Touchscreen Filter Interface for Mobile Database Search
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile terminal search and filter functions are time-consuming and user-unfriendly, requiring extensive knowledge of complex menus and offering limited filter options, making it difficult for users to efficiently filter and view database elements.
Innovation Solution
A touchscreen-based mobile terminal with a search window and result window allows users to easily select and visualize filter functions using icons, enabling convenient and time-efficient filtering and display of results, with options to change or reset filter behaviors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional menu-based filter functions are used on mobile terminals, then filtering capability is provided, but user operation time and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The display area is segmented into multiple independent windows (first display area for filter function selection, second display area for filter results). This allows users to access filter functions and view results simultaneously without navigating through menus, dramatically reducing operation time and improving ease of use.
Solution Approach 2:
A touch-sensitive display serves as an intermediary interface that provides direct visual access to filter functions and results. Instead of requiring users to navigate through hidden menus, the touch-sensitive display presents filter options and results in accessible visual windows, eliminating the need for complex menu navigation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple filter functions and categories are provided, then filtering versatility improves, but interface complexity and display space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple filter functions and categories are organized into distinct visual groups within the first display area. Each filter function can be represented by an icon or visual indicator, allowing users to access diverse filtering options without being overwhelmed by complex nested menus. The segmentation of filter options into visible categories maintains versatility while reducing perceived complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface transitions from a single-dimensional linear menu structure to a two-dimensional grid layout with multiple display areas. Filter functions are arranged spatially in the first display area, allowing users to access multiple filter categories simultaneously rather than navigating through hierarchical menu levels. This dimensional change accommodates more filter options without increasing interface complexity.
3Loss of information
If filter results are displayed in detail, then result visibility improves, but display space for filter function selection is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The display is divided into separate functional zones: the first display area dedicated to filter function selection and the second display area dedicated to filter result presentation. This spatial segmentation allows both filter controls and results to be visible simultaneously without competing for the same display real estate, ensuring neither function compromises the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter selection interface and filter results display are merged into a single unified screen view rather than requiring separate screens or menu levels. Users can adjust filter parameters in the first display area while simultaneously observing the effects in the second display area, eliminating the need to switch between different display modes or screens.
Data Source
Figure 1~4
AI summary
In a mobile terminal comprising the display and input device (2) designed as a touch-sensitive screen, a search window (4) is provided for setting a filter behaviour for filtering database elements by the actuation of icons (8, 10, 12) displayed in the search window (4), wherein in each case an icon (8, 10, 12) identifies one or more of the filter functions in order to select a combination of filter functions, and a results window (S) is provided for displaying the filter results resulting from the filter behaviour. The invention further relates to a method for setting the filter behaviour and for displaying the filter results resulting from the filter behaviour on the mobile terminal.