Dynamic Context Toolbar Radial Interface for Mobile GUI
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing graphical user interfaces (GUI) for mobile devices, such as smartphones, face challenges in optimizing display workspace when managing multiple functions, particularly during incoming calls or text messaging, as they often occupy the entire screen, limiting the ability to operate other applications efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic context toolbar with a main functional element and two supplementary elements, positioned on the same straight line, allows for the allocation and execution of application functions without switching GUI modes, enabling a radial interface for accessing multiple functions with minimal display workspace occupation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the application occupies the entire display area to provide full functionality, then the functional capabilities are complete, but the display workspace is fully occupied preventing operation of other applications
Solution Approach 1:
The display area is segmented into multiple functional zones: a main application area and a context toolbar area. The context toolbar is divided into additional elements and a main element, allowing simultaneous access to application functions and other applications without occupying the entire display workspace.
Solution Approach 2:
The context toolbar is positioned along the bottom edge of the display area, utilizing the vertical dimension rather than horizontal space. This allows the toolbar to provide additional functionality without significantly reducing the workspace available for the main application.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the toolbar provides comprehensive application management functions, then the functionality is enhanced, but the display area required for the toolbar increases
Solution Approach 1:
The context toolbar is designed as a multifunctional interface that can execute various application functions including answering calls, declining calls, holding calls, and sending text messages. The main element of the toolbar can generate a radial interface displaying multiple device applications and functions, providing universal access to various functionalities within a compact area.
Solution Approach 2:
The radial interface is nested within the main element of the context toolbar. When the main element is enabled, it generates a radial interface that displays a set of device applications and functions, allowing multiple functions to be accessed through a compact nested structure rather than requiring separate full-screen applications.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the interface provides multiple function options, then the versatility is improved, but the complexity of the interface increases
Solution Approach 1:
The context toolbar is designed as a dynamic interface that changes its state based on user interaction. The main functional element can be activated by long-pressing or dragging gestures, transforming from a static toolbar into an active radial interface. This dynamic behavior allows multiple functions to be accessed through simple gestures rather than requiring a complex static interface with numerous buttons.
Solution Approach 2:
The radial interface uses a circular or arc-shaped layout to organize multiple functions around the main element. This curved arrangement allows numerous functions to be displayed in a compact space and accessed through natural circular scrolling gestures, reducing interface complexity compared to linear arrangements.
Data Source
AI summary
The claimed invention relates to graphical user interfaces (GUI), in particular to a method for controlling devices using a multifunctional context toolbar. The technical result is to raise the operating speed of the graphical interface owing to the fact that there is no need to switch imaging modes of the graphical user interface for accessing functions of an electronic device. The claimed solution is achieved by a method for controlling functions of an electronic device using a graphical user interface, comprising steps in which: a region of a dynamic context toolbar is formed comprising a primary functional element and two additional functional elements for activating application states, wherein the centers of all three elements are on the same line; using said toolbar, user control commands are received for the current application state; application functions are distributed among said toolbar elements; at least one application function is executed by means of interaction with the primary toolbar element.