Touch Interface Data Mark Zoom and Contextual Menu
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data visualization methods on portable devices with touch-sensitive surfaces face challenges in efficiently manipulating graphical views of data due to smaller screen sizes and limited input options, leading to increased cognitive burden and power consumption.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of methods and devices that allow for intuitive data visualization by using touch inputs to zoom in on specific data marks and display information, reducing the need for complex menu systems and conserving power by optimizing user interaction on portable devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional data visualization methods are used on portable devices with smaller displays, then the device can be compact and portable, but the user interface becomes more complex and harder to manipulate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a third dimension of interaction through contextual menus that appear in response to touch inputs. Instead of relying solely on 2D screen space, the system adds a temporal and contextual dimension to the interface, where menus are triggered by specific gestures and disappear after a timeout period, effectively expanding the interaction space without increasing physical device size
Solution Approach 2:
The interface is segmented into discrete interactive elements (data marks, contextual menus, touch input zones) that can be independently manipulated. This segmentation allows complex data visualization to be broken down into manageable interaction units, making it easier to navigate on small screens without overwhelming the user
2Adaptability or versatility
If complex menu systems are implemented to manipulate graphical views, then more functions are available, but the cognitive burden on the user increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides self-service through automatic menu dismissal after a timeout period and automatic switching between full-screen and picture-in-picture modes. This reduces cognitive burden by eliminating the need for users to manually close menus or manage window states, while still providing comprehensive functionality through the contextual menus
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring users to navigate through complex menu hierarchies to access functions, the system inverts the approach by presenting contextual menus that automatically appear based on user interaction with data marks. This reverses the traditional menu-driven paradigm to an interaction-driven paradigm, reducing cognitive load while maintaining versatility
3Duration of action of moving object
If traditional touch interface methods are used on portable devices, then the device can maintain battery operation, but power consumption increases and battery life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic action through timeout-based menu dismissal, where contextual menus automatically disappear after a set period of inactivity. This periodic clearing of interface elements reduces the computational burden of maintaining persistent UI states, thereby lowering power consumption while keeping the device operational for longer periods on battery power
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes displaying at least a first portion of a chart at a first magnification, the first portion containing a plurality of data marks. The method also includes detecting a first input at a location that corresponds to the first portion of the chart and, in response, zooming in to display a second portion of the chart at a second magnification, the second portion including a first data mark in the plurality of data marks. The method further includes detecting a second touch input at a location that corresponds to the second portion of the chart, and, in response: if one or more predefined data-mark-information-display criteria are not met, zooming in to display a third portion of the chart at a third magnification, the third portion including the first data mark; and, if the one or more predefined data-mark-information-display criteria are met, displaying information about the first data mark.