GUI Menu Segmentation for Expansion Unit Settings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing techniques for displaying graphical user interfaces (GUIs) on information processing apparatuses with connected expansion units are cumbersome, making it difficult for users to identify and navigate settings related to expansion units, as they require memorizing the connection order of multiple units.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus with a connector, detector, display, and controller that detects connection positions of expansion units and displays GUIs in an organized manner, allowing users to easily identify settings by grouping them based on connection positions, using a unit identifier-to-tab-name conversion table and tab change processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If expansion units are connected to expand functions of the information processing apparatus, then the functionality and performance of the apparatus are enhanced, but it becomes difficult for users to identify and navigate settings related to expansion units in the hierarchical menus
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the hierarchical menu system by introducing expansion unit-specific menu sections that are visually separated from the main body settings. Each connected expansion unit receives its own dedicated menu area, allowing users to easily distinguish and navigate to settings related to specific expansion units without searching through the entire hierarchical menu structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple expansion units are connected simultaneously, then the system provides more diverse functions, but the user cannot easily grasp which settings correspond to which expansion unit without memorizing connection orders
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs visual differentiation techniques where each expansion unit's settings are displayed with distinct visual identifiers. The menu system uses different visual styles, icons, or highlighting for settings corresponding to different expansion units, enabling users to immediately recognize which settings belong to which expansion unit without needing to memorize connection sequences.
3Stability of the object's composition
If conventional hierarchical menus are used for displaying expansion unit settings, then the menu structure remains organized by function, but users need to extensively search for setting items related to expansion units
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a new dimensional organization to the menu system by incorporating expansion unit identity as a primary sorting criterion. Instead of only organizing settings purely by functional hierarchy, the system creates a multi-dimensional menu structure where settings are first grouped by expansion unit, then by function within each unit, significantly reducing the search path and time required to locate specific settings.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus includes a connector configured to connect an expansion unit for expanding a function of the information processing apparatus, a detector configured to detect a connection position of the connected expansion unit with respect to the information processing apparatus, a display configured to display a graphical user interface (GUI) for performing a setting related to a function expanded by the connected expansion unit, and a controller configured to control display contents of the GUI to be displayed on the display based on the connection position of the connected expansion unit.