Dynamic Menu Display for Hierarchical Navigation Bottlenecks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Complex hierarchical menu structures in user interface devices make it difficult and time-consuming for users to access menu items, especially those located at lower levels, as existing quick link systems and shortcuts do not effectively address access issues in deeply nested menus.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that select and display menu items based on their frequency of use and difficulty of access, using a processor to weight and update menu items in a storage device, ensuring frequently used and hard-to-reach items are prioritized in a quick access menu.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If menu items are arranged in a hierarchical structure with multiple levels, then the menu system can organize increasing functionality, but users experience increased difficulty and time to access menu items at lower levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the hierarchical menu structure into two parts: a condensed menu that displays only frequently used items at the current level, and a detailed menu that shows the complete hierarchical structure. This segmentation allows users to quickly access common items without navigating through multiple levels, while still providing access to the full functionality when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary analysis to identify frequently used menu items and pre-loads them into the condensed menu display. This preliminary action ensures that commonly accessed items are immediately available without requiring users to navigate through hierarchical levels, thus resolving the access difficulty while maintaining functionality.
2Speed
If a quick link system displays frequently used menu items, then access speed improves, but items at lower hierarchical levels cannot be accessed unless they are frequently used
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a new dimension to the menu system by providing two parallel menu views (condensed and detailed) instead of a single hierarchical structure. The condensed menu provides quick access to frequent items, while the detailed menu ensures complete access coverage for all items at any hierarchical level, thus resolving the contradiction between speed and adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the menu display shows all menu items simultaneously, then access coverage is complete, but the display becomes complex and difficult to navigate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic menu system that automatically adjusts its display based on usage patterns. The condensed menu dynamically updates to show the most frequently used items, while the detailed menu remains available for complete coverage. This dynamic adaptation reduces perceived complexity while maintaining full access coverage.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of generating a menu display (203), the method comprising the steps of: selecting a plurality of menu items (205—1, 205—2, 205—3, 205—4) from a plurality of candidate menu items, the candidate menu items being arranged in a plurality of hierarchical levels, on the basis of most frequently used menu items and most difficult to access menu items within the plurality of hierarchical levels; and displaying the selected menu items simultaneously.