Transparent Window Menus for Low-Overhead Multi-Level Navigation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current multi-level menus in electronic devices cause high performance load and increased power consumption due to the resource-intensive creation of new windows for each menu level, which is particularly problematic for devices with low configurations.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a transparent window to display multi-level menus as user interface controls, reducing the need for creating new windows and allowing the menu to be freely sized and positioned, thereby minimizing overheads and power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a new window is created for each menu level, then the menu can be displayed with full functionality, but the device performance load increases and power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemenu display functionalityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple menu levels into a single window structure, where each menu level is displayed as a user interface control within the same window rather than creating separate windows for each level. This consolidation reduces the number of window creations and maintains functionality while lowering power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The window serves multiple functions by accommodating different menu levels (first level menu, second level menu, third level menu) within a single structure. The window can display various user interface controls corresponding to different menu levels, making it a multi-functional container that eliminates the need for separate dedicated windows for each menu level.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If a new window is created for each menu level, then the menu can be displayed with full functionality, but the device performance load increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemenu display functionalityVSAvoidperformance load

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Use of energy by stationary object

If a transparent window is used to display multi-level menus, then overheads and power consumption are reduced, but the display flexibility may be constrained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoiddisplay flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic display flexibility by allowing the transparent window to adapt its content based on user interactions. The window can display different menu levels (first level, second level, third level) as user interface controls, and the system can dynamically adjust what is displayed within the window based on user selections and interactions, maintaining versatility while using a single window structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20250264976A1Display method, display apparatus, and electronic device

Publication Date: 2025.08.21 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD

AI summary

Example display methods and display apparatus are described. One example display method includes receiving a first input used to expand an nth level of menu in a multi-level menu. A first user interface control is displayed in a transparent window in response to the first input, where the first user interface control includes the nth level of menu in the multi-level menu.