Thumbnail Display Method with Rotating Image Bundle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display methods for thumbnail lists restrict the number of images that can be displayed in a size large enough for users to check their contents, as thumbnails are typically arranged next to each other on a plane without sufficient space for effective viewing.
Innovation Solution
A display method where images are arranged on a first imaginary axis, rotating about a second imaginary axis, forming an image bundle with static and dynamic parts, allowing images to be displayed in separate areas with varying spacings, enabling more thumbnails to be shown and facilitating easy identification of printed images by direction and highlighting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If thumbnails are arranged next to each other on a plane, then the display layout is simple, but the number of thumbnails that can be displayed in a size large enough for users to check their contents is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional planar arrangement to a three-dimensional spatial arrangement by introducing depth through overlapping thumbnails. Thumbnails are displayed at different depths along the depth direction, creating a layered effect that allows more thumbnails to be visible simultaneously without increasing planar footprint. This dimensional transformation resolves the contradiction by utilizing the third dimension to increase display capacity while maintaining relatively simple 2D layout control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nesting structure where thumbnails are arranged in overlapping layers, with each thumbnail potentially containing or being contained by others in the depth direction. This nested arrangement allows multiple thumbnails to occupy the same 2D screen space at different depths, effectively increasing the number of displayable thumbnails without proportionally increasing the display area complexity.
2Device complexity
If thumbnails are arranged with equal spacing, then the layout is uniform and simple, but the visual distinction between different states (printed vs. unprinted) is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the spacing between thumbnails based on their print status. Printed thumbnails are arranged with larger spacing to create visual separation and emphasize their completed state, while unprinted thumbnails maintain tighter spacing. This local variation in spacing quality provides clear visual cues about print status without requiring complex overall layout restructuring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs visual differentiation through highlighting and color changes to distinguish printed from unprinted thumbnails. Printed thumbnails can be highlighted with different colors, borders, or background shades, creating immediate visual contrast. This use of color and visual property changes effectively communicates print status information without increasing layout complexity.
3Loss of information
If all thumbnails are displayed simultaneously, then user overview is improved, but the display area required increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the depth dimension to pack more thumbnails into the available display area. By arranging thumbnails in overlapping layers along the depth axis, the system provides comprehensive overview of multiple images without requiring proportional increases in 2D display area. Users can view thumbnails at different depths simultaneously, maintaining overview capability while conserving screen real estate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple thumbnails into overlapping visual groups where thumbnails are positioned at different depths but occupy overlapping 2D screen space. This merging approach allows the display of numerous thumbnails in a compact arrangement, providing comprehensive overview while minimizing the total display area required. The overlapping structure enables efficient space utilization.
Data Source
AI summary
In a display method, a plurality of thumbnail images arranged on a first imaginary rotation axis are displayed at a display, each thumbnail image rotating about its second imaginary rotation axis intersecting the first imaginary axis, each thumbnail image also rotating about the first imaginary rotation axis. An image bundle formed of the plurality of thumbnail images includes a static part where the thumbnail images next to each other are arranged with an equal space from each other, and a dynamic part where the thumbnail images next to each other are arranged with a broader space from each other than the thumbnail images in the static part. The method includes displaying an image to be printed, in a first area of the image bundle, and displaying a printed image in a second area of the image bundle.