Portable Communication Terminal Menu Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional portable communication terminals have complex menus that confuse users, especially those who only use basic functions, leading to unused customizing features and inefficient memory usage due to hierarchical menu structures and manual settings.
Innovation Solution
A portable communication terminal with a simple-mode and custom-mode option, where users can select either to display only preset basic functions or customized functions, reducing menu complexity and memory requirements by automatically setting 'easy' functions like 'easy call' and 'easy camera' for basic users, and allowing frequent users to select their preferred functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If all functions are displayed in the menu, then the terminal provides comprehensive functionality, but the menu becomes complicated and hard to use for basic users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the menu system into two distinct modes: simple mode displaying only basic functions, and custom mode displaying all functions including advanced features. This segmentation allows the interface to adapt to different user needs without compromising either simplicity or comprehensiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The menu system dynamically changes its configuration based on the selected mode. In simple mode, only essential functions are displayed for ease of use. In custom mode, the full functionality is revealed. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between simplicity and comprehensiveness.
2Productivity
If hierarchical menu structure is implemented to display frequent functions first, then function accessibility is improved, but extra memory is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the hierarchical organization logic from the simple mode and applies it only in custom mode. In simple mode, a flat, non-hierarchical structure is used that requires minimal memory. In custom mode, the hierarchical structure is implemented to improve accessibility, accepting the additional memory requirement only when full functionality is needed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual menu customization is allowed, then users can create personalized menus, but the customization process is difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by providing pre-configured modes. The simple mode is pre-configured with essential functions for basic users, while custom mode is pre-configured for power users who may further customize. This eliminates the need for users to manually customize menus from scratch, significantly reducing the time and complexity of the customization process.
4Ease of operation
If functions are locked based on usage frequency, then the menu becomes more user-friendly, but useful functions may be hidden from users who need them
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the menu system dynamic by allowing users to switch between simple mode (with functions organized by frequency) and custom mode (where all functions are visible). This dynamic switching ensures that user-friendly organization is provided when needed, while full function visibility is available when required, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a portable communication terminal that allows users to use only basic functions without having to peruse an instruction manual.The basic module (21) of a memory device (2) includes a simple-mode basic module (211) that shows a GUI mode customized to be user friendly, and a custom-mode basic module (212) that shows a GUI mode for letting the user select only desired functions at the time of initial activation. If the “simple-mode” is selected through the basic module (21), the menu display screen of an output device (3) displays only the function menu of the simple-mode basic module (211). If the “custom-mode” is selected through the basic module (21), the menu display screen of the output device (3) displays the function menu of the custom-mode basic module (212) and functions selected through the custom-mode basic module (212).