Multimedia Menu Reproduction Indicator for Directory Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multimedia reproducing devices lack user-friendly interfaces that allow easy navigation and recognition of reproduced content locations within directory structures, especially when using external recording media with complex folder configurations.
Innovation Solution
A multimedia reproducing apparatus and method that displays a menu screen with a reproduction indicator near content and folder icons, allowing users to easily identify the location of reproduced content across multiple directory levels, using visual cues such as icon highlighting, size changes, and scrolling effects to enhance user operability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a menu screen displays folder icons and content icons for external recording media with directory configurations, then users can access and navigate contents, but users cannot easily recognize the location of reproduced contents within the directory structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies visual indication by changing the display state of icons. Specifically, when contents are being reproduced, the corresponding content icon and its parent folder icon are displayed in a highlighted or different visual state (e.g., different color, brightness, or shading) to indicate the location of reproduced content. This allows users to quickly identify where reproduced content is located within the directory structure without losing location information.
2Loss of information
If the menu screen displays detailed folder and content icons, then users can see content locations, but the interface becomes complex and difficult to navigate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different visual treatments to different parts of the interface based on their functional significance. Specifically, only the folder icon and content icon related to reproduced content are highlighted or visually distinguished, while other icons maintain their normal display state. This selective highlighting provides necessary location information without overwhelming the user with complex visual changes across the entire interface.
Data Source
AI summary
In a multimedia reproducing apparatus, a read unit reads contents, content icons, and folders containing the contents from an external recording medium. A storage unit 80 stores data on a folder icon. A display processing unit processes menu screen display and content reproduction. A menu control unit switches between and displays a first level menu screen and a second level menu screen, the first menu screen displaying folder icons and content icons, the second level menu screen displaying folder icons in the state that contents are stored in folders. In the first level menu screen, a reproduction indicator is displayed near a content icon that corresponds to contents under reproduction. In the second level menu screen, the reproduction indicator is displayed near a folder icon that contains the contents.