Display Interface Directional Animation for USB Insertion Recognition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users find it difficult to intuitively recognize which external memory interface (I/F unit) a USB memory is connected to or detached from, especially when multiple I/F units are present, as existing systems lack clear visual cues for insertion and withdrawal directions.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus with a display unit and a control unit that detects insertion and withdrawal operations, displaying corresponding contents in the same direction as the operation, and providing visual indications to show the connection direction and type of the electronic device, using slide-in/slide-out, pop-up/close, or zoom-in/zoom-out animations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple external memory I/F units are provided, then the storage capacity and functionality of the information processing apparatus are enhanced, but it becomes difficult for users to recognize which I/F unit an external memory is connected to or detached from
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing distinct visual indicators (icons) for each external memory I/F unit on the display. Each I/F unit has its own unique icon that shows the insertion/withdrawal state, allowing users to easily identify which specific unit is affected without confusion. This localized visual feedback resolves the ambiguity that arises from having multiple similar interface units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes color changes and visual state indicators to communicate the connection status of external memories. The display shows different visual states (such as icon appearance, color, or animation) to indicate whether an external memory is inserted or withdrawn from a specific I/F unit. This visual feedback mechanism makes it easy for users to recognize the status of each unit at a glance.
2Loss of information
If traditional icon-based indication is used in the task bar, then the system can show connection status, but users cannot intuitively recognize the direction of insertion or withdrawal operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional 2D task bar icons to a spatial display representation where the position and orientation of visual indicators correspond to the physical spatial arrangement of I/F units. The display shows icons positioned according to their actual physical locations on the device, and animation directions match the physical insertion/withdrawal directions. This spatial dimensionality allows users to intuitively understand operation directions by matching visual feedback with physical actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual copy or representation of the physical I/F unit arrangement on the display. The displayed icons and their positions mirror the actual physical layout of the interface units, including their spatial relationships and orientations. This visual copying allows users to mentally map the physical operation to the displayed representation, making it easy to recognize which unit is affected and in what direction.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a list of connected USB memories is displayed for selection, then the system can manage multiple devices, but users find it difficult to intuitively recognize which I/F unit the memory is connected to
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of a generic list, the patent provides localized visual indicators for each I/F unit showing its specific connection status. Each unit's icon on the display reflects whether a memory is connected to that particular unit, maintaining a one-to-one correspondence between physical units and visual representations. This eliminates the need for users to search through a list and match devices to units.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides immediate visual feedback on the display that directly corresponds to the physical connection state of each I/F unit. When a memory is inserted or withdrawn, the corresponding icon on the display updates to reflect this change, providing real-time feedback that helps users understand the current state without needing to query or select from a list.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an information processing apparatus including: a display unit; a connection I/F unit to receive a connection to a withdrawable electronic device; and a control unit to detect an insertion operation or a withdrawal operation; wherein when the control unit detects the insertion operation, the control unit instructs the display unit to display contents corresponding to the electronic device connected to the connection I/F unit by the insertion operation so as to move the contents in a direction which is same as a direction of the detected insertion operation, and when the control unit detects the withdrawal operation, the control unit instructs the display unit to display the contents corresponding to the electronic device withdrawn from the connection I/F unit by the withdrawal operation so as to move the contents in a direction which is same as a direction of the detected withdrawal operation.