User interface apparatus having a wheel input and method for controlling the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
User interface apparatuses in domestic and portable devices face challenges in displaying and selecting items within limited screen space in an intuitive and convenient manner.
Innovation Solution
A user interface apparatus featuring a first display unit, a rotatable wheel input unit for scrolling, and a button input unit for selection, along with a second display unit for displaying selected items, allowing for hierarchical item display and easy navigation through rotation and pressing inputs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a list of selectable items is displayed within limited display areas, then the device can function with compact form factor, but the user interface becomes cluttered and item selection becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The display area is segmented into multiple regions: a first display unit showing a list of items, a second display unit showing selected item details, and additional display areas for related items. This segmentation allows the interface to present hierarchical information structures without cluttering a single display space, enabling both compact form factor and ease of item selection.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple levels of item hierarchy are displayed simultaneously, then navigation becomes complex, but space utilization improves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a temporal dimension to hierarchical navigation by displaying different hierarchy levels at different times. Users can view a list of first items, select one to see second items, then select those to view third items in sequence. This time-based progression simplifies navigation compared to displaying all hierarchy levels simultaneously, while still utilizing display space efficiently through the second display unit showing selected item details.
Solution Approach 2:
The display units are arranged in a nested configuration where the second display unit is positioned within the circumference of the wheel input unit. This nested layout allows multiple display functions to coexist in a compact arrangement, maximizing space utilization while maintaining a clear visual hierarchy that reduces navigation complexity.
3Device complexity
If simple input means are used, then the device remains compact, but intuitive and handy item selection becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel input unit serves multiple functions: rotating it scrolls through lists of items, pressing it selects the currently highlighted item, and it can navigate through hierarchical levels. This multi-functional design maintains device compactness while providing intuitive and handy item selection through a single versatile input mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A user interface apparatus includes a first display unit that is configured to display a plurality of first items, a wheel input unit that is positioned proximate a first side of the first display unit, a button input unit that is positioned within a circumference of the wheel input unit, and a second display unit that is positioned within the circumference of the wheel input unit. The wheel input unit is rotatable and is configured to, based upon being rotated, output a scroll command to scroll the plurality of first items. The button input unit is configured to, based upon being pressed, output a selection command to select a first item from the plurality of first items. The second display unit is configured to display the selected first item.