Table of Contents Menu for Electronic Book Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices lack efficient navigation methods for users to access specific parts of digital content, such as chapters or articles, within electronic books and periodicals, requiring users to navigate back to the table of contents or use cumbersome keyboard shortcuts.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method and electronic device configuration that displays a table of contents menu while content is being viewed, allowing users to select navigation options directly from this menu or via keyboard shortcuts to navigate to desired parts of the content, using a processor and memory with executable instructions to manage navigation and display content.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users navigate back to the main table of contents to access specific parts of digital content, then they can reach the desired section, but the navigation process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the table of contents into multiple levels (first level TOC and second level TOC). The first level TOC provides high-level navigation, while the second level TOC provides detailed section navigation. This segmentation allows users to access specific content through a hierarchical structure rather than returning to the main TOC, thereby improving navigation convenience and reducing access time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a second level table of contents that is prepared in advance and displayed alongside the content. This preliminary action allows users to see all available sections and navigate directly to them without needing to return to the main table of contents, thus saving time and improving ease of operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a comprehensive table of contents is provided for all content sections, then users can navigate to any part, but the interface becomes cluttered and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the table of contents into multiple levels displayed in different locations. The first level TOC is displayed in a first location, while the second level TOC is displayed in a second location alongside the content. This segmentation allows comprehensive navigation coverage without cluttering a single interface area, as the hierarchical structure distributes information across multiple organized sections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a second level dimension to the table of contents structure. Instead of presenting all content in a single flat list, it creates a hierarchical dimension with first level and second level TOCs. This dimensional change allows comprehensive navigation coverage while maintaining interface simplicity, as users can navigate through organized levels rather than dealing with a single complex list.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for providing table-of-contents extensions for items displayed on an electronic device may include displaying contents of the item other than a table of contents for the item. The method may also include receiving user selection of a navigation option while the contents of the item are being displayed. The navigation option may correspond to a part of the item that is listed in the table of contents for the item. The method may also include navigating to the part of the item corresponding to the navigation option in response to the user's selection of the navigation option.