Persistent Thumbnail Region in Image Display Window
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing digital image manipulation and management software applications often require users to switch views or open separate windows to access and interact with multiple images, leading to inefficiencies and increased screen clutter when trying to view and edit photographs.
Innovation Solution
A graphical user interface (GUI) design that incorporates a persistent thumbnail region within the main image display window, allowing non-selected images to be displayed as thumbnails in an unused or differently purposed area, which can be made more prominent for interaction without reducing the main image size, and transitions between active and inactive states for minimal obtrusiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users switch views or open separate windows to access multiple images, then all images remain accessible, but screen clutter increases and user efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the thumbnail display region with the main image display window by placing thumbnails in the border region. This integration allows users to access multiple images without switching views or opening separate windows, thereby improving ease of operation while avoiding increased interface complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The border region of the image display window is given multiple functions: it serves as both the traditional border/frame and as a thumbnail display region. This multi-functionality allows the same interface element to provide both structural boundaries and image navigation capabilities, reducing the need for additional separate windows or views.
2Ease of operation
If thumbnail region is made more prominent for interaction, then user interaction is facilitated, but main image display area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making only the border region (containing thumbnails) more prominent and interactive, while the main image display area remains unchanged. The border region can be activated to show enlarged thumbnails or additional information, facilitating interaction without reducing the main image display area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the border region, which is traditionally a one-dimensional frame element, and transforms it into a two-dimensional thumbnail display area. By activating this region, thumbnails can be displayed in a more prominent manner (potentially overlapping the main image or expanding within the border), providing enhanced interaction capabilities without encroaching on the main image display space.
3Loss of information
If persistent thumbnail display region is added, then all images remain accessible, but screen real estate is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The border region is repurposed to serve dual functions: maintaining its traditional role as a frame/boundary and simultaneously serving as a persistent thumbnail display region. This allows all images to remain accessible within the main window without consuming additional screen real estate, as the thumbnails are displayed in the otherwise unused border area.
Solution Approach 2:
The thumbnail display region is designed to be dynamic, allowing it to be activated and deactivated based on user needs. When activated, thumbnails are displayed in the border region; when deactivated, the border returns to its traditional appearance. This dynamic behavior ensures image accessibility when needed while minimizing screen real estate consumption when not in use.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, system and computer-readable media are disclosed to facilitate presenting a plurality of digital images in a user interface window that includes an image display region and at least one other region available for re-use, receiving input from a user indicating a selection of at least one of the digital images, and modifying the presentation of the user interface window to present the selected at least one digital image in the image display region and to present the non-selected digital images as thumbnail images displayed within the at least one other region available for re-use. The thumbnail images displayed in the re-use region may be selectively displayed in a more prominent manner to facilitate user interaction.