Radial Control Menu for Continuous Variable Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional graphical user interfaces, such as pie menus and slider controls, are inflexible and inefficient for controlling continuous value variables and state variables, particularly in applications where frequent adjustments are needed, as they often require users to move the cursor across the screen to access settings, leading to increased time consumption and user difficulty.
Innovation Solution
A radial control menu system where a cursor moves within a radial menu with wedges representing variable values, allowing selection based on angular position, with movable indicators providing visual feedback and enabling continuous value adjustments without the need for extensive cursor movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If controls are positioned at the edge of the screen to avoid obscuring the document, then the document visibility is improved, but the accessibility and operation speed of controls deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional linear menu arrangements (top, bottom, left, right edges) to a radial menu structure that organizes controls in a circular pattern around the center of the screen. This dimensional reorganization allows controls to be positioned equidistantly from the center while maintaining screen real estate efficiency, reducing cursor travel distance compared to edge-positioned menus.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of placing menus at the periphery of the screen as conventionally done, the patent inverts the approach by positioning the menu origin at the center of the screen and radiating controls outward. This inversion brings controls closer to the user's typical viewing and interaction zone, improving accessibility without significantly reducing document visibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional pie menus are used for selection, then the number of menu items can be extended through hierarchy, but the ability to set and update continuous variables deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The radial menu system serves multiple functions: it acts as both a selection menu for discrete items and a control interface for continuous variables. By incorporating movable indicators within wedges that can be positioned continuously, the same radial structure handles both categorical selection and analog value adjustment, eliminating the need for separate control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the interaction parameter from discrete clicking (conventional pie menus) to continuous positioning within wedges. The movable indicators can be placed at any position within a wedge's angular span, allowing continuous variable adjustment. The system interprets the indicator's angular position to determine the variable value, enabling precise control beyond fixed menu items.
3Device complexity
If menubars are positioned at the top or bottom of the screen, then the layout is simple, but the time required to access and change variables increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reorganizes the menu layout from linear arrangements (top/bottom menubars) to a radial/circular arrangement centered on the screen. This dimensional change transforms the user's interaction path from long horizontal/vertical travels to shorter radial movements from the center, significantly reducing access time while maintaining visual clarity through the radial organization of controls.
4Stability of the object's composition
If flow menus are used for hierarchical selection, then the menu remains displayed in the same position, but the difficulty for new users to learn increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs visual feedback mechanisms including color changes and shading variations to indicate the current wedge, selected items, and movable indicator positions. These visual cues provide intuitive feedback to users about their current state and possible actions, reducing learning difficulty. The visual differentiation of interactive elements makes the system more discoverable and easier to understand for new users.
Data Source
AI summary
A graphical user interface for displaying actions of an input device on a display is provided. The interface includes a radial menu having an origin disposed at a center thereof and at least a first wedge defining an area extending outwardly from the origin. The first wedge is associated with a variable that is capable of being set to a value between a predetermined minimum value and a predetermined maximum value. A cursor for indicating a current position of the input device on the display is provided in the interface. The cursor is movable within the first wedge to select a current value of the variable based upon the angular position of the cursor with respect to said origin. A radial menu, computer system, and method are also provided.