Radial Cursor Menu Reducing Movement Distance
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Solution Overview
Problem
User interfaces in computing devices often lead to user fatigue and repetitive motion injuries due to the need for extensive cursor movement to select menu items, particularly on small screens, which reduces productivity and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A user interface method that displays a menu with icons arranged around the cursor position, allowing for minimal movement to temporarily select an icon, with visual or auditory feedback, and enabling permanent selection without direct cursor positioning, thus reducing the need for extensive mouse movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a cursor-based menu selection interface is used, then users can select from multiple options, but extensive cursor movement is required which leads to user fatigue and repetitive motion injury
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional linear menu layouts to a circular radial menu arrangement around the cursor position. This dimensional reorganization allows users to access menu items by rotating the cursor in a circular path rather than moving it across the entire screen, significantly reducing movement distance and preventing repetitive strain injuries while maintaining full menu accessibility
2Loss of time
If icons are arranged in a circular menu around the cursor, then cursor movement distance is reduced, but the menu may occupy significant screen space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic radial menu system where the menu radius and icon positioning adjust based on the available screen space and the number of menu items. The menu can expand or contract its circular arrangement, and icons are dynamically positioned along the circular path, allowing the interface to adapt to different screen sizes and resolutions while maintaining efficient cursor access
3Area of stationary object
If the menu is displayed only when needed, then screen clutter is minimized, but the menu must be easily accessible on demand
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the cursor at a ready state where radial menus can be instantly activated by simple cursor movement or click actions. The system pre-configures the cursor position and movement patterns so that when a user needs a menu, they can access it immediately through minimal preparatory movement, ensuring both screen cleanliness and rapid menu availability
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for providing user interfaces are disclosed. In certain embodiments, a menu having a number of icons can be provided on a display device such that the icons are arranged around an initial cursor position, or an area that is touched by a user's finger or stylus, for example. Due to the icons being arranged around the initial cursor position, any one of the icons from the menu can be chosen with relatively small cursor movement. In certain embodiments, the menu can be divided into regions that overlap with the icons, such that cursor movement from the initial cursor position into a given region has a similar effect as movement into the corresponding icon itself (without actually moving the cursor onto the desired icon).