Static Layout Animation for Dynamic UI Positions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional computing systems face challenges in animating graphical user interface elements due to unknown dynamic layout positions, leading to disconnects between user observations and actual element changes, making it difficult for developers to create logic for movement and animation.
Innovation Solution
A system that defines dynamic graphical layout positions using static markup definitions and parameters such as percentage offsets, fixed offsets, and target source elements, allowing for animation between initial and final positions without relying on specific location information, enabling fluid and natural transitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If developers use conventional static markup definitions for UI elements, then the interface structure is simple and maintainable, but the layout positions become unknown and dynamic, making animation creation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining animation behaviors in static markup files during the design phase. The animation system reads these pre-defined instructions at runtime and executes them automatically, eliminating the need for developers to write complex animation logic in code. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining simple interface structure while enabling sophisticated animations through advance preparation of animation descriptors.
2Adaptability or versatility
If elements are moved within the user interface using conventional methods, then the interface can be dynamically updated, but the disconnect between user observation and actual element changes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by providing visual transition animations that show users the actual path and process of element movements. Instead of elements instantly appearing at new positions, the animation system renders intermediate states that feedback to users about what is happening to their data. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining dynamic update capability while reducing information loss through visual feedback on the transformation process.
3Manufacturing precision
If developers write platform-specific animation code to handle layout changes, then the animation behavior can be precisely controlled, but the code complexity and portability issues increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by creating a platform-agnostic animation system where all animation logic is defined in markup files rather than code. The same markup-based animation descriptors work across different platforms and rendering systems, eliminating the need for platform-specific animation code. This resolves the contradiction by providing precise animation control through universal markup definitions that are interpreted by platform-independent animation processors.
4Measurement precision
If specific location information is used to define element positions, then the animation paths can be precisely determined, but the system cannot handle dynamic layouts where positions are not known in advance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by separating the animation definition from concrete position values. Animation behaviors are defined in terms of relative transformations and transitions between states rather than absolute coordinates. At runtime, the animation system queries the current layout positions and dynamically computes the animation paths based on these actual values. This resolves the contradiction by enabling precise animation paths through dynamic computation that adapts to unknown layout positions.
Data Source
AI summary
The subject disclosure relates to applying layout changes and/or animations in a computing system by statically defining unknown visual layout positions of elements within a user interface. Changes that are to be applied to the elements in a user interface are intercepted by mechanism as described herein that applies the changes as a function of a static reusable component. The static reusable component can be applied across various platforms. Animation is performed on a first element as described herein based at least in part on layout input properties of the first element or layout input properties of a second element that is associated with the first element. As additionally described herein, a dynamic graphical layout position can be described based on a definition of an initial layout position and calculation of a resultant layout position, wherein the positions are defined relative to an element or set of elements.