UI Editing Assistant for Overlapping Objects in Factory Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In user interface development for factory automation systems, overlapping UI objects can lead to hidden objects, making it difficult for programmers to recognize and edit them, resulting in editing errors due to forgotten properties or incorrect arrangements.
Innovation Solution
A user interface development assistance device that displays a list of overlapping UI objects when the pointer overlaps them, allowing for easy recognition and editing, and enables operations to unify positions, shapes, and attributes of these objects, changing their order and reflecting these changes on the topmost object.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple UI objects are overlapped on the editing screen to improve efficiency in creating UIs for multiple production lines, then productivity is improved, but the hidden UI objects cannot be visually recognized, resulting in editing errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a list as an intermediary element that displays information about overlapping UI objects. When UI objects overlap on the editing screen, the system automatically generates a list showing the names and positions of all overlapping objects, allowing programmers to identify and manage hidden objects without changing the visual layout.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides automatic feedback by generating and updating a list of overlapping UI objects in real-time. When objects are moved, added, or removed, the list is automatically updated to reflect the current overlapping state, giving programmers immediate information about which objects may be hidden.
2Ease of operation
If UI objects are overlapped to allow simultaneous editing of multiple production lines, then ease of operation is improved, but the complexity of managing overlapping objects increases
Solution Approach 1:
The list acts as a mediator that simplifies the management of overlapping objects. Instead of requiring programmers to manually track which objects are overlapping and potentially hidden, the system automatically generates and maintains the list, reducing the cognitive load and management complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting overlapping UI objects and generating the appropriate list without requiring programmer intervention. The system monitors object positions and updates the list automatically, freeing programmers from the burden of manual object management.
3Illumination intensity
If only the topmost UI object is visible on the editing screen, then visual clarity is maintained, but hidden UI objects cannot be edited or recognized
Solution Approach 1:
The list serves as an intermediary that bridges the gap between visual clarity and editability. It provides information about hidden objects without compromising the visual clarity of the editing screen, allowing programmers to identify and select hidden objects for editing through the list interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds another dimension to the UI editing interface by introducing a list view that exists alongside the visual editing screen. This additional dimension allows programmers to access and manage hidden objects through a different interface modality, separating the concerns of visual display and object management.
Data Source
AI summary
A UI development assistance device (10) comprising a UI editing unit (11), an operation input unit (12), and a display unit (14). The UI editing unit (11) executes a UI editing process and generates a UI editing screen (140). The display unit (14) displays the UI editing screen (140). The operation input unit (12) receives operations pertaining to UI editing. When a plurality of overlapping (UI) objects are present on the UI editing screen (140), the UI editing unit (11) displays a list of the plurality of overlapping (UI) objects on the (UI) editing screen (140) in accordance with a prescribed operation by means of the operation input unit (12).