Hybrid Menu Search User Interface for Vehicle Function Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing complexity of menu structures in devices and driver information systems, such as those in vehicles, leads to user frustration and potential distraction, as users must navigate through numerous functions to access desired features, especially when driving.
Innovation Solution
A user interface design where only a subset of functions is accessible via menu commands, while the remaining functions are accessible through a search function, with features like a preliminary results list, favorite options, and adaptive menu adjustments based on user behavior, to streamline navigation and reduce operational complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If all functions are made accessible via menu commands, then users can access any function through a standardized interface, but the menu structure becomes increasingly complex and confusing as the number of functions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments functions into two subsets: those accessible via menu commands and those accessible only via search. This segmentation prevents the menu structure from becoming overly complex while ensuring all functions remain accessible through alternative means (search functionality).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of function access by adding search capability as a parallel access method alongside traditional menu commands. This allows functions to be accessed either through the hierarchical menu structure or through direct search, effectively adding a new pathway without expanding menu complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If more functions are added to the driver information system, then the system becomes more versatile and functional, but user distraction and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting functions into menu-accessible and search-accessible categories, the patent allows the system to accommodate more functions without proportionally increasing menu complexity, thereby reducing user distraction while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The search function enables users to directly locate desired functions without navigating through complex menu structures, allowing users to self-serve and quickly access functions without being distracted by organizational complexity.
3Productivity
If a search function is introduced for accessing functions, then users can quickly locate desired features without navigating complex menus, but the user interface becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The search function serves as a universal access method that can locate any function in the system regardless of its menu structure, making the interface more efficient without requiring separate access methods for different function types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies search functionality selectively to the second subset of functions rather than all functions, avoiding unnecessary complexity for functions that are frequently accessed through menus while providing search capability where it most benefits user efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A user interface for accessing a number of functions, a method and a computer-readable storage medium including instructions for providing a user interface for accessing a number of functions. Assigned to a first subset of the functions are menu commands of the user interface, by way of which the functions are called up. No menu commands of the user interface are assigned to a second subset of the functions. Instead, the functions are called up by way of a search function of the user interface.