Tilt-Activated Menu Preview Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of electronic devices with hierarchical menu systems often face frustration when navigating to find specific graphical items, as they need to repeatedly return to higher layers to access desired functions, leading to inefficient navigation.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a user interface that allows users to preview associated graphical items by tilting the device, providing a different input mechanism that displays a preview of the next layer's items without fully entering it, thereby reducing the need for back-and-forth navigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users navigate through hierarchical menu layers to find specific graphical items, then they can access desired functions, but they need to repeatedly return to higher layers which increases navigation time and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent displays a preview of the second layer graphical items associated with the first graphical item before the user actually selects it. This preliminary display allows users to see what options will be available without having to navigate into the layer first, enabling them to make informed decisions and avoid unnecessary back-and-forth navigation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a preview dimension that overlays or accompanies the current menu layer display. Instead of requiring users to sequentially move through layers (depth navigation), the preview provides information from the next layer in a parallel visual space, effectively adding a spatial dimension for information access that reduces navigational steps.
2Adaptability or versatility
If users enter the second layer to access associated graphical items, then they can find detailed options, but they cannot easily view other associated items without returning to the first layer
Solution Approach 1:
The preview area serves multiple functions: it displays associated graphical items from the second layer, provides visual cues about available options, and allows users to compare different first layer items' associations without fully navigating into each layer. This multi-functionality reduces the need for complex navigation patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The preview acts as an intermediary between the first layer and second layer of the hierarchical menu system. It provides a intermediate view that shows associations without requiring full transition, serving as a buffer that simplifies the interaction model and reduces cognitive load.
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus, a method and a computer program are provided. The method comprises: storing a data structure associating a first graphical item with one or more items; controlling a display to display the first graphical item; detecting a change in inclination while the first graphical item is displayed on the display; and controlling, after detecting the change in inclination, the display to display an indication of the items, associated with the first graphical item, in visual association with the first graphical item.