Alternative Zoom Semantics for Hierarchical Data Navigation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing zoomable user interfaces primarily rely on visual-depth-based semantics for zoom operations, limiting the representation of zooming to changes in visual dimensions and resolution, whereas other semantics such as selection, drill-down, and navigation within hierarchical data sets are not effectively addressed.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of alternative semantics for zoom operations that allow visual elements to present different information at varying zoom levels, including additional data, selection, and navigation, by storing multiple visual presentations for each element and transitioning between them based on user interactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional visual-depth-based zoom semantics are used, then visual elements are presented with larger or smaller visual dimensions and higher or lower visual resolution, but alternative semantics such as selection, drill-down, and navigation within hierarchical data sets cannot be effectively represented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling the zoom operation to serve multiple semantic purposes beyond traditional visual-depth-based zooming. The system allows visual elements to present different information at varying zoom levels, including selection, drill-down into hierarchical data sets, and navigation to different data views. This is achieved by storing multiple visual presentations for each element and transitioning between them based on user interactions, making the zoom function universal across different interaction contexts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the visual presentation of elements adaptable and changeable based on zoom level and user interaction. Instead of fixed visual presentations, the system dynamically transitions between multiple stored visual presentations of elements as the user zooms in or out. This dynamic behavior allows the same visual element to present different information (summary view vs. detailed view) depending on the current zoom level, enabling flexible semantics without increasing structural complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple visual presentations are stored for each visual element to support alternative zoom semantics, then selection, drill-down, and navigation capabilities are enabled, but memory requirements and data storage complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-storing multiple visual presentations for each visual element before they are needed during zoom operations. Instead of generating different presentations on-demand (which would require complex processing during interaction), the system prepares and stores various visual presentations in advance. When a user performs a zoom operation, the system simply transitions between these pre-prepared presentations, enabling fast and flexible semantics without requiring heavy computational resources during actual use.
3Ease of operation
If zoom operations transition between different visual presentations with alternative semantics, then user interaction beyond mere visual dimension changes is enhanced, but the complexity of managing and transitioning between presentations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the visual presentation system to automatically manage transitions between different presentations based on zoom level changes. The system self-adjusts which visual presentation is displayed without requiring explicit user commands for each transition. When the user zooms in or out, the system autonomously selects and switches between the appropriate pre-stored visual presentations, simplifying user interaction while the backend manages the complexity of presentation coordination.
Data Source
AI summary
A scene comprising a set of visual elements may allow a user to perform “zoom” operations in order to navigate the depth of the scene. The “zoom” semantic is often applied to simulate optical visual depth, wherein the visual elements are presented with different visual dimensions and visual resolution to simulate physical proximity or distance. However, the “zoom” semantic may be alternatively applied to other aspects of the visual elements of a scene, such as a user selection of a zoomed-in visual element, a “drill-down” operation on a data set, or navigation through a portal in a first data set to view a second data set. These alternative “zoom” semantics may be achieved by presenting the effects of a “zoom” operation within the scene on the visual presentation of the visual element in a manner other than an adjustment of the visual dimensions and resolution of the visual element.