Range Filter UI Controls for Inclusive Exclusive Mode Toggling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional user interfaces for selecting ranges of values, such as financial applications, often require cumbersome processes like drop-down menus or textual input to define whether end values are included or excluded, leading to confusion and inefficiency.

Innovation Solution

A range filter UI that allows range controls to switch between inclusive and exclusive modes with a visual indication, enabling users to toggle modes by selecting the range control, eliminating the need for drop-down menus and providing clear visual feedback on inclusion or exclusion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If drop-down menus or textual input are used to define inclusion or exclusion of range values, then the system can precisely control range boundaries, but the user interface becomes cumbersome and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverange boundary definition precisionVSAvoiduser interface ease of use
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The range slider is segmented into distinct interactive elements: the slider track, range controls (thumbs), and inclusion/exclusion indicators. Each element has a specific function, allowing users to interact with different parts to achieve precise control. The inclusion/exclusion state is visually segmented and displayed separately from the position control, reducing cognitive load while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses color changes and visual indicators to represent inclusion and exclusion states of range boundaries. Different visual treatments (such as filled vs. open circle indicators, or color-coded markers) clearly show whether a boundary value is included or excluded, providing immediate visual feedback without requiring textual input or menu selection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

2Loss of information

If visual indicators are added to show inclusion or exclusion status, then user understanding improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation clarity about range boundariesVSAvoiduser interface complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The inclusion/exclusion indicators are merged with the existing range control elements rather than being separate components. The visual indicators are integrated into the slider thumb or endpoint markers, combining the position indication and inclusion/exclusion status into a single visual element. This reduces overall UI complexity while maintaining clear information communication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The range slider automatically provides visual feedback about inclusion/exclusion states without requiring user configuration or additional controls. The system self-adjusts the visual indicators based on the current range definition, and users can toggle inclusion/exclusion by simple interaction with the existing controls, eliminating the need for separate configuration mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3019946B1Inclusion/exclusion user interface controls for range filters
Publication Date: 2019.02.27 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC
  • EP3019946B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3019946B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3019946B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Concepts and technologies are described herein for providing a range filter user interface with selectable range controls that toggle between inclusive and exclusive modes. The range controls visually indicate configuration in an inclusive mode or an exclusive mode. Upon selection of a range control, the range control switches between inclusive and exclusive modes, and provides visual indication of the current mode.