Multi-Group Resource Allocation Display with Draggable Boundaries

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The complexity of resource allocation operations is high due to the need to manually adjust multiple groups when modifying resource allocation settings, such as work shift times, leading to inefficiencies in user interaction.

Innovation Solution

A display method and apparatus that utilize division lines to divide a resource allocation region into sub-regions, allowing for intuitive adjustment of sub-periods through touch and drag operations, automatically modifying timelines on both sides of the division line without additional user input.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the user manually adjusts each group's resources individually in the resource allocation application, then the resource allocation can be precisely controlled, but the operation complexity increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource allocation precisionVSAvoidoperation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The resource allocation interface is segmented into multiple sub-regions corresponding to different groups, with each sub-region displaying timeline and sub-period information for a specific group. This segmentation allows the user to view and adjust multiple groups' resources in a structured layout, maintaining precision while reducing the cognitive load of manual adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A draggable division line is introduced as an intermediary element between groups. By moving this division line, the user can simultaneously adjust the sub-periods of multiple groups, eliminating the need to manually configure each group individually while maintaining precise control over resource allocation boundaries.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the user modifies the resources of one group, then the specific group's allocation is updated, but the user also needs to modify other groups' resources, resulting in repeated operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource allocation flexibilityVSAvoidoperation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment operations for multiple groups are merged into a single drag action on the division line. When the user drags the division line, the system simultaneously updates the sub-periods of all affected groups, combining what would otherwise be multiple separate modification operations into one unified action.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The division line is pre-positioned to represent the boundary between groups. By preparing this visual boundary element in advance, the system enables the user to perform resource allocation adjustments through simple positional changes rather than multiple configuration steps, significantly reducing operation time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If the resource allocation interface displays detailed information for each group, then the allocation accuracy is improved, but the interface complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveallocation accuracyVSAvoidinterface complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The interface transitions from a one-dimensional linear layout to a two-dimensional grid structure, where groups are arranged vertically and time periods are displayed horizontally. This dimensional change allows detailed allocation information to be presented in a compact, organized manner that improves accuracy without proportionally increasing interface complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The division line serves multiple functions: it visually separates groups, indicates time boundaries, and acts as a draggable control for adjusting sub-periods. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate controls and interface elements, maintaining clarity while providing comprehensive allocation precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4645182A1Display method and apparatus, and electronic device
Publication Date: 2025.11.05 LEMON INC(GB)
  • EP4645182A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4645182A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4645182A1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a display method and apparatus and an electronic device , and the method includes: displaying a resource allocation region, the resource allocation region including at least one division line, the at least one division line dividing the resource allocation region into a plurality of sub-regions corresponding to a plurality of groups to be allocated, each sub-region comprising a timeline, and a plurality of sub-periods corresponding to a plurality of timelines being consecutive periods; in response to a touch operation on the at least one division line, adjusting the sub-regions corresponding to the plurality of groups to be allocated in the resource allocation region, to adjust the sub-periods corresponding to the sub-regions. The complexity of resource allocation operations is reduced.