Touch Screen Menu Bar Dragging for Mode Switching

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional mobile communication terminals with touch screens face complexity in mode changes, requiring numerous key inputs and being inefficient, especially as they incorporate more functions, limiting user convenience and aesthetic appeal.

Innovation Solution

A method and mobile communication terminal design that divides the touch screen into regions, displays a menu bar, and allows users to change modes by dragging and dropping it, with a controller identifying the new region and updating the user interface accordingly, simplifying mode changes through a dynamic and intuitive interface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional key input methods are used for mode changes, then all functions can be controlled, but the operation becomes complicated and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemode changing operationVSAvoidtime for key input

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The touch screen is divided into multiple regions (first region, second region, third region, etc.), each corresponding to different modes. The menu bar is segmented and can be dragged to different regions to switch modes, replacing the need for multiple key inputs with a simple drag operation across segmented screen areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical key input system with a touch-based drag and drop interface. Instead of physically pressing keys to change modes, users interact with the menu bar through touch gestures, substituting mechanical interaction with touchscreen-based visual manipulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If more functions are added to the terminal, then the terminal becomes more versatile, but the interface becomes more complicated

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidinterface complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The menu bar serves multiple functions: it displays mode information, acts as a drag target for mode switching, and provides visual feedback for current mode. This single interface element handles multiple tasks that would otherwise require separate controls, reducing overall interface complexity while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces spatial dimension to mode selection by dividing the screen into multiple regions. Instead of using hierarchical menus or multiple buttons, mode switching occurs along the spatial dimension of the screen, allowing users to navigate between modes by dragging to different areas, thus simplifying the interface structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS8056016B2Method and mobile communication terminal for changing the mode of the terminal

Publication Date: 2011.11.08 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD

AI summary

Disclosed is a mobile communication terminal and a method for changing modes of the terminal, which changes a mode of the mobile communication terminal according to a location of a changed menu bar if a menu bar displayed on a touch screen is dragged and dropped.