Radial Clock View for Temporal Data Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current visual presentation methods for temporal data, such as tasks and events, often require extensive scrolling and fail to clearly differentiate between day and night times, making it difficult to visualize time distribution and manage tasks effectively.
Innovation Solution
A graphical user interface featuring a radial clock view divided into hour intervals, with coloring that changes based on time of day, allowing easy differentiation between day and night, and displaying icons representing tasks or events in corresponding time positions, facilitating easy review and comprehension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If temporal data is displayed in a horizontal list format, then all tasks can be displayed, but extensive scrolling is required and time distribution is difficult to visualize
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the traditional horizontal linear display of temporal data into a radial/circular dimension. Tasks are arranged along the circumference of a circle, with angular position representing time of day and radial distance representing task priority or category. This dimensional transformation allows all tasks to be visible simultaneously without scrolling while maintaining temporal sequence information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a circular/spheroidal layout where the display area is organized as a circle rather than a rectangle. The circumference represents the 24-hour cycle, with each hour marked at appropriate angular intervals. This curved layout naturally accommodates temporal cyclicality and provides constant visual access to all time periods without requiring linear scrolling.
2Loss of information
If traditional display formats are used, then all temporal data can be shown, but differentiation between day and night times is not clear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color coding to differentiate between day and night time periods. The circular display is divided into sectors representing different time periods, with distinct color schemes applied to daytime hours versus nighttime hours. This visual color differentiation allows users to immediately identify which part of the cycle is currently active or which time period a task falls into.
Solution Approach 2:
The circular layout inherently provides clear temporal orientation with the ability to mark dawn, noon, dusk, and midnight at cardinal positions. The curved geometry makes it easy to visually distinguish between day and night portions of the cycle through arc segmentation and positioning, enhancing temporal awareness without adding complexity.
3Ease of operation
If a radial clock view is implemented, then time distribution is easily visualized and day/night differentiation is clear, but the interface complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into the radial display: temporal sequencing, priority indication, category classification, and day/night differentiation all occur within the same circular interface. The radial layout simultaneously provides chronological ordering (angular position), hierarchical organization (radial layers), and visual status indication (color coding), reducing the need for separate controls or views.
Solution Approach 2:
The circular display is segmented into hourly or half-hourly intervals around the circumference, with each segment representing a time slot. Tasks are placed within their corresponding time segments, and the circle can be further segmented by priority levels or task types using concentric rings or radial divisions. This segmentation provides structured organization without overwhelming complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for displaying temporal data via a graphical user interface in a manner designed to facilitate easy review and comprehension includes displaying, to a user via a display screen of an electronic device, a radial graphical user interface element configured to display the return of results, the radial graphical user interface element displaying a plurality of icons positioned in one or more circumferential rings of the radial graphical user interface element, the icons representing abnormal readings or measurements having an associated time falling over a displayed twelve hour period, and an indication, in a central area of the radial graphical user interface element, of a total number of abnormal readings or measurements falling over a certain period; wherein each of the icons is displayed on the radial graphical user interface element in a position corresponding to the time associated with the icon it represents.