Two-Directional Menu System for Mobile Device Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of user interfaces in mobile communication devices makes it difficult for users to navigate and control functions efficiently, especially with limited screen size and increased hierarchical menu structures, leading to time-consuming interactions.
Innovation Solution
A two-directional menu system is implemented, allowing users to scroll through arrays of functions and contacts using navigation keys, enabling selection and execution of functions with a single command by halting scrolling in both directions, thereby merging primary and secondary levels into one level for simplified navigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If hierarchical menu structures are used to organize functions, then device functionality is comprehensive, but user navigation becomes more difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional hierarchical menu structure to a two-dimensional grid-based interface. Functions are arranged in rows and columns, allowing users to navigate laterally across multiple functions at the same level rather than drilling down through hierarchical levels. This dimensional change enables comprehensive functionality while simplifying navigation through parallel access to multiple functions simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges primary and secondary function selection into a single unified interface level. Instead of requiring users to navigate through multiple hierarchical levels (e.g., main menu → sub-menu → function), the grid structure combines these selection stages into one flat arrangement where both function categories and specific functions are accessible simultaneously through the same interface layer.
2Adaptability or versatility
If menu hierarchical levels are increased to accommodate more functions, then device versatility is improved, but information presentation becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a two-dimensional grid layout to organize functions, replacing traditional one-dimensional hierarchical menus. This allows numerous functions to be displayed across multiple rows and columns in a single interface level, maintaining versatility while reducing structural complexity through parallel organization rather than nested hierarchies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments functions into distinct rows and columns within the grid, allowing systematic organization of multiple functions without creating hierarchical depth. Each row can represent different function categories while columns organize specific functions, creating a modular segmentation that reduces cognitive load and interface complexity.
3Volume of moving object
If display size is reduced to make device smaller, then device portability is improved, but information presentation becomes harder
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a two-dimensional grid arrangement that maximizes information density on limited display areas. By organizing functions across rows and columns rather than using hierarchical lists, the interface presents multiple functions simultaneously in a compact format, making efficient use of small display real estate while maintaining ease of navigation through the grid structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating a mobile communication device comprising displaying a array of selectable functions in a first direction on a display of the communication device; scrolling through the selectable functions in the array of functions by using one or more navigation keys, wherein for each one of the selectable functions, a respective array of selectable contacts is displayed in a second direction on the display as the selectable functions are scrolled through; scrolling through the selectable contacts of one of the arrays of selectable contacts by using one or more navigation keys; selecting one of the selectable functions and one of the selectable contacts by halting the scrolling in the first and second directions at selected positions; and executing the selected function for the selected contact by a single user command.