Permanent Indicator Superimposing Multiple Data Types

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users of smartphones and tablets face difficulty in accessing important data from various applications due to limited space in the status bar for displaying multiple data parameters, leading to incomplete information and increased navigation efforts.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a permanent indicator on the terminal that can display two distinct data types, where one datum is delivered by a first process and the other by a second process, allowing the indicator to adapt and provide information on multiple data points, including variations, through modifications in parameters such as color, shape, and size, facilitating easier data access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If multiple separate pictograms are displayed in the status bar to represent different application data, then each data point is clearly represented, but the status bar space is quickly consumed and the interface becomes cluttered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata visibilityVSAvoidstatus bar space

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple data representations into a single pictogram by superimposing application-specific icons over the base permanent pictogram. This merging approach allows multiple data points to be displayed within the limited status bar space without creating separate pictograms for each application, thus resolving the contradiction between information visibility and space consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The permanent pictogram serves multiple functions: it displays the base system data (battery level, network status) and simultaneously serves as a canvas for overlaying application-specific data through superimposed icons. This multi-functionality allows a single pictogram element to convey multiple layers of information, addressing the space limitation while maintaining data visibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If occasional pictograms display only notification signals without data values, then the status bar remains simple, but users cannot determine the actual data values without opening applications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata access simplicityVSAvoiddata value visibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by displaying different types of information in different visual layers of the same pictogram. The base pictogram shows system-level data (battery percentage, network quality) while superimposed application icons provide application-specific data values. This layered approach allows users to see data values at a glance without opening applications, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and information completeness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds a visual dimension by superimposing icons in a layered fashion over the base pictogram. This dimensional approach allows multiple data points to be displayed simultaneously in the same spatial location, enabling users to access data values directly in the status bar without navigation, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and data visibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Loss of information

If the status bar displays detailed data values for all applications, then users have complete information, but the interface becomes complex and navigation becomes necessary

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation completenessVSAvoidinterface complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent displays only the most relevant data values partially within the status bar through the permanent pictogram and superimposed icons, rather than showing all possible application data. This partial display approach provides sufficient information for common monitoring needs while maintaining interface simplicity, resolving the contradiction between information completeness and interface complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS11741919B2Permanent data indicator, permanent-data-indicator-managing and -adapting methods, terminal using same

Publication Date: 2023.08.29 ORANGE SA

AI summary

A permanent data indicator and managing and adapting methods are provided. In particular, the permanent indicator is a pictogram permanently present on a screen of a terminal in active mode. The permanent indicator relates to a second datum and being able, furthermore, to form a permanent indicator relating to a first datum distinct from the second datum, the first datum being delivered by a first process implemented by the terminal. Thus, a given indicator is able to permanently inform the user of an active terminal of the value of the distinct datum, for example the permanent pictogram of a clock will indicate the time but also the time remaining to the next alarm, the weather forecast for the next 12 or 24 hours, air-quality, etc. The management of the permanent indicators will therefore be optimized.