapt and update when the original data changes, significantly improving editability while maintaining a simple display structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an editable copy of the screen item data for the preview tray that maintains a link to the original data. This copy can be manipulated and edited independently while reflecting changes in the original, providing versatility and editability without complicating the overall preview structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system to generate a user interface for an application, the user interface including a plurality of screen items, and each screen item being rendered based on associated screen item data. An output preview is generated and includes at least one preview item representative of a corresponding one of the plurality of screen items. Each preview item in the output preview is linked to the screen item data associated with the corresponding screen item, and is rendered in the output preview based on the linked screen item data.