Hierarchical Menu Tile Thumbnail Navigation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing display control systems for hierarchical menus lack efficient navigation and visualization, particularly in selecting and transitioning between different levels of menus, leading to user operability issues.

Innovation Solution

A display control device and storage medium that displays a tile arrangement image of a second-hierarchical-level menu within a first-hierarchical-level tiled menu, allowing users to select and transition to the corresponding second-hierarchical-level menu by utilizing a thumbnail region within the tile, and adjusts the display based on menu frequency of use, enabling intuitive navigation through hierarchical levels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If hierarchical menu levels are displayed separately on different screens, then menu structure is clear, but navigation requires multiple screen transitions and increases operation time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemenu structure visibilityVSAvoidnavigation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent embeds a thumbnail image representing the second-hierarchical-level menu structure directly within the tile of the first-hierarchical-level menu. This nesting allows users to see the hierarchical structure and navigate to sub-menus without leaving the current screen, resolving the contradiction between maintaining clear menu structure visibility and reducing navigation time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds a visual dimension by displaying a thumbnail preview of the next menu level within the current menu tile. This dimensional enhancement provides spatial context and navigation cues without requiring additional screen transitions, allowing users to understand the hierarchical structure while staying on the same screen.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple menu options are provided in hierarchical levels, then functionality is comprehensive, but selection complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemenu functionalityVSAvoidmenu selection ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent displays a thumbnail image of the second-hierarchical-level menu structure in advance within the first-level menu tile. This preliminary visual information allows users to preview available options and make informed selection decisions before actually navigating to the sub-menu, reducing selection complexity while maintaining comprehensive functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The thumbnail serves as visual feedback showing users what they will encounter if they select a particular menu option. This immediate visual feedback helps users understand the consequences of their selection and navigate the hierarchical menu system more efficiently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS11269493B2Display control device and storage medium

Publication Date: 2022.03.08 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

In a portion of a tile in a tiled menu, a tile arrangement thumbnail representing a tile arrangement image of a second-hierarchical-level tiled menu to be displayed when the tile is selected is displayed. When, among tiles included in a first-hierarchical-level tiled menu, any tile is selected, a second-hierarchical-level tiled menu corresponding to the selected tile is displayed.