User Interface Layout Customization via Batch Command Translation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional user interfaces lack an efficient method for customizing the layout based on user-specific needs, requiring repetitive adjustments for each display item.

Innovation Solution

A method that allows users to apply a single command to adjust the configuration of multiple display items simultaneously, translating the command into item-specific settings, including window scaling and hierarchical detail changes, with optional automatic rearrangement and priority assignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a conventional procedure is used to customize the layout by selecting and adjusting each display item individually, then each display item can be precisely configured according to user needs, but the time and complexity required for customization increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelayout customization efficiencyVSAvoidtime required for layout customization
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple individual display items into a selection group, allowing a single command to apply to all items in the group simultaneously. This merging approach enables batch customization of window configuration and level of detail settings, dramatically reducing the time and steps required compared to adjusting each item individually.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single command entered by the user serves multiple functions: it simultaneously adjusts window configuration and level of detail for all selected display items. This universal command structure eliminates the need for separate adjustment procedures for each item, streamlining the customization process while maintaining precise control over each item's settings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple display items are adjusted individually to achieve precise configuration, then each item's settings can be optimized, but the complexity of the customization process increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision of display item configurationVSAvoidcomplexity of customization process
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the customization process into two distinct phases: selection of display items to be grouped, and application of the single command to adjust settings. This segmentation simplifies the user interface by separating the complex task of individual item adjustment into manageable steps, reducing perceived complexity while maintaining configuration precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple adjustment operations that would normally be performed individually are merged into a single command execution. The system combines window configuration adjustment and level of detail modification into one unified operation that applies to all selected items simultaneously, reducing the number of steps and complexity of the customization process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If a single command is applied to multiple display items simultaneously, then customization efficiency improves, but the ability to apply different settings to different items is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelayout customization speedVSAvoidflexibility in applying different settings
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by allowing each display item within the selection group to have its own specific characteristics preserved while receiving the common adjustment. The single command applies universally, but each item's unique properties (such as its position in the hierarchy or specific content type) are maintained, enabling differentiated behavior where needed while achieving efficient batch customization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3591508B1Method of controlling a user interface
Publication Date: 2025.09.10 CANON PRODN PRINTING HLDG BV
  • EP3591508B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3591508B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3591508B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A method of controlling a user interface (12) having a screen (16) and being arranged to display a plurality of display items (11-17) on the screen (16) simultaneously in a configurable layout, the layout specifying at least one of: - a selection of display items (I1-I4) to be displayed simultaneously; - a configuration of windows (20) that are assigned to the display items to be displayed; and - a level of detail for at least one of the display items to be displayed, the method being characterized by the steps of: - selecting a subset of said plurality of display items (I1-I7); - entering a single command for concurrently changing, for each display item (I1-I4) in the subset, at least one of the configuration of windows (20) and the level of detail; and - for each display item in the subset, translating the single command into an item-specific command adapted to the display item, and executing the item-specific command.