Superimposed Icon Layout for Compact Terminal Display

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Solution Overview

Problem

In existing icon display modes, as the number of functions and callable applications increases, the number of icons displayed also increases, leading to a wider display area and reduced usability, making it difficult for users to find desired icons.

Innovation Solution

A terminal device and method where icons are arranged in a line with adjacent ones superimposed on each other, and displayed obliquely, allowing for a more compact and user-friendly layout, even when multiple applications and functions are present.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If icons are displayed in a conventional linear arrangement without superposition, then each icon is clearly visible and accessible, but the display area becomes too wide when the number of functions and applications increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay area widthVSAvoidusability

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a conventional linear horizontal arrangement of icons to a stacked vertical arrangement where adjacent icons are superimposed. This dimensional change allows multiple icons to occupy the same horizontal space at different vertical positions, significantly reducing the overall display area width while maintaining accessibility through a compact layout

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the number of icons displayed increases to represent more functions and applications, then the functionality is comprehensive, but the display area widens and usability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of functionsVSAvoiddisplay area width

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a nested arrangement where icons are stacked vertically with adjacent icons superimposed on each other. This nesting approach allows multiple icons to be contained within the same horizontal footprint, enabling the display of a comprehensive number of functions and applications without proportionally increasing the display area width

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Area of stationary object

If icons are arranged in a compact superimposed layout, then the display area remains narrow and usable, but the spatial relationship between adjacent icons becomes less clear

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay area widthVSAvoidicon identification

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the icon display into distinct vertical layers or rows, where each layer contains icons that are superimposed. This segmentation creates clear visual separation between different icon groups while maintaining compact horizontal spacing, making it easier for users to identify and locate specific icons despite the superimposed arrangement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11240387B2Terminal device, method for controlling terminal device, and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing program

Publication Date: 2022.02.01 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

A terminal that can communicate with a multifunctional machine includes a touch panel and a terminal control unit that, by execution of a control application, causes the touch panel to display icons including a multifunctional machine icon such that the icons are arranged in a line and, when an icon selected by a selection operation is the multifunctional machine icon, calls a control function of a multifunctional machine application which corresponds to the multifunctional machine icon, and the terminal control unit causes the touch panel to display the icons such that a part of one icon of the icons is superimposed on the other icon adjacent to the one icon.