Storage System GUI with Realistic Element Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data storage systems face challenges in efficiently operating as data volumes increase, particularly in providing an intuitive and efficient interface for users to manage and interact with storage systems, as existing graphic user interfaces often rely on text and icons, which can be cumbersome for complex system operations.
Innovation Solution
A graphic user interface that generates visually realistic images of storage system elements, allowing users to interact with these images to modify properties and manage storage sub-systems, including the ability to zoom, overlay, and view hidden sides, providing an intuitive and efficient method for system management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If text descriptions and icons are used to represent storage system elements, then the interface can convey information about system elements, but the interface becomes less intuitive and harder to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes to realistic images of storage system elements to indicate different operational states, properties, or conditions. By varying colors of the visual representations, the system conveys detailed information about element status without requiring text descriptions, thus maintaining both intuitiveness and information richness.
2Loss of information
If detailed information about all system elements is displayed, then complete system status is visible, but the interface becomes cluttered and harder to navigate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the display of system information by allowing users to interact with individual realistic images of storage elements. Each element can be selected and examined in detail independently, rather than displaying all information simultaneously. This segmentation reduces overall interface complexity while preserving complete system information availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional flat display to a multi-dimensional interactive experience by enabling users to zoom in on specific elements, view them from different perspectives, and explore hierarchical levels of detail. This dimensional approach allows complete system information to be organized in a navigable structure rather than a cluttered flat layout.
3Ease of operation
If realistic images of storage system elements are used, then the interface becomes more intuitive and easier to operate, but the system requires more processing resources to generate and display the images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates visual copies or representations of physical storage system elements as realistic images on the display. These graphical copies allow users to interact with and examine element properties without physically manipulating the actual hardware, reducing the need for physical space and handling while maintaining operational intuitiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The realistic images serve multiple functions simultaneously: they represent the physical element, display its operational state through color variations, provide interactive capabilities for detailed examination, and convey spatial relationships within the storage system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate display elements and associated processing overhead.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for interfacing with a storage system. The storage system has a plurality of elements having a visible relationship with each other, and the storage system is coupled to a system control unit including a display. The method includes: drawing an image of the elements on the display, the image showing the visible relationship, and modifying an appearance of one of the elements in the image to represent a property of the element. The method further includes, in response to a first input from a user of the storage system to the system control unit, drawing an enlarged image of the element and representing the property in the enlarged image. The method also includes, in response to a second input from a user of the storage system to the control unit with respect to the enlarged image, representing a further property of the element in the enlarged image.