User Interface Context Maintenance via Dynamic Element Rearrangement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing user interface systems disrupt user concentration by requiring users to navigate away from their current interface to access missing information, often through pop-up windows or new pages, which can be distracting and inconvenient.

Innovation Solution

A method that allows users to request and integrate hidden user interface elements directly into the current interface by rearranging existing elements, maintaining the visual context without opening new windows or linking to separate pages.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If information is retrieved in a pop-up window or link to another web page, then the desired information becomes accessible, but user concentration is interrupted and visual reorientation is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to desired informationVSAvoiduser concentration and visual continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the requested information into the current user interface context rather than separating it into a pop-up window or new page. The system integrates additional user interface elements directly into the existing view, allowing users to access desired information while maintaining their current context and concentration without visual reorientation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dimensionality change by transitioning from a two-dimensional flat interface to a three-dimensional spatial interface where elements can be positioned at different depths and locations. This allows information to be integrated into the current view without requiring users to switch contexts or reorient visually.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If the user interface is regenerated to accommodate hidden user interface elements, then the user interface context is maintained, but processing and rendering resources are consumed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser interface context continuityVSAvoidprocessing and rendering resources

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-loading and preparing user interface elements in hidden states before they are needed. When elements are requested, they are already processed and ready for integration, reducing the computational burden at the moment of user interaction and minimizing resource consumption during the regeneration process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic user interface regeneration where the interface adapts in real-time based on user requests. The system dynamically adds, removes, or repositions elements as needed, optimizing resource usage by only regenerating portions of the interface that have changed rather than complete regeneration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS8117553B2Method and system to maintain a user interface context

Publication Date: 2012.02.14 SAP SE

AI summary

A system, to maintain a user interface context receives a request for a first user interface element that is hidden from view on a user interface. The request causes the system to integrate the first user interface element into the user interface by regenerating the user interface to accommodate the first user interface element while maintaining the user interface context.