Virtual Item Upgrade Interface with Segmented Display Panels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for upgrading virtual items in virtual spaces lack an intuitive interface for managing information associated with upgrades and downgrades, making it difficult for users to effectively change the benefits of virtual items to different levels.

Innovation Solution

A system is provided that includes a server configured to communicate with client computing platforms, featuring modules for user management, virtual space implementation, interaction monitoring, relationship establishment, item level management, and an intuitive upgrade interface. The upgrade interface presents display panels for users to increment or decrement virtual item levels, with options for virtual costs and refunds, allowing users to manage their virtual items efficiently.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If an upgrade interface is provided to manage virtual item upgrades, then users can effectively change benefits of virtual items to different levels, but the interface complexity increases making it difficult to manage information

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of managing virtual item upgradesVSAvoidinterface complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The upgrade interface is segmented into multiple display panels, each dedicated to a specific virtual item. Each panel contains organized sections for item information, upgrade options, costs, and benefits. This segmentation allows users to focus on one item at a time without being overwhelmed by the entire inventory, resolving the contradiction between providing comprehensive upgrade management and maintaining interface simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The interface transitions from a traditional list-based view to a visual grid layout with multiple display panels arranged in rows and columns. Each panel represents a dimension of item information (current level, upgrade cost, benefits, time requirements). This dimensional organization makes complex information more manageable and visually intuitive, addressing both ease of operation and information completeness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Loss of information

If detailed information about upgrade costs and benefits is presented, then users can make informed decisions, but the information overload makes the interface less intuitive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompleteness of upgrade informationVSAvoidintuitiveness of interface

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Different sections of each display panel have different information densities and visual qualities. Critical information like upgrade costs and time requirements is highlighted with distinct visual styling, while secondary information is presented in a more subdued manner. This local differentiation allows users to quickly grasp essential details without being overwhelmed by comprehensive information, resolving the contradiction between information completeness and interface intuitiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The interface replaces traditional text-based information presentation with visual elements including icons, color-coded indicators, and graphical representations of costs and benefits. This substitution transforms abstract numerical data into visually intuitive displays, making comprehensive information more accessible and easier to process at a glance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple virtual items are made upgradeable with incremental benefit changes, then user customization increases, but the management complexity of tracking levels and costs increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomization of virtual itemsVSAvoidcomplexity of tracking item levels

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The upgrade interface implements a universal template that can be applied to any virtual item regardless of type or current level. The same display panel structure, upgrade options, and information organization are used across all items, providing consistent customization capabilities while simplifying the underlying tracking mechanism through standardization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically calculates and displays upgrade costs, time requirements, and benefit changes based on the item's current level and selected upgrade options. This self-service approach eliminates the need for manual tracking by the user, allowing extensive customization of multiple items while keeping the management interface simple and intuitive.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10413823B1System and method for providing an intuitive interface for upgrading a virtual item in a virtual space

Publication Date: 2019.09.17 ELECTRONIC ARTS INC

AI summary

An upgrade interface configured for upgrading a virtual item is provided. The upgrade interface receives selection by the user that results in incrementing and/or de-incrementing the current item level. Display panels are provided with individual display panels corresponding to individual levels of the virtual item. The individual display panels may have an active state and an inactive state. In some implementations, only one of the display panels may be in the active state at a given time such that responsive to one of the display panels in the inactive state being selected the selected display panel enters the active state.