Mobile Contact Tree Structure for Intuitive Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Managing contact information on mobile communication devices is limited by constraints in display size and input methods, making it difficult for users to store and access effectively.
Innovation Solution
Organizing contact information in a tree structure with logical levels that reflect user-defined relationships, allowing for intuitive storage and access through a browsable display with links and multimedia elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If contact information is structured as a simple list, then storage is straightforward, but access and usability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The contact information is segmented into a hierarchical tree structure with multiple logical levels (first level, second level, third level, etc.), where each level represents a different category or grouping dimension. This segmentation allows users to access contacts through multiple pathways and organizational perspectives, improving ease of operation without overwhelming complexity at any single level.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional linear list to a multi-dimensional hierarchical structure. Contacts can be organized and accessed along multiple dimensions simultaneously (e.g., by category, by frequency, by custom groups), enabling more intuitive access patterns while maintaining manageable complexity through the tree-based organization.
2Adaptability or versatility
If contact information is organized in a tree structure with multiple logical levels, then access and storage become more intuitive, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tree structure is implemented dynamically, allowing users to create, modify, and reorganize the hierarchical levels and their relationships. The system adapts to user needs by enabling flexible creation of custom groups, categories, and sub-categories at different levels, providing high adaptability while managing complexity through user-controlled configuration rather than rigid pre-defined structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The tree structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it organizes contacts by category, enables hierarchical filtering, supports multiple access paths, and allows custom grouping. This multi-functionality increases versatility while the unified tree-based framework manages complexity by providing a single consistent model that handles various organizational needs.
3Loss of information
If all items of the tree structure are displayed at once, then complete information is visible, but the display becomes overwhelming on limited screens
Solution Approach 1:
The display is segmented to show only the relevant portion of the tree structure at any given time, based on the user's current position in the hierarchy and their selection criteria. This segmentation ensures that the limited display area shows only the necessary information (current level items and relevant details), preventing overwhelming visual clutter while maintaining complete information accessibility through navigation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the temporal dimension and navigation space to overcome display area limitations. Instead of showing all items simultaneously in space, the system allows users to navigate through different levels and views over time, accessing complete information through structured navigation while maintaining a clean, manageable display at each moment.
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile communication apparatus, and a computer program product, comprising a memory arranged to hold contact information, wherein items of said contact information are arranged in a tree structure comprising a plurality of logical levels is disclosed. Methods for storing and accessing contact information arranged in this way are also disclosed.