Dynamic User Interface Element Layer Translation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional graphical user interface elements are static in appearance, which can detract from the overall look and feel of the GUI, making them aesthetically unpleasing during movement.

Innovation Solution

The method involves detecting the movement of user interface elements and translating first and second pattern layers relative to each other, while modifying graphical characteristics such as patterns, lighting, and shading to create dynamic visual effects during movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If conventional static user interface elements are used, then the implementation is simple and straightforward, but the aesthetic appeal and visual engagement during movement deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of implementationVSAvoidaesthetic appeal

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming static user interface elements into dynamic ones that exhibit motion effects. Specifically, the interface element includes a background layer and a pattern layer that can move independently relative to each other during element movement, creating visual effects such as parallax or blurring that enhance aesthetic appeal while maintaining implementation feasibility through layered graphical processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If static appearance is maintained for user interface elements, then the implementation remains simple, but the visual engagement and overall look and feel deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimplementation complexityVSAvoidvisual engagement

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the user interface element into multiple independent layers: a background layer and a pattern layer. These layers can be manipulated separately during movement, with the pattern layer moving at different rates or with different transformations than the background layer, creating enhanced visual engagement while keeping the implementation manageable through modular layer management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If multiple pattern layers are translated relative to each other during movement, then the aesthetic appeal improves, but the computational complexity and processing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaesthetic appealVSAvoidprocessing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies mechanics substitution by replacing complex multi-layer transformation mechanics with a simplified approach: the pattern layer is transformed (scaled, rotated, or skewed) based on the movement vector of the user interface element itself. This substitution reduces processing complexity while maintaining aesthetic appeal by using the element's own motion parameters to drive the pattern transformation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS8127246B2Varying user interface element based on movement

Publication Date: 2012.02.28 APPLE INC

AI summary

Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products, for presenting a user interface element. Movement of a user interface element that includes first and second pattern layers is detected. While the user interface element is moving, a first pattern layer is translated relative to a second pattern layer.