Security Interface Device with Overlapping Hierarchical Screens
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing security systems with text-based menus are cumbersome for inexperienced users to navigate during emergency conditions, introducing latency and ambiguity due to their complex menu architectures and large footprint requirements.
Innovation Solution
A user interface device and method that utilizes a color LCD display with alpha-numeric keys and navigation keys, displaying screen images that overlap to visually represent a hierarchical relationship, allowing intuitive navigation through a series of logically related and ranked groupings, using icons and text to quickly identify functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If text-based menus with multiple hierarchical levels are used to provide comprehensive security system functions, then the system can accommodate a large number of functions, but the menu architecture becomes complex and cumbersome to navigate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the comprehensive menu system into context-specific functional groups (e.g., alarm functions, arming/disarming, system status) that are presented based on the current system state. Instead of one large hierarchical menu, the interface divides functions into multiple contextual screens that are displayed according to what the user needs at that moment, reducing the perceived complexity while maintaining comprehensive functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The menu architecture dynamically adapts its structure and content based on the current system state (armed, disarmed, alarm conditions, etc.). The interface transforms from static hierarchical menus to dynamic context-sensitive displays that automatically reconfigure based on operational context, making the system easier to navigate while preserving all necessary functions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional text-based menus with scrolling navigation are used, then comprehensive functions can be accessed, but navigation latency increases during emergency conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The interface pre-organizes and pre-displays the most critical security functions based on the current system state before the user even needs them. During emergency conditions, the system automatically presents the most relevant functions (such as alarm silencing or emergency disarming) immediately without requiring the user to scroll through multiple menu levels, thereby eliminating navigation latency for critical operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements shortcut mechanisms that allow users to bypass traditional hierarchical navigation and directly access critical functions. During alarm or emergency states, the interface skips intermediate menu levels and presents only the essential functions needed for immediate response, enabling rapid interaction without the time penalty of scrolling through comprehensive menus.
3Adaptability or versatility
If touch screens are used to improve user interface functionality, then more functions can be integrated, but the device footprint increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing physical keypad serve multiple functions by mapping different operations to different key combinations and press patterns. The same physical keys that traditionally handled basic navigation now also trigger contextual functions, display toggles, and direct access commands based on the current system state, thereby achieving touch-screen-like functionality without requiring a larger display area.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface creates a visual representation (copy) of the keypad layout on the display screen, allowing users to see which function each physical key will trigger in the current context. This visual feedback layer adds the intelligence of a software interface to the physical hardware, enabling comprehensive functionality without increasing the physical footprint of the device.
4Adaptability or versatility
If comprehensive menus are displayed to show all available functions, then users have access to all features, but inexperienced users find navigation difficult and ambiguous
Solution Approach 1:
The interface applies local quality by customizing the display content and layout based on the user's current context, experience level, and the system state. Instead of presenting the same comprehensive menu to all users, the system adapts the local presentation to highlight relevant functions, use appropriate terminology, and organize information in a way that matches the user's immediate needs, making navigation intuitive without sacrificing comprehensive functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms that provide real-time guidance to users during navigation. The interface displays contextual help, highlights available actions, and provides visual feedback about the current system state and the effect of upcoming actions. This feedback loop reduces ambiguity by continuously informing users what functions are available and what will happen if they proceed, making the system easier to operate while maintaining comprehensive functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
An interface device includes at least one programmable device and a display portion coupled to the at least one programmable device. The display portion is configured to convey a hierarchical relationship of a plurality of screen images that at least partially overlap each other. The hierarchical relationship includes the plurality of screen images defined in a series of logically related, ordered, and ranked groupings.