Expandable User Interface Menu Context Preservation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional user interface menu techniques disrupt the user experience by requiring additional input through popup windows, which visually and mentally interrupt the user's focus, clutter the screen, and limit access to other menu items.
Innovation Solution
Implementing expandable user interface menus that allow additional user input without leaving the context of the application, by expanding menu portions with input controls adjacent to the main menu, allowing users to input data without closing the menu and maintaining access to other menu items.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional popup windows are used to gather additional user input, then user input capability is improved, but user experience and focus are disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the additional input controls directly with the menu structure, merging the input functionality into the existing menu context rather than separating it into popup windows. This allows users to provide additional input while remaining within the same visual context, eliminating the need to switch between menu and popup window views.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces expandable menu portions that extend the menu structure in an additional spatial dimension (expanding downward or outward from the original menu position). This allows additional input controls to be accommodated within the menu area itself, rather than requiring separate popup window space.
2Ease of operation
If popup windows are used for additional user input, then input functionality is enhanced, but screen space efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges additional input controls into the menu structure itself, combining multiple functions (menu display and additional input) within a single interface element. This eliminates the need for separate popup windows and reduces overall screen space consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic menu portions that can expand and contract based on user interaction. The menu structure transitions from a compact state to an expanded state when additional input is needed, and returns to compact state afterward, efficiently utilizing screen space only when necessary.
3Adaptability or versatility
If popup windows appear for additional input, then user input options are increased, but access to other menu items is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the additional input functionality with the menu structure, creating a unified interface where both menu navigation and additional input are available simultaneously. Users can access other menu items while the expandable menu portion remains visible and accessible.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses spatial expansion in another dimension to accommodate additional input controls without blocking the main menu area. The expandable portion extends in a direction that does not prevent users from accessing other menu items, maintaining full menu accessibility while providing enhanced input options.
Data Source
AI summary
Expandable user interface menu techniques are described, including displaying a menu having a menu item, receiving an input indicating selection of the menu item, and expanding the menu, based on one or more parameters associated with the menu item, to present a structure configured to receive another input associated with the menu item, the menu item remaining displayed while the menu is expanded.