Mobile Terminal Menu Display with Standby Screen Overlay

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for displaying menus in mobile communication terminals do not effectively consider device characteristics of touch input devices, leading to inadequate interaction with menu lists or files.

Innovation Solution

A method that allows simultaneous display of menus and standby screens by using direction keys to navigate through menus, where selecting a direction key on the input device controls the display of corresponding menus on the standby screen, enabling users to interact with menus without hiding the standby screen.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a menu screen is displayed by replacing the standby screen, then the menu can be accessed, but the standby screen visibility is lost and user convenience deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemenu accessVSAvoidstandby screen visibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the standby screen and menu screen into a single composite display. The menu screen is overlaid on top of the standby screen, allowing both to coexist simultaneously. This resolves the contradiction by enabling menu access while preserving standby screen visibility, as the standby screen content remains visible in the background through the semi-transparent menu overlay.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a new dimensional approach by using transparency and layering in the display. Instead of replacing the standby screen with a menu screen in a two-dimensional sequence, it creates a three-layer structure: standby screen at the bottom, semi-transparent menu screen in the middle, and potential additional UI elements on top. This dimensional change allows both screens to be visible simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If a traditional menu display is used, then menu items can be selected, but the interaction does not utilize touch input device characteristics

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemenu selectionVSAvoidtouch input utilization
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the interaction parameters by introducing touch-based gestures. Instead of traditional button presses or keyboard input, the system responds to touch gestures such as swiping, tapping, and pinching on the touch input device. This adapts the menu selection process to utilize the characteristics of touch input devices, making the interaction more intuitive and versatile.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical input methods (physical buttons, keyboards) with a touch-based interface. The touch input device detects finger contact and gestures, substituting the need for mechanical key presses. This substitution enables more versatile interaction patterns such as swipe gestures for navigation and pinch gestures for zooming, fully utilizing touch input device characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP1962480B1A method of displaying menu in a mobile communication terminal
Publication Date: 2014.12.31 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP1962480B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1962480B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1962480B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

A method of displaying a menu in a mobile communication terminal and a mobile communication terminal are provided. The method of displaying menus in a mobile communication terminal comprises displaying a standby screen on a display of the mobile communication terminal. When one of a plurality of specific directions is selected through an input device of the mobile communication terminal, the method further comprises displaying at least a menu corresponding to the specific direction simultaneously with the standby screen.