Contact List Display with Enlarged Frames for Frequent Contacts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication terminals make it difficult for users to efficiently select contacts from a large list, especially when contacts are not frequently communicated with, due to unpredictable sorting and the need for multiple interactions to find and access contact information.
Innovation Solution
A method that displays contacts in a predetermined order with varying frame sizes, highlighting frequently used contacts and providing additional communication details directly in the same window, allowing users to easily identify and access information without navigating between interfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If contacts are sorted dynamically by communication frequency, then frequently used contacts are highlighted, but the list loses its predictable order making navigation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The contact list is segmented into multiple groups based on communication frequency (e.g., frequently contacted, occasionally contacted, rarely contacted). Each group maintains its own ordering, with frequently contacted contacts in a dedicated section that is easily accessible. This segmentation allows users to quickly find frequent contacts without disrupting the overall alphabetical ordering of the complete list.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of organization by adding visual indicators such as color-coded badges, icons, or highlighted backgrounds next to contact names based on communication frequency. This additional visual dimension allows users to identify frequent contacts within the alphabetical list without disrupting the predictable alphabetical ordering, enabling simultaneous navigation and identification.
2Loss of information
If the contact list is displayed in full, then all contacts are visible, but the display area is too small to show the entire list
Solution Approach 1:
The contact list is divided into multiple pages or sections that can be navigated through. The first page or section displays frequently contacted contacts with enhanced visibility, while subsequent pages show the remaining contacts in alphabetical order. This segmentation allows the complete contact list to be accessible without requiring all contacts to be visible simultaneously on the limited display area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension of the display by implementing a collapsible or expandable contact list structure. Frequently contacted contacts are displayed with expanded details (such as recent message previews or contact status) that can be collapsed when not needed. This allows the display to show more information for frequent contacts without increasing the physical display area.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If users search for contacts by name, then specific contacts can be found, but users must remember the contact name which is not always the case
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-processes and displays contact information in a way that eliminates the need for name recall. When a contact is selected or hovered over in the alphabetical list, the system immediately displays a preview panel showing recent communications, contact status, and other identifying information. This preliminary display of contact details allows users to identify contacts based on their recent interactions rather than having to remember names.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary interface element (such as a tooltip, popup, or side panel) that provides additional contact information without requiring the user to navigate to a separate contact detail screen. This intermediary display shows recent messages, contact photos, or status information that helps users identify the correct contact without needing to remember the exact name, while still maintaining the alphabetical navigation structure.
4Ease of manufacture
If multiple interfaces are used to display different contact groups, then favorite contacts can be highlighted, but the number of user interactions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple contact views (alphabetical list, frequent contacts, favorite contacts) into a single unified interface. The contact list displays all contacts in alphabetical order, while simultaneously providing visual indicators (such as icons, color codes, or badges) that identify frequent and favorite contacts within the same view. This consolidation eliminates the need for users to navigate between multiple interfaces or screens to access different contact groups.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds visual dimensions to the contact list display by incorporating color-coded indicators, icons, or highlighted backgrounds that denote contact frequency and favoriteness directly within the alphabetical list. This allows users to identify and access frequent and favorite contacts without leaving the main contact list view, eliminating the need for separate interface navigations while preserving all contact information.
Data Source
Figure 1~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a method and device for controlling the display of a group of contacts associated with a terminal. According to the invention, the contact group is ordered (10) according to a first predetermined criterion and displayed (14) according to this order. Each contact is represented in a frame of predetermined size. When at least one contact in the group fulfills (11) a second predetermined criterion, the display control method includes a step of enlarging (12) the frame in which the contact is displayed so that a user browsing the contact list can easily identify a contact fulfilling the second predetermined criterion.