Thumbnail Enlargement via Overlay Instruction Image

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing file management systems using thumbnail images for enlargement often lead to unintentional enlargement, deteriorating user operability due to the need for precise area instructions, which can be cumbersome and prone to accidental operations.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus and method that displays a thumbnail image with an overlay enlargement instruction image, allowing users to enlarge and maintain the view without requiring precise area selections, and includes features to prevent unintended enlargement and maintain the enlarged view during scrolling or other operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the thumbnail is enlarged only by accepting an instruction on an area in which the thumbnail is displayed, then the enlargement function is simple to implement, but the enlargement may occur unintentionally and operability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser operabilityVSAvoidunintended enlargement
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an enlargement instruction image as an intermediary element between the thumbnail and the enlargement function. This instruction image must be explicitly designated by the user to trigger enlargement, preventing accidental enlargement while maintaining ease of use. The instruction image acts as a mediator that requires intentional user action before the enlargement occurs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Area of stationary object

If the enlargement instruction image is superimposed on the thumbnail image, then the interface remains compact and clear, but the instruction image may be overlooked or confused with the thumbnail

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterface areaVSAvoidinstruction image visibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by making the enlargement instruction image semi-transparent and positioning it at a specific location (corner) of the thumbnail. This allows the instruction image to be visible without completely obscuring the thumbnail, maintaining both compactness and detectability. The semi-transparent quality enables users to see through to the thumbnail while still perceiving the instruction image.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Speed

If the enlarged thumbnail image is displayed without maintenance function, then the system responds quickly to user actions, but the user cannot perform other operations while viewing the enlarged image

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem response speedVSAvoidsimultaneous operations
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic state where the enlarged thumbnail image can be maintained or dismissed based on user input. The system transitions between different display states (normal thumbnail view and maintained enlarged view), allowing flexibility in user interaction. This dynamic behavior enables users to maintain the enlarged view for extended viewing while performing other operations, improving adaptability without sacrificing response speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4060466A1Information processing apparatus, program, and information processing method
Publication Date: 2022.09.21 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP
  • EP4060466A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4060466A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4060466A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An information processing apparatus includes a processor configured to display a thumbnail image of a file on a screen, display an enlargement instruction image for instructing to enlarge and display the thumbnail image to be superimposed on at least a part of the thumbnail image, and in a case where the enlargement instruction image is designated, display an enlarged thumbnail image enlarged from the thumbnail image on the screen.