Infinitely Zoomable Canvas for Self-Clustering Information Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for managing and interacting with large amounts of information on computing devices are inefficient, as they do not facilitate organic restructuring or intuitive visualization of hierarchical relationships, limiting user interaction and comprehension.
Innovation Solution
A graphical user interface with an infinitely zoomable canvas that uses gestures to rearrange and cluster graphical information units based on size and position, allowing for dynamic visualization of hierarchical relationships and the creation of link portals for shared information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional file systems and databases are used to store and display information, then information can be organized and accessed, but the interface limits user view and comprehension of hierarchical relationships
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional two-dimensional screen-based interfaces to a three-dimensional spatial canvas where information units can be positioned, scaled, and layered. Users interact with information in a volumetric space, allowing hierarchical relationships to be visualized through depth and layering rather than traditional folder trees or lists, thereby improving ease of operation while managing interface complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface dynamically adapts its structure based on user interactions and data hierarchy. Information units can be freely moved, scaled, and repositioned on the canvas, and the system automatically adjusts the view to maintain optimal visualization. This dynamic behavior allows the interface to evolve with user needs rather than requiring rigid pre-defined structures.
2Loss of information
If information is displayed at detailed levels, then comprehensive information can be viewed, but the interface becomes less intuitive for understanding hierarchical relationships
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nested information units where smaller detailed information units can be placed within or on top of larger contextual units. This nesting allows users to view detailed information at one level while maintaining awareness of the broader hierarchical context at subsequent levels, eliminating the need to choose between detail and overview.
Solution Approach 2:
Information is segmented into discrete, independently positionable information units of varying sizes. Each unit represents a specific piece of information or data element that can be individually manipulated. This segmentation allows users to focus on specific detailed units while the overall hierarchy remains visible through the arrangement and scaling of these units.
3Productivity
If traditional filing systems are used, then information can be stored and retrieved, but organic restructuring and reorganization is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The interface enables dynamic reorganization of information units through free movement and scaling operations. Users can drag information units to new positions, adjust their sizes to reflect hierarchical relationships, and the system automatically updates connections and views. This dynamic capability allows organic restructuring without requiring system reconfiguration or complex reorganization procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically maintains hierarchical relationships and updates its structure based on the spatial arrangement and scaling of information units. When users move or resize units, the system self-updates connections, indexes, and navigation structures without requiring manual reconfiguration. This self-service capability enables efficient productivity while providing high adaptability to changing information organization needs.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device has a display, one or more processors, and memory. The memory stores one or more programs configured for execution by the one or more processors. The device displays a graphical user interface having a viewport of a canvas containing a plurality of graphical information units. Each graphical information unit has (i) a respective location on the canvas, (ii) a respective size, and (iii) respective information content independent of size, displayed according to a current location of the viewport and a current scale of the viewport. The device displays the graphical information units according to relative size determination using a specific size metric, including displaying each smaller graphical information unit in front of each fully or partially overlapping larger graphical information unit, thereby displaying a visual hierarchy of the graphical information units on the canvas.