Concentric Contact Layering for Mobile Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for organizing communication items on digital devices, such as mobile phones and PDAs, are inadequate due to the sheer quantity of data and the difficulty in locating specific items with incomplete or vague information, especially with Asian names that do not allow straightforward alphabetical ordering.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that organize graphical elements associated with contacts into concentric cylindrical layers, with frequently selected contacts positioned in the main viewing direction, using fractal structures that adapt in size and arrangement based on relevance and frequency, allowing dynamic rearrangement by time and day, and providing a scrolling and switching function for efficient navigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional sorting mechanisms are used to organize communication items, then the items can be listed in sequential order according to sorting criteria, but the user still cannot efficiently locate specific items among a large number of communication items
Solution Approach 1:
The contact list is segmented into multiple layers based on frequency of use, with frequently used contacts displayed in the foreground layer and less frequently used contacts displayed in the background layer. This segmentation allows users to quickly access common contacts without being overwhelmed by the total number of contacts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension to contact organization by displaying contacts in three-dimensional space with depth perception. Frequently used contacts are positioned closer to the user in the foreground, while less frequently used contacts are positioned farther away in the background, creating a visual hierarchy that facilitates quick location of specific contacts.
2Ease of operation
If all contacts are displayed on a single flat surface, then the interface is simple, but the user cannot effectively prioritize frequently used contacts among a large number of items
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional flat display to a three-dimensional layered display where contacts are arranged in depth space. The foreground layer contains frequently used contacts that are easily accessible, while the background layer contains less frequently used contacts. This dimensional change allows prioritization without significantly complicating the interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs curved and cylindrical display surfaces to organize contacts in a circular arrangement. This curved geometry allows frequent contacts to be positioned in prominent locations along the curve, creating a natural flow for user interaction while maintaining visual accessibility across the entire contact list.
3Adaptability or versatility
If alphabetical ordering is used for Asian names, then sorting is straightforward for Western names, but Asian characters do not permit straightforward alphabetical ordering
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically determines the frequency of use for each contact and dynamically arranges them in the foreground and background layers based on this frequency. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual sorting by the user, whether for Asian names or Western names, and automatically optimizes the display based on actual usage patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the sorting parameter from alphabetical order to frequency of use. This parameter change makes the sorting method universally applicable to all names including Asian characters, as frequency-based sorting does not depend on linguistic characteristics or character encoding systems.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for organizing graphical elements on a screen he is suggested. The method comprises the following steps; - generating a graphical element for each data item; - associating the graphical element to the corresponding data item; - sorting the graphical elements into different categories; and - displaying the graphical elements of different categories in different layers. Similarly, a device is suggested which comprises processing means for executing the method.