Path Gestures for Mobile Menu Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Desktop software applications' complex dropdown menus are difficult to implement on mobile devices due to screen size constraints, leading to cluttered and unusable interfaces when trying to provide similar functionality.
Innovation Solution
Implementing multi-step swipe gestures that map complex menu structures onto path gestures, allowing users to navigate through menu options using directional swipes, thereby reducing on-screen clutter and maintaining a clean interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional dropdown menus are implemented on mobile devices, then complex menu functionality is provided, but the screen becomes cluttered and unusable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional 2D dropdown menus to 3D spatial path gestures that extend beyond the screen boundaries. Users perform swipe gestures that map to menu navigation paths in three-dimensional space, allowing complex menu structures to be accessed through spatial movements rather than confined 2D interface elements. This dimensional change resolves the clutter problem while maintaining full menu functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an invisible path gesture mapping system that acts as an intermediary between user gestures and menu navigation. This intermediary layer translates physical swipe gestures into logical menu navigation commands, allowing users to access complex menu structures through intuitive spatial gestures without displaying traditional menu elements on the screen.
2Ease of operation
If information is concealed on mobile devices to maintain a clean interface, then screen clutter is reduced, but user access to detailed information becomes less efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-mapping complete navigation paths for all menu options during gesture initiation. When a user starts a swipe gesture, the system calculates and prepares the entire path trajectory and associated menu navigation sequence in advance, allowing users to access any menu option directly by following the pre-computed path without intermediate delays or additional navigation steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuity of useful action by allowing users to perform continuous swipe gestures that seamlessly navigate through entire menu hierarchies without interruption. The path gesture system processes the complete navigation sequence in one continuous gesture motion, eliminating the need for multiple discrete taps or clicks that would otherwise be required to access nested menu options, thus reducing total information access time.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes receiving a start of a path gesture and determining, via a processor, a decision point along the path gesture. At the decision point, a first command associated with a first dimension is displayed. In addition, at the decision point, a second command associated with a second dimension is displayed.