Dynamic Menu Reconfiguration for Small Device Usability
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Solution Overview
Problem
User interfaces on small computing devices, such as smartphones and PDAs, become cumbersome due to the large number of options available, making them difficult to navigate effectively.
Innovation Solution
A graphical user interface is developed with principal and subordinate menu options of varying sizes and shapes, allowing users to move and reconfigure menu options dynamically based on compatibility scores, enabling intuitive and ergonomic interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a large number of menu options are provided to utilize increasing processing power and interconnectivity, then the functionality and versatility of the device is improved, but the user interface becomes difficult to use and navigate
Solution Approach 1:
The menu interface is segmented into multiple hierarchical levels (principal menus, sub-menus, and sub-sub-menus). This segmentation allows numerous functions to be organized into manageable groups and categories, making the interface navigable despite the large number of available options.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension to menu navigation by allowing users to drag and drop menu options between different principal menus. This creates a customizable two-dimensional layout where frequently used functions can be positioned for easier access, transforming the traditional linear navigation into a flexible spatial arrangement.
2Volume of moving object
If the display size is small (as in cellphones or PDAs), then the device portability is improved, but the user interface becomes difficult to use due to limited screen real estate
Solution Approach 1:
The menu structure is designed to be dynamic rather than static. Users can dynamically reposition menu options by dragging them between principal menus, allowing the interface to adapt to their specific needs and optimize the use of limited screen space based on individual usage patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The touch-sensitive display serves multiple functions: it displays menu options, detects user input through touch, and enables drag-and-drop reconfiguration. This multi-functionality allows the small display to provide comprehensive control capabilities without requiring additional physical buttons or controls.
3Ease of operation
If menu options are made larger to facilitate selection on touch-sensitive panels, then the ease of selection is improved, but the number of menu options that can be displayed simultaneously is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Menu options are segmented into different hierarchical levels and principal menu categories. This allows the interface to display a manageable number of larger options on the screen at any given time, while providing access to the full set of functions through hierarchical navigation and reconfiguration capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A computing device including a graphical user interface is described. The computing device comprises: a display; a display controller; and a graphical user interface controller. The graphical user interface controller is arranged to create a first and second cluster of associated menu options. The first cluster of associated menu options comprises: a first principal menu option and at least one first sub-ordinate menu option, smaller than the first principal menu option, and located on the periphery of the first principal menu option. The second cluster of associated menu options comprises: a second principal menu option and at least one second sub-ordinate menu option smaller than the second principal menu option, and located on the periphery of the second principal menu option. The graphical user interface controller is also arranged to enable a user (a) to decouple the first sub-ordinate menu option from the first principal menu option and (b) to couple the decoupled the first sub-ordinate menu option to the second principal menu option.