Menu Tree Visualization Using Call-Out Shapes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face inefficiencies and strain when navigating through hierarchical menu structures due to the need to move the pointing device over considerable distances to select desired menu items, especially when items are located at the end of long lists or across multiple levels.
Innovation Solution
The method visualizes menu items as call-out shaped objects with leading arms, allowing selection by clicking on either the bubble or the arm, which reduces the distance the pointer needs to move by positioning the call-out shapes in cascades, pyramids, or fans to minimize navigation effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If menu items are arranged in linear lists at the end of long lists or across multiple levels, then complete menu hierarchy can be displayed, but user navigation time and pointing device movement distance increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the traditional linear one-dimensional menu list into a two-dimensional spatial arrangement where menu items are organized in a grid pattern. This dimensional change allows users to access menu items across multiple levels without significant pointer movement, as items are distributed across the screen space rather than stacked vertically or horizontally.
Solution Approach 2:
The menu hierarchy is segmented into multiple levels that are simultaneously visible in the two-dimensional grid. Each menu level is divided into segments that can be independently accessed, allowing users to navigate through different menu levels without traversing the entire linear path from root to leaf nodes.
2Ease of operation
If traditional linear menu lists are used, then simple menu structure is maintained, but user strain from repetitive pointer movement increases
Solution Approach 1:
By organizing menu items in a two-dimensional grid layout, the patent reduces the vertical and horizontal distance the pointer must travel to access items at different menu levels. This spatial distribution across two dimensions minimizes repetitive pointer movements and reduces user strain compared to linear arrangements.
3Productivity
If call-out shaped objects are used instead of rectangular menu items, then menu item selection efficiency improves, but visual complexity of the interface increases
Solution Approach 1:
The call-out shaped object is segmented into distinct functional parts: a bubble containing the menu item label and a leading arm connecting to the parent menu item. This segmentation allows users to select menu items by clicking on either the bubble or the leading arm, providing multiple selection targets and improving selection efficiency while maintaining visual organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The call-out shape adds a visual dimension to menu items by introducing the leading arm that extends from the bubble to the parent item. This visual extension provides an additional spatial cue for users to identify and select menu items, improving selection efficiency despite the increased visual complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and program that improves the efficiency of menu tree visualization and navigation in graphical user interfaces. Menu items are displayed as call-out shaped objects each made up of a call-out bubble and its leading arm. The leading arm connects the call-out bubble with the higher level menu item, the context-menu reference point or any other reference point on the user-interface screen. Menu lists are displayed as sets of similar-sized call-out shapes, which can be arranged in a variety of ways. A menu item can be selected by selecting either the leading arm or the call-out bubble of a call-out shape. The selection of a menu item through the selection of its leading arm significantly reduces the distance over which the pointer has to be moved for menu tree navigation. This is because the leading arm of each of the call-out shapes in any menu item list is close to the pointer's position immediately following the preceding selection process.