Multi-Panel User Interface With One-Tap Collapsed Panel Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-panel user interfaces typically require expanding collapsed panels to access and operate various functions, limiting accessibility and operational efficiency for functions that do not need full expansion.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an active content item-based multi-panel collapsible user interface that allows selecting and executing shopping-related functions, such as accessing a mobile wallet or scanning barcodes, without expanding the collapsed panel, using icons on a mobile device's touch screen to perform tasks like purchasing or identifying products, while keeping the panel in a collapsed state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If collapsed panels are expanded to access functions, then function accessibility is improved, but interface complexity and space usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The user interface is divided into multiple independent collapsible panels, each containing specific functions. These panels can be independently collapsed or expanded, allowing users to access functions through icons on collapsed panels without expanding the entire interface. This segmentation maintains simplicity while improving accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new interaction dimension by allowing direct icon selection on collapsed panels rather than requiring panel expansion first. This creates a two-layer access model where icons on collapsed panels provide quick access to common functions, while full panel expansion remains available for comprehensive access, thus resolving the contradiction between accessibility and complexity.
2Ease of operation
If collapsed panels are expanded to execute functions, then function operability is improved, but panel state management becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically manages panel state based on function execution requirements. When a function is executed from a collapsed panel icon, the system handles the panel expansion/collapse transitions automatically without requiring manual user management of panel states. This self-service approach simplifies user interaction while maintaining proper panel state management.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface prepares panel states in advance by预-loading function icons on collapsed panels. Common functions are made accessible through icons that are ready for immediate selection, eliminating the need for users to manually expand panels before accessing functions. The system anticipates user needs and pre-arranges the interface state accordingly.
3Device complexity
If panels remain collapsed during function execution, then interface simplicity is maintained, but traditional access methods are limited
Solution Approach 1:
Collapsed panels serve multiple functions: they display icons for direct function access, maintain a compact visual layout, and can be expanded when needed. The icons on collapsed panels act as universal access points that work whether the panel is collapsed or expanded, providing versatile access methods while maintaining interface simplicity through the collapsed state.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-panel user interface includes one-tap access of a shopping-related function from a collapsed panel in an expandable panel user shopping interface without requiring expanding the collapsed panel.