Terminal Menu Window Integrating Application Status and Input Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional terminal devices with multiple application programs lack the ability to display the current or past status of application programs, leading to inconvenient user operations and suboptimal usability, especially when using different input units.
Innovation Solution
A terminal device and program that display a menu window with application program items along with their status information, and adapt menu configurations based on the input unit used, maintaining operational status across input unit switches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If menu windows are configured in a hierarchical structure to improve user-friendliness, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple menu layers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a hierarchical menu structure where menu windows are nested in multiple layers. Each menu window can contain subordinate menu items that lead to further nested menu windows, creating a doll-like nested structure. This allows complex application selection and status monitoring capabilities to be organized in a user-friendly hierarchical manner while managing device complexity through structured nesting.
2Loss of information
If status information of application programs is not displayed, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of information occurs regarding application status
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the application selection menu function with the application status display function into a single integrated menu window. The menu window simultaneously presents both the list of application programs for selection and their current status information, eliminating the need for separate display mechanisms and reducing overall device complexity while preventing information loss.
3Adaptability or versatility
If different menu configurations are provided for different input units, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic menu configuration that automatically adapts to the type of input unit being used. The menu window structure, layout, and presentation are dynamically adjusted based on whether a touch panel, remote controller, or other input unit is detected, allowing the system to optimize for each input type without requiring completely separate menu systems for each device.
4Loss of time
If operational status is not maintained across input unit switches, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of time occurs due to repetitive operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms that maintain and preserve operational status information across input unit switches. When a user switches from one input unit to another, the system provides feedback by retaining the current menu window state, selection position, and operational context, allowing the user to continue their task without repetitive operations. This feedback loop prevents time loss while managing complexity through status preservation.
Data Source
AI summary
A terminal device includes a display unit having a function for displaying a menu screen on a display screen, a selection unit for causing a user to select one of the items in the menus screen displayed on the display screen, and a holding unit holding status information concerning at least one application among a plurality of applications. The display unit displays an item indicating the application on the display screen while presenting status information on the application held in the holding unit on the display screen.