Pie Menu Radial Parameter Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pie menus face challenges with non-pointer-based user interactions, particularly on touch screens, and selection accuracy issues due to the number of menu items, making it difficult to select continuous value ranges efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that displays a pie menu with angular sectors associated with customizable parameters, allowing users to select values by displacing their input to activate a sector and move a handle within that sector, which traverses ranked values based on the displacement direction and distance, enabling precise value selection without requiring precise angular precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of menu items in a pie menu is increased, then the functionality and range of selectable parameters is improved, but the selection accuracy deteriorates due to reduced angular precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a 2D angular selection interface to a 3D spatial interface by introducing depth through radial distance from the center. Users can now select parameters not only by angle but also by distance, creating a two-dimensional selection space within the pie menu that accommodates more options without reducing angular precision requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the parameter selection space into discrete radial zones at different distances from the center. Each zone corresponds to a specific parameter or set of parameters, allowing the menu to offer continuous value ranges while maintaining clear selection boundaries through spatial segmentation
2Adaptability or versatility
If the pie menu size is increased to accommodate more items, then the number of selectable parameters is improved, but the user working area becomes cluttered
Solution Approach 1:
By utilizing the radial distance dimension, the patent allows dense packing of menu items without increasing the angular or linear footprint of the pie menu. Items are arranged concentrically at different radii, enabling high information density within a compact circular area that does not encroach on surrounding working space
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested arrangement where multiple levels of parameters are organized concentrically, with inner rings representing one set of parameters and outer rings representing another set. This nested structure maximizes the use of available radial space while keeping the overall menu diameter compact
3Adaptability or versatility
If successive sub-menu selections are implemented to provide continuous value ranges, then the range of selectable parameters is improved, but the interaction complexity and number of user actions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates hierarchical nesting by implementing continuous value selection within a single radial dimension. Users can directly select any value along a continuous scale by positioning at the appropriate radial distance, removing the need for multiple successive selections and simplifying the interaction model while maintaining continuous parameter control
4Measurement precision
If angular precision requirements are increased for accurate selection, then the selection accuracy is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By introducing radial distance as an additional selection dimension, the patent reduces the angular precision burden. Users can achieve accurate parameter selection through radial positioning even with moderate angular precision, as the radial dimension provides an independent axis for fine-tuning parameter values without requiring precise angular discrimination
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method of setting a parameter. The method comprises detecting a user input on a first location on a graphical user interface, the user input being maintained. The method further comprises displaying on the graphical user interface a pie menu centered on the first location, the pie menu comprising at least one angular sector that is associated with a customizable parameter. The method also comprises detecting a second location of the user input on the graphical user interface in the at least angular sector, and selecting among a set of values, a value of the customizable parameter by displacing the user input from the second location to a third location.