Transparent Overlay for Cross-Platform UI Augmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional user interface augmentation techniques are limited to web systems due to architectural constraints and cannot be applied to a wide range of systems, as they rely on DOM trees and specific APIs that other systems do not have.
Innovation Solution
A user interface augmentation system that uses a processor to search for a base point UI on any system screen, displays an additional UI on a transparent background overlay, and circulates data between the existing and additional UIs using accessibility APIs and keyboard emulation, allowing for independent operation and compatibility with various system implementations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional UI augmentation methods (proxy server, browser add-on, DOM manipulation) are used, then additional UI can be displayed on web systems, but the method cannot be applied to non-web systems due to architectural constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a transparent background overlay as an intermediary layer between the system screen and the additional UI. This overlay acts as a mediator that can carry additional UI elements without modifying the underlying system architecture, enabling cross-platform compatibility while maintaining system independence
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent background overlay serves multiple functions: it acts as a display canvas for additional UI, maintains system compatibility across different platforms, and enables data circulation between existing and additional UIs through a unified interface. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for platform-specific implementation
2Ease of operation
If additional UI is displayed by inserting HTML or JavaScript into web system, then web system operation is improved, but the method requires modification of existing system structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the UI into two independent layers: the existing system UI and the additional UI displayed on the transparent overlay. This segmentation allows the additional UI to be developed, deployed, and operated independently without modifying or complicating the existing system structure
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent background overlay serves as an intermediary that carries additional UI elements without requiring integration into the existing system codebase. This intermediary approach improves operability by allowing independent UI enhancement while avoiding system structure modification
3Productivity
If UI augmentation is applied to extend functionality, then business efficiency is improved, but data circulation between existing and additional UI becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The transparent background overlay acts as an intermediary data exchange layer between existing UI and additional UI. It provides standardized interfaces for data circulation, simplifying the mechanism by which data flows between different UI layers without requiring complex integration logic
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the additional UI can receive data from and send data back to the existing UI through the transparent overlay. This bidirectional feedback enables efficient business operations by allowing real-time data exchange while maintaining a clear data circulation path
Data Source
AI summary
A user interface augmentation system includes a memory and a processor coupled to the memory. The processor is configured to perform operations including: searching a system screen for a base point UI serving as a base point for display of an additional user interface (UI) to be added to the system screen; displaying a new screen with a transparent background in such a way as to overlap the system screen; and displaying the additional UI at a position based on the base point UI on the new screen.