Visual Data Access via Image Subobject Association
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties in accessing specific data elements within large data libraries, particularly those in text form, due to the complexity of navigating through extensive lists and the need for inputting search terms, which can be time-consuming and error-prone.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize an image data object with recognizable subobjects to selectively access data elements, allowing users to associate data elements with image subobjects without inputting search terms, enabling efficient access by visual recognition and navigation, even on mobile terminals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If search terms are input to access specific data elements, then data elements can be accessed, but the process is time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical text-input search process with an optical/visual recognition system. Image data objects with encoded visual patterns allow users to access data elements by visual selection rather than by typing search terms, thereby substituting a manual mechanical operation with an automated visual recognition process that is both faster and less error-prone
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates visual copies (image data objects) of data elements that can be displayed and selected directly. Instead of requiring users to type search terms, the system generates visual representations of data elements that users can select through visual recognition, eliminating the need for text input while maintaining accurate data access
2Loss of information
If lists of data elements are created to provide overview, then data elements can be organized, but navigating through multiple pages is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional linear lists that require sequential paging to a two-dimensional visual display of image data objects. This dimensional change allows multiple data elements to be displayed simultaneously in a grid or spatial arrangement, enabling users to access data elements across the entire dataset without navigating through multiple pages, thus eliminating navigation time while maintaining comprehensive data overview
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the data library into visually distinct image data objects that can be independently displayed and selected. Each data element or group of data elements is represented as a separate visual unit, allowing users to see and access multiple segments simultaneously on a single display rather than navigating through sequential pages of a unified list
3Adaptability or versatility
If data elements are associated with multiple data groups, then data organization is flexible, but finding specific data elements becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning distinct visual characteristics to different data groups within the image data objects. Each data group can be represented by different visual attributes (colors, icons, spatial positions), allowing users to quickly identify and locate specific data elements based on their group affiliation without being confused by the multiple associations, thus maintaining flexibility while improving locatability
Data Source
AI summary
For selectively accessing data elements in a data library, an image data object which can be shown on a display is provided. A plurality of image subobjects are defined which respectively correspond to a portion of a representation of the image data object. The data elements are associated with at least a respective one of the image subobjects. One of the image subobjects is selected from a representation of the image data object on the display. The data elements which are associated with the selected image subobject are then reproduced. A data object which comprises the data elements in the data library, the image data object and the association between the data elements and the image subobjects is transmitted to a communication terminal via a telecommunication network for the purpose of selectively accessing the data elements.