Resolution Independent GUI Design via Procedural Material Maps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing graphical user interface (GUI) designs face challenges in maintaining crispness and resolution independence, as current techniques like up-sampling and down-sampling often result in blurry edges when GUI objects are displayed at different resolutions.
Innovation Solution
A method to represent GUI objects using procedural material maps, allowing for attribute-value pairs to be stored in files, enabling rendering at any resolution and providing encryption for security, thus optimizing design for multiple resolutions and interpolating between specified values for accurate display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If up-sampling is used to display low resolution objects at high resolution, then the object can be displayed at the target resolution, but the edges become blurry and the interface no longer looks crisp
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter representation from fixed-resolution bitmaps to procedural parametric definitions. Instead of storing pixel data at specific resolutions, the system stores mathematical parameters (curves, shapes, colors) that can be rendered at any resolution. This allows the same parametric definition to generate crisp edges at both low and high resolutions without requiring up-sampling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the traditional approach by not starting with a high-resolution image and down-sampling it, nor starting with a low-resolution image and up-sampling it. Instead, it defines objects procedurally at an abstract level and renders them to the target resolution directly. This inversion eliminates the need for resolution conversion operations that cause blurring.
2Adaptability or versatility
If down-sampling is used to display high resolution objects at low resolution, then the object can be displayed at the target resolution, but it is not possible a priori to know what width to give a line such that when down-sampled it remains crisp
Solution Approach 1:
The patent represents material maps and graphical objects using procedural parameters rather than fixed-resolution pixel data. Line widths, curves, and other graphical elements are defined by mathematical parameters that can be rendered at any resolution with appropriate scaling. This allows the rendering engine to calculate the correct line width for the target resolution directly from the parametric definition, eliminating the need for down-sampling and preserving crisp edges.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple material maps are created for different resolutions, then each resolution can be optimized, but the device complexity and memory usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal parametric representation system where a single material map definition can be rendered at multiple resolutions. Instead of creating separate material maps for each resolution (75 ppi, 150 ppi, etc.), the system stores one set of procedural parameters that can generate the material map at any required resolution. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for multiple resolution-specific files while maintaining optimization for each resolution through the rendering process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple resolution-specific material maps into a single procedural definition. Rather than maintaining separate files for different resolutions, the system combines all the necessary information into one parametric representation that encapsulates the essential characteristics of the material map. This single unified definition can then be rendered at any resolution, reducing file complexity and memory usage.
4Manufacturing precision
If a single high resolution material map is used for all resolutions, then the highest quality can be maintained, but memory usage increases and lower resolutions cannot be optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes from storing complete high-resolution bitmap data to storing compact procedural parameters. Instead of memory-intensive pixel arrays, the system stores mathematical definitions (curves, gradients, patterns) that describe the material map. These parametric representations require minimal memory but can generate high-quality output at any resolution when rendered. The rendering engine computes the final pixel data on-demand based on the target resolution, optimizing memory usage while maintaining quality.
Data Source
AI summary
Graphical user interface material map objects are specified by a collection of attribute-value pairs, the collection of which comprises a complete description of the material map and may be used by a rendering engine to create a visual representation of the material map at any resolution. That is, material map representations in accordance with the invention are resolution independent. Another benefit of representing material maps in accordance with the invention is that they may be encrypted to prevent unauthorized inspection or use.