Spatially Correlated Data Processing Interface Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users face difficulties in operating user interfaces when handling large amounts of measurement data, such as from liquid chromatography devices, due to the complexity of processing and displaying multidimensional data sets.

Innovation Solution

A device and method that provide an intuitive user interface by using a pointer selection determining unit, processing action determining unit, and processing action display unit to allow users to select and process data items with spatially correlated selection segments, enabling context-specific and intuitive operation of processing actions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If a user interface is provided for displaying a large number of data items, then data display capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of data itemsVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The user interface is segmented into multiple functional areas: a data display area showing measurement data, a selection area with multiple selectable items for processing actions, and a processing action area. This segmentation allows users to interact with data without being overwhelmed by the complexity of processing options, as each area has a specific function and the selection area provides organized access to processing actions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The selection area acts as an intermediary between the data display and the processing actions. Instead of requiring users to directly navigate through complex processing options, the selection area provides a simplified interface with multiple selectable items that mediate the interaction between data items and processing actions, making the system easier to operate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If processing actions are made available for data items, then functionality is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing capabilityVSAvoidinterface complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The interface is segmented into distinct functional areas: data display area, selection area with multiple selectable items, and processing action area. This segmentation organizes the complexity by separating data presentation from processing control, allowing multiple processing actions to be available while maintaining a simple and organized interface structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The selection area provides a universal interface for accessing processing actions. Multiple processing actions are consolidated into this single area with multiple selectable items, allowing the system to offer diverse processing capabilities while presenting them through a unified, simple interface mechanism that does not increase perceived complexity.

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

Data Source

PatentEP2098966B1Spatial correlation between display of data and display of applicable processing actions
Publication Date: 2011.07.13 AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES INC
  • EP2098966B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2098966B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2098966B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A device (100) for processing a displayed multidimensional set of data (102) formed by a plurality of data items, the device (100) comprising a pointer selection determining unit (104) adapted for determining a selected one of the plurality of data items presently selected by a pointer (106) operable by a user, a processing action determining unit (108) adapted for determining a number of applicable processing actions which are applicable for the selected data item and which can be selected by the user for processing the selected data item, and a processing action display unit (110) adapted for displaying a selection area (112) having a number of selection segments (114 to 117) each selectable by the pointer (106) for activating a respective processing action, wherein each of the selection segments (114 to 117) represents one of the determined number of applicable processing actions, wherein the selection segments (114 to 117) are displayed with a spatial correlation between a respective processing action represented by a respective one of the selection segments (114 to 117) and one of the data items corresponding to the respective processing action.