Radial Menu Interface for Cursor Navigation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional linear pull-down menus require users to move their cursor a considerable distance and with precision to access menu items, which can be cumbersome and inefficient, especially when menus are deep or located at the edge of the screen.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of radial menus that display selectable items around a central location, allowing users to activate menu items through various gestures such as sweep commands, spring-loading, and touch-sensitive interactions, enabling more intuitive and flexible navigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If linear pull-down menus are used, then menu items can be organized in a hierarchical structure, but users must move the cursor a considerable distance with precision to access items
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the traditional linear one-dimensional menu structure into a radial two-dimensional layout. Menu items are arranged in wedges around a central point, allowing users to access items by sweeping the cursor in different directions rather than moving linearly down a long list. This dimensional change reduces the physical distance the cursor must travel and enables parallel access to multiple menu categories.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a circular/radial geometric form for the menu structure, where menu items are distributed along the circumference of a circle. This curved arrangement allows the menu to fit within compact screen spaces while providing equitable angular spacing between items, reducing the angular distance the cursor must sweep to reach any item compared to linear arrangements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If linear pull-down menus are located at the top of the screen, then they follow conventional design patterns, but they require considerable cursor movement distance and precision
Solution Approach 1:
The radial menu is designed to be dynamically positioned at the cursor's current location on the screen rather than being fixed at the top. When the user activates the menu, it appears centered on the cursor position, allowing the menu to adapt to different locations on the screen and eliminating the need for the user to navigate to a specific fixed location to access menu functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The radial menu structure serves multiple functions: it provides access to hierarchical menu items, displays contextual information in the central area, and adapts to different screen positions. The same radial structure can accommodate varying numbers of menu items and different hierarchical levels, making it a versatile interface element that replaces multiple traditional menu types.
3Quantity of substance
If traditional menus extend beyond the screen edge, then all menu items can be displayed, but they become inaccessible when located at screen edges
Solution Approach 1:
By arranging menu items radially around a center point rather than linearly in a vertical list, the patent enables the menu to utilize screen space in all directions (up, down, left, right) simultaneously. This allows the menu to display multiple items within the visible screen area without extending beyond edges, as items are distributed angularly rather than sequentially in one direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The radial menu structure allows different portions of the menu to be optimally positioned relative to screen edges based on the cursor location. Menu items can be arranged so that their outer edges are positioned away from screen boundaries, ensuring accessibility. The central area can display additional information without interfering with item selection, creating local optimizations for both information display and item accessibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A method comprising of displaying a GUI object is disclosed. The method displays a first graphical user interface (GUI) object with multiple selectable GUI items. The method detects a movement of a cursor in a direction of a particular selectable GUI item. The method determines an expected location for the stopping of the cursor. The method displays, at the expected location, a second GUI object corresponding to the particular GUI item.