Magnetic-like user interface for combining objects

摘要

A methodology for assisting a user in a combination of objects, e.g. functional blocks, through an intuitive user interface which can simulate effect of magnets, and including: representing a high affinity degree between two blocks in a magnetic-like style as a simulated attraction giving a feedback to the user. Such attraction feedback can be represented in different ways, from a simple visual representation to a proper mechanical feedback conveyed to the user through the input device used for making the block selection, e.g. a mouse, a track point, or a joystick.

主权项

1. A method of assisting a user in combining objects in a data processing system having a user interface including a plurality of objects, each object being associated with a set of parameters, the method comprising:
responsive to receipt into the data processing system of a selection by the user of at least a first of the plurality of objects, obtaining information stored in the data processing system on an affinity degree between the first object and at least one second object, the affinity degree being based on the associated parameters; and providing to the user, from the data processing system through the user interface, a feedback indicative of the affinity degree between the selected first object and the at least one second object; wherein the feedback includes a sensorial representation of the affinity degree based on a magnetic metaphor in which the user is given, through the user interface, a sensation that the selected first object and the at least one second object are magnetically attracting or repelling each other, a sensorial representation of attraction in which the first object and one of the at least one second object are portrayed as being magnetically attracted to each other being representative of a positive feedback and a sensorial representation of repulsion in which the first object and the at least one second object are portrayed as being magnetically repelled from each other being representative of a negative feedback.