WO2007107694A1 - Method & system for providing a menu - Google Patents

Method & system for providing a menu Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2007107694A1
WO2007107694A1 PCT/GB2007/000644 GB2007000644W WO2007107694A1 WO 2007107694 A1 WO2007107694 A1 WO 2007107694A1 GB 2007000644 W GB2007000644 W GB 2007000644W WO 2007107694 A1 WO2007107694 A1 WO 2007107694A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
menu
control device
values
directional
cursor
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2007/000644
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Ian Richard Matthews
Original Assignee
British Telecommunications Public Limited Company
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by British Telecommunications Public Limited Company filed Critical British Telecommunications Public Limited Company
Publication of WO2007107694A1 publication Critical patent/WO2007107694A1/en

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/048—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI]
    • G06F3/0481—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] based on specific properties of the displayed interaction object or a metaphor-based environment, e.g. interaction with desktop elements like windows or icons, or assisted by a cursor's changing behaviour or appearance
    • G06F3/0482—Interaction with lists of selectable items, e.g. menus
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
    • H04M1/26—Devices for calling a subscriber
    • H04M1/27—Devices whereby a plurality of signals may be stored simultaneously
    • H04M1/274—Devices whereby a plurality of signals may be stored simultaneously with provision for storing more than one subscriber number at a time, e.g. using toothed disc
    • H04M1/2745—Devices whereby a plurality of signals may be stored simultaneously with provision for storing more than one subscriber number at a time, e.g. using toothed disc using static electronic memories, e.g. chips
    • H04M1/27467—Methods of retrieving data
    • H04M1/2748—Methods of retrieving data by matching character strings
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
    • H04M1/72—Mobile telephones; Cordless telephones, i.e. devices for establishing wireless links to base stations without route selection
    • H04M1/724—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones
    • H04M1/72469—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones for operating the device by selecting functions from two or more displayed items, e.g. menus or icons

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a method and system for providing menus, particularly, though not exclusively, menus comprising a plurality of members, or items, arranged in a list.
  • the invention also relates to a method of controlling a menu system.
  • a method-of providing a menu for output to a display device associated with a processing system, the method comprising: (a) outputting to the display device a first menu comprising a plurality of values; (b) assigning each.
  • an alternative menu is presented which can be arranged so as to be more appropriate for cursor control and selection using a particular cursor control device, for example by displaying a reduced list of selectable values in order to allow faster selection using a joystick.
  • Selection control using the control device can automatically pass from the first menu to the second menu when the second menu is displayed.
  • a method of providing a modified menu for output to a display device associated with a processing system comprising: (a) receiving a first menu comprising a plurality of values; (b) assigning said plurality of values to a plurality of directories, the values assigned to each directory having an identified relationship with each other; (c) providing a second menu comprising the plurality of directories; (d) receiving a control signal from a cursor control device associated with the processing system, the control signal indicating whether the cursor control device is in a neutral state or one of a plurality of directional states; and (e) arranging for the second menu to be displayed on the display device in response to receiving a sequence of control signals indicative of the cursor control device being maintained in a directional state for a predetermined period of time.
  • the second menu may be displayed in place of the first on the display device so that the second menu is at least shown more prominently.
  • the method further comprises (f) associating a cursor with a first directory, and, (g) whilst the cursor control device is maintained in said directional state, periodically changing said association to a different directory.
  • the directories forming the second menu can be arranged in an ordered list, step (g) further comprising periodically changing said association to the next directory in the ordered list in dependence on the directional state being maintained.
  • the method can further comprise (h) arranging for the first menu to be displayed in place of the second menu in response to receiving a control signal indicative of the cursor control device being returned to the neutral state.
  • Step (h) can further comprises arranging for at least some of the values assigned to the directory with which the cursor is associated to be displayed as a list on the display device.
  • a menu formatting system comprising processing means arranged to receive a first menu comprising a plurality of values, to assign said plurality of values to a plurality of directories, the values in each directory having an identified relationship with each other, and to provide a second menu comprising the plurality of directories; control means arranged to receive a control signal from a cursor control device associated with the processing system, the control signal indicating whether the cursor control device is in a neutral state or one of a plurality of directional states, and to display the second menu in place of the first menu on the display device in response to receiving a sequence of control signals indicative of the cursor control device being maintained in a directional state for a predetermined period of time.
  • a method of creating a modified menu for output to a display device associated with a processing system comprising: (a) providing a first menu comprising a plurality of values; (b) assigning said plurality of values to a plurality of directories, the values assigned to each directory having an identified relationship with each other; (c) generating a second menu comprising the plurality of directories; (d) generating control instructions responsive to a control signal from a cursor control device associated with the processing system, the control signal indicating whether the cursor control device is in a neutral state or one of a plurality of directional states.
  • a processing system comprising: a display; storage means storing a first menu comprising a plurality of values and a second menu comprising a plurality of directories, the values from the first menu being assigned to one of the directories; a cursor control device comprising a plurality of directional buttons and arranged to generate control instructions respectively indicative of a neutral, non-directional, condition and actuation of each directional button; and a controller for receiving control instructions from the cursor control device and for outputting to the display the second menu in place of the first menu in response to receiving a sequence of control instructions indicative of the cursor control device being maintained in a directional state for a predetermined period of time.
  • a method of providing a modified menu for output to a display device associated with a processing system comprising: (a) outputting to the display device a first menu comprising a plurality of values; (b) assigning each value in the first menu to one of a plurality of categories wherein values within a particular category have an identified relationship with each other; (c) receiving a control signal from a cursor control device associated with the processing system, the control signal indicating whether the cursor control device is in a neutral state or one of a plurality of directional states; and (d) arranging for the second menu to be displayed on the display device in response to receiving a sequence of control signals indicative of the cursor control device being maintained in a directional state for a predetermined period of time.
  • Figure 1 is a diagram of a network arrangement comprising a plurality of processing devices connected to a server via the Internet;
  • Figure 2 is a more detailed diagram of the network arrangement shown in Figure 1 ;
  • Figure 3a is a block diagram showing the main stages in a menu modification application (MMA) provided on two of the processing devices.
  • MMA menu modification application
  • Figure 3b is a flow chart indicating processing steps performed by the MMA
  • Figure 3c is a flow chart indicating processing steps performed in an example menu modification algorithm
  • Figure 3d is a flow chart indicating processing steps performed in an example menu control algorithm
  • Figures 4a and 4b indicate the hierarchical format of modified menu lists generated by the MMA
  • FIGS. 5a to 5e are screen shots taken from a personal digital assistant (PDA) being operated in accordance with the menu modification and control algorithms; and
  • Figures 6a and 6b are photographs showing the cursor control part of, respectively, a personal digital assistant (PDA) and set top box (STB) remote control.
  • PDA personal digital assistant
  • STB set top box
  • a network arrangement comprising a plurality- of data processing devices connected to the Internet 2.
  • Said devices include a personal computer (PC) 4 and a digital television (DTV) receiver 6, hereafter referred to as a set top box (STB), both connected to the Internet 2 via a home hub 8.
  • a wireless access point 10 is provided to enable users having suitably-configured mobile devices, such as the personal digital assistant (PDA) 12 shown, to connect to the Internet 2 when in the vicinity of the access point.
  • PDA personal digital assistant
  • Such wireless access points 10 are becoming increasingly common in public areas, such as city centres and airports, and usually operate according to the WiFi or WiMAX protocols.
  • a management server 14 is connected to the Internet 2 and provides a range of data and communications services to subscribing users.
  • the PC 4, STB 6 and PDA 12 represent data processing modules operated by a single user, the PC and STB being operated in the user's home and the PDA as a mobile device enabling wireless communication when the user is within range of the wireless access point 10. All three modules 4, 6, 12 have individual applications stored thereon and may also be used to access common services. For example, connection to the management server 14 enables a number of common applications to be accessed, as will be described in detail below.
  • the management server 14 comprises an authentication application 16 that receives access requests from users via the Internet 2. Users subscribing to the management server 14 submit authentication credentials such as a user ID and password.
  • the authentication application 16 is arranged, in use, to receive and check the user's credentials. If the credentials are verified, the management server 14 provides secure access to the various services assigned to the user. Examples of such services include an address book 20 and a DTV electronic programme guide (EPG) 22.
  • EPG electronic programme guide
  • Each of the PC 4, STB 6 and PDA 12 has a respective client 4a, 6a, 12a stored thereon for accessing and receiving data from the management server 14. Each client 4a, 6a, 12a sends the above-mentioned credentials for verification by the management server 14.
  • the STB 6 and PDA 12 also have a respective menu modification application (MMA) 6b, 12b stored thereon for generating modified menus appropriate to their control capabilities.
  • MMA menu modification application
  • the STB 6 Whilst the PC 4 utilises a mouse or trackball device to directly position a pointer or cursor on menu items on a relatively large display, the STB 6 provides a remote control having four directional arrow buttons (up, down, left, right) to incrementally move a displayed cursor on the TV display and a select button to initiate selection of a highlighted option.
  • the PDA 12 comprises a miniature joystick having four-way directional controls with selection being initiated by pressing the joystick down. This can cause problems for the user if the STB 6 or PDA 12 is used to access an application with a menu system designed for mouse-type navigation.
  • selection of a particular name can be achieved in a straightforward manner on the PC 4 by moving the mouse pointer directly to the desired name and clicking the select button.
  • To perform the same task on the STB 6 or PDA 12 requires repeated pressing of the arrow buttons or the joystick until the desired name is highlighted. This can be a cumbersome and tedious process.
  • Figures 6a and 6b respectively show typical cursor control devices found on PDAs and STB remote controls.
  • Figure 6a shows a PDA joystick GtO, a signal being generated when the joystick is moved away from the central, neutral, position. The signal is encoded according to the actual direction of movement (up, down, left or right).
  • the STB remote control comprises four arrow buttons that, when pushed, cause a signal to be generated from which can be decoded the desired direction of cursor movement.
  • the MMA comprises two functional parts, namely a menu modification stage 32 and a control stage 34.
  • the operating steps of the MMA are indicated in Figure 3b.
  • the MMA 18 requests a menu from a particular application, for example the address book application 20.
  • the user can request generation of a modified menu if they feel the received menu is inappropriate to their device. If so, in a third step 3.3, a modification algorithm is applied to the menu members to generate a reduced set of members.
  • the modified menu is made available to the control stage 34 where a control algorithm is applied.
  • a fifth step 3.5 whilst user control signals are monitored, the modified menu is displayed.
  • a sixth step 3.6 represents the display of the unmodified menu if the user does not request modification. .
  • Figures 4 and 5 are useful for understanding the menu modification algorithm which is arranged, in use, to operate on menus comprising a list of values, for example the address book application 20.
  • the address book application 20 displays email and telephone number details for contacts associated with subscribing users.
  • the MMA 18 retrieves the list of contacts from the address book application 20.
  • the contact list is collapsed to generate a reduced set based on the first letter of each contact's surname. So, all contacts having a surname beginning with the letter 'A' are grouped together and stored as a first subset (or directory) with the heading A. The same applies to subsequent members of the list, i.e. surnames beginning with the letter 'B' and so on.
  • the result is a hierarchical list of contacts having a first level comprising the reduced list of members, and a subsequent second level comprising the full list of members.
  • two menus are provided, the overall hierarchy being indicated in Figure 4a.
  • the algorithm can also collapse the address book into further levels depending on the number of members associated with the first level. For example, if the first level comprises five or more members, an intermediate level can be created based on the second letter of the surname. This can be repeated until the first level of the hierarchy is assigned to four or less members.
  • the resulting hierarchy is indicated in Figure 4b.
  • control algorithm operates in response to control information at the accessing device, particularly by displaying different levels in the hierarchy.
  • control information can specify that the lowest level specifying the full list of names is initially displayed until a user command is generated indicating that menu reduction is required at the display device. In response to this command, the menu is collapsed to the upper level in the hierarchy.
  • the user of the PDA 12 is indeed initially presented with the lowest level of the menu, as indicated in Figure 5a.
  • This allows the user to search for names appearing towards the top of the full list of contacts, e.g. a contact having a surname beginning with the letter 'A' or 'B'.
  • Figure 5b Selection of a particular highlighted name can be achieved in the normal way by pressing the joystick in the centre position, in the case where the joystick is held in the same position, without returning to the neutral position, for a predetermined amount of time (e.g.
  • any list can be collapsed based on the first letter/number of their name.
  • a menu that presents a list of town names might be categorised according to location groups. So, the initial level presented may comprise all town names in alphabetical order.
  • the list collapses to a list of regions, e.g. counties, enabling the user to select a particular region before navigating town names falling within that selected region. In this case, the hierarchy will have to be established prior to user access.
  • a further example includes an EPG for the DTV platform 22 in which case a number of different menu hierarchies may be provided according to programme channel, genre, time of day and so on.
  • the MMA can be provided on a device that is remote from the accessing device, e.g. the management server 14.
  • the remote device will require means for discovering the control capabilities of the accessing device.
  • said discovery means might identify a 'modified menu' flag set at the accessing device, in response to which the MMA is invoked at the remote device and the resulting modified menu transmitted to the accessing device.
  • the menu control part of the MMA is preferably handled at the accessing device. There is no requirement for menu modification to be performed 'on the fly', whether at the accessing device or a networked device.
  • a mobile telephone having a modified menu stored on a memory thereof.
  • the modified menu is pre-generated and can be supplied to the mobile telephone memory using portable media, e.g. a CD-ROM or disk, or even downloaded over the Internet 2.
  • portable media e.g. a CD-ROM or disk, or even downloaded over the Internet 2.
  • the mobile telephone thereafter uses only the controller part 34 of the MMA to monitor control signals from the cursor control device to determine which menu level to display.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • User Interface Of Digital Computer (AREA)

Abstract

A processing device comprises software arranged to provide a modified menu for output to a display device associated with said processing device. The software provides a first menu comprising a plurality of values. Each one of said plurality of values is assigned to one of a plurality of directories, the values assigned to each directory having an identified relationship with each other. The directories provide a second menu. Control signals are received from a cursor control device associated with the processing device, the control signals indicating whether the cursor control device is in a neutral state or one of a plurality of directional states. A control function of the software causes the second menu to be displayed in place of the first menu in response to receiving a sequence of control signals indicative of the cursor control device being maintained in a directional state for a predetermined period of time.

Description

METHOD & SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING A MENU
This invention relates to a method and system for providing menus, particularly, though not exclusively, menus comprising a plurality of members, or items, arranged in a list. The invention also relates to a method of controlling a menu system.
The provision of converged services on communications networks is becoming more common. Such services are expected to operate over a variety of platforms and be accessible to a variety of devices. It is known, for example, for users to access their Microsoft Outlook Express™ email account from a variety of processing devices, such as their personal computer or mobile telephone. A disadvantage exists in that a menu provided by such an application may be designed with a particular control device in mind, e.g. a mouse, and so navigation of the same menu with a mobile phone can be difficult or time consuming.
.According to the invention, there is provided a method-of providing a menu for output to a display device associated with a processing system, the method comprising: (a) outputting to the display device a first menu comprising a plurality of values; (b) assigning each. value in the first menu to one of a plurality of categories wherein values within a particular category have an identified relationship with each other; (c) providing a second menu comprising the plurality of categories (d) receiving a control signal from a cursor control device associated with the processing system, the control signal indicating whether the cursor control device is in a neutral state or one of a plurality of directional states; and (e) arranging for the second menu to be displayed on the display device in response to receiving a sequence of control signals indicative of the cursor control device being maintained in a directional state for a predetermined period of time.
In this way, an alternative menu is presented which can be arranged so as to be more appropriate for cursor control and selection using a particular cursor control device, for example by displaying a reduced list of selectable values in order to allow faster selection using a joystick. Selection control using the control device can automatically pass from the first menu to the second menu when the second menu is displayed.
According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of providing a modified menu for output to a display device associated with a processing system, the method comprising: (a) receiving a first menu comprising a plurality of values; (b) assigning said plurality of values to a plurality of directories, the values assigned to each directory having an identified relationship with each other; (c) providing a second menu comprising the plurality of directories; (d) receiving a control signal from a cursor control device associated with the processing system, the control signal indicating whether the cursor control device is in a neutral state or one of a plurality of directional states; and (e) arranging for the second menu to be displayed on the display device in response to receiving a sequence of control signals indicative of the cursor control device being maintained in a directional state for a predetermined period of time.
The second menu may be displayed in place of the first on the display device so that the second menu is at least shown more prominently.
Preferably, the method further comprises (f) associating a cursor with a first directory, and, (g) whilst the cursor control device is maintained in said directional state, periodically changing said association to a different directory. The directories forming the second menu can be arranged in an ordered list, step (g) further comprising periodically changing said association to the next directory in the ordered list in dependence on the directional state being maintained. The method can further comprise (h) arranging for the first menu to be displayed in place of the second menu in response to receiving a control signal indicative of the cursor control device being returned to the neutral state. Step (h) can further comprises arranging for at least some of the values assigned to the directory with which the cursor is associated to be displayed as a list on the display device.
According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a menu formatting system comprising processing means arranged to receive a first menu comprising a plurality of values, to assign said plurality of values to a plurality of directories, the values in each directory having an identified relationship with each other, and to provide a second menu comprising the plurality of directories; control means arranged to receive a control signal from a cursor control device associated with the processing system, the control signal indicating whether the cursor control device is in a neutral state or one of a plurality of directional states, and to display the second menu in place of the first menu on the display device in response to receiving a sequence of control signals indicative of the cursor control device being maintained in a directional state for a predetermined period of time. According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of creating a modified menu for output to a display device associated with a processing system, the method comprising: (a) providing a first menu comprising a plurality of values; (b) assigning said plurality of values to a plurality of directories, the values assigned to each directory having an identified relationship with each other; (c) generating a second menu comprising the plurality of directories; (d) generating control instructions responsive to a control signal from a cursor control device associated with the processing system, the control signal indicating whether the cursor control device is in a neutral state or one of a plurality of directional states.
According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided a processing system comprising: a display; storage means storing a first menu comprising a plurality of values and a second menu comprising a plurality of directories, the values from the first menu being assigned to one of the directories; a cursor control device comprising a plurality of directional buttons and arranged to generate control instructions respectively indicative of a neutral, non-directional, condition and actuation of each directional button; and a controller for receiving control instructions from the cursor control device and for outputting to the display the second menu in place of the first menu in response to receiving a sequence of control instructions indicative of the cursor control device being maintained in a directional state for a predetermined period of time.
According to a sixth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of providing a modified menu for output to a display device associated with a processing system, the method comprising: (a) outputting to the display device a first menu comprising a plurality of values; (b) assigning each value in the first menu to one of a plurality of categories wherein values within a particular category have an identified relationship with each other; (c) receiving a control signal from a cursor control device associated with the processing system, the control signal indicating whether the cursor control device is in a neutral state or one of a plurality of directional states; and (d) arranging for the second menu to be displayed on the display device in response to receiving a sequence of control signals indicative of the cursor control device being maintained in a directional state for a predetermined period of time.
The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a diagram of a network arrangement comprising a plurality of processing devices connected to a server via the Internet;
Figure 2 is a more detailed diagram of the network arrangement shown in Figure 1 ;
Figure 3a is a block diagram showing the main stages in a menu modification application (MMA) provided on two of the processing devices.
Figure 3b is a flow chart indicating processing steps performed by the MMA;
Figure 3c is a flow chart indicating processing steps performed in an example menu modification algorithm;
Figure 3d is a flow chart indicating processing steps performed in an example menu control algorithm;
Figures 4a and 4b indicate the hierarchical format of modified menu lists generated by the MMA;
Figures 5a to 5e are screen shots taken from a personal digital assistant (PDA) being operated in accordance with the menu modification and control algorithms; and
Figures 6a and 6b are photographs showing the cursor control part of, respectively, a personal digital assistant (PDA) and set top box (STB) remote control.
Referring to Figure 1, there is shown a network arrangement comprising a plurality- of data processing devices connected to the Internet 2. Said devices include a personal computer (PC) 4 and a digital television (DTV) receiver 6, hereafter referred to as a set top box (STB), both connected to the Internet 2 via a home hub 8. A wireless access point 10 is provided to enable users having suitably-configured mobile devices, such as the personal digital assistant (PDA) 12 shown, to connect to the Internet 2 when in the vicinity of the access point. Such wireless access points 10 are becoming increasingly common in public areas, such as city centres and airports, and usually operate according to the WiFi or WiMAX protocols. In addition, a management server 14 is connected to the Internet 2 and provides a range of data and communications services to subscribing users.
In this embodiment, the PC 4, STB 6 and PDA 12 represent data processing modules operated by a single user, the PC and STB being operated in the user's home and the PDA as a mobile device enabling wireless communication when the user is within range of the wireless access point 10. All three modules 4, 6, 12 have individual applications stored thereon and may also be used to access common services. For example, connection to the management server 14 enables a number of common applications to be accessed, as will be described in detail below.
Referring to Figure 2, the management server 14 comprises an authentication application 16 that receives access requests from users via the Internet 2. Users subscribing to the management server 14 submit authentication credentials such as a user ID and password. The authentication application 16 is arranged, in use, to receive and check the user's credentials. If the credentials are verified, the management server 14 provides secure access to the various services assigned to the user. Examples of such services include an address book 20 and a DTV electronic programme guide (EPG) 22.
Each of the PC 4, STB 6 and PDA 12 has a respective client 4a, 6a, 12a stored thereon for accessing and receiving data from the management server 14. Each client 4a, 6a, 12a sends the above-mentioned credentials for verification by the management server 14. The STB 6 and PDA 12 also have a respective menu modification application (MMA) 6b, 12b stored thereon for generating modified menus appropriate to their control capabilities. In this respect, it will be appreciated that the control capabilities of the STB 6 and PDA 12 will be limited in comparison with the PC 4, particularly in terms of navigating menu items on a display. Whilst the PC 4 utilises a mouse or trackball device to directly position a pointer or cursor on menu items on a relatively large display, the STB 6 provides a remote control having four directional arrow buttons (up, down, left, right) to incrementally move a displayed cursor on the TV display and a select button to initiate selection of a highlighted option. Similarly, the PDA 12 comprises a miniature joystick having four-way directional controls with selection being initiated by pressing the joystick down. This can cause problems for the user if the STB 6 or PDA 12 is used to access an application with a menu system designed for mouse-type navigation. For example, if an application provides a long list of names, selection of a particular name can be achieved in a straightforward manner on the PC 4 by moving the mouse pointer directly to the desired name and clicking the select button. To perform the same task on the STB 6 or PDA 12 requires repeated pressing of the arrow buttons or the joystick until the desired name is highlighted. This can be a cumbersome and tedious process.
Figures 6a and 6b respectively show typical cursor control devices found on PDAs and STB remote controls. Figure 6a shows a PDA joystick GtO, a signal being generated when the joystick is moved away from the central, neutral, position. The signal is encoded according to the actual direction of movement (up, down, left or right). The STB remote control comprises four arrow buttons that, when pushed, cause a signal to be generated from which can be decoded the desired direction of cursor movement.
Referring to Figure 3a, the MMA comprises two functional parts, namely a menu modification stage 32 and a control stage 34. The operating steps of the MMA are indicated in Figure 3b. In an initial step 3.1 , the MMA 18 requests a menu from a particular application, for example the address book application 20. In the next step 3.2, the user can request generation of a modified menu if they feel the received menu is inappropriate to their device. If so, in a third step 3.3, a modification algorithm is applied to the menu members to generate a reduced set of members. In a fourth step 3.4, the modified menu is made available to the control stage 34 where a control algorithm is applied. In a fifth step 3.5, whilst user control signals are monitored, the modified menu is displayed. A sixth step 3.6 represents the display of the unmodified menu if the user does not request modification. .
Figures 4 and 5 are useful for understanding the menu modification algorithm which is arranged, in use, to operate on menus comprising a list of values, for example the address book application 20. The address book application 20 displays email and telephone number details for contacts associated with subscribing users. In a first step, the MMA 18 retrieves the list of contacts from the address book application 20. In a second step, the contact list is collapsed to generate a reduced set based on the first letter of each contact's surname. So, all contacts having a surname beginning with the letter 'A' are grouped together and stored as a first subset (or directory) with the heading A. The same applies to subsequent members of the list, i.e. surnames beginning with the letter 'B' and so on. The result is a hierarchical list of contacts having a first level comprising the reduced list of members, and a subsequent second level comprising the full list of members. Effectively, two menus are provided, the overall hierarchy being indicated in Figure 4a. The algorithm can also collapse the address book into further levels depending on the number of members associated with the first level. For example, if the first level comprises five or more members, an intermediate level can be created based on the second letter of the surname. This can be repeated until the first level of the hierarchy is assigned to four or less members. The resulting hierarchy is indicated in Figure 4b.
The main steps of the menu modification algorithm are indicated by reference numerals 3.3.1 to 3.3.6 in Figure 3c.
Once the address book hierarchy is established, a control algorithm operates in response to control information at the accessing device, particularly by displaying different levels in the hierarchy. For example, the control information can specify that the lowest level specifying the full list of names is initially displayed until a user command is generated indicating that menu reduction is required at the display device. In response to this command, the menu is collapsed to the upper level in the hierarchy.
In the preferred case, the user of the PDA 12 is indeed initially presented with the lowest level of the menu, as indicated in Figure 5a. This allows the user to search for names appearing towards the top of the full list of contacts, e.g. a contact having a surname beginning with the letter 'A' or 'B'. Repeated jogging of the PDA joystick from the central position to a particular directional position, e.g. down, results in the cursor moving in the corresponding direction on the display. This is shown in Figure 5b. Selection of a particular highlighted name can be achieved in the normal way by pressing the joystick in the centre position, in the case where the joystick is held in the same position, without returning to the neutral position, for a predetermined amount of time (e.g. 3 seconds) the list corresponding to the next highest level in the hierarchy is presented. As indicated in Figure 5c, this means that the full list of contact names disappears (or made less prominent, e.g. by partially fading into the background) and, in its place, the next highest level in the list is displayed showing letters of the alphabet corresponding to the first letters of each surname. The user is therefore presented with a reduced list that is more manageable to navigate. Upon display of the new menu, selection control passes to it from the previous menu in order that values from the reduced list can be navigated and selected. As indicated in Figure 5d, so long as the joystick is maintained in the same direction, the cursor continues to scroll downwards over the list of letters. However, if the joystick returns to the neutral position, the lower level menu is again presented, although, this time, displaying a section of the list associated with the letter that was last highlighted in the higher level menu. Selection control now returns to the lower menu. As shown in Figure 5e, since the joystick returned to the neutral position when the cursor was at letter 'D' then members of the lowest level menu beginning with the letter D are initially displayed.
The above-described steps represent an algorithm that can be performed automatically since it requires no understanding of the nature of members in the list. Any list can be collapsed based on the first letter/number of their name. In some circumstances, it may be preferable to structure the menu hierarchy using other relationships. For example, a menu that presents a list of town names might be categorised according to location groups. So, the initial level presented may comprise all town names in alphabetical order. However, if the joystick is held in the same position for the predetermined amount of time, the list collapses to a list of regions, e.g. counties, enabling the user to select a particular region before navigating town names falling within that selected region. In this case, the hierarchy will have to be established prior to user access. A further example includes an EPG for the DTV platform 22 in which case a number of different menu hierarchies may be provided according to programme channel, genre, time of day and so on.
The main steps of the control algorithm are indicated as reference numerals 3.4.1 to 3.4.9 in Figure 3d.
In a second embodiment, the MMA can be provided on a device that is remote from the accessing device, e.g. the management server 14. In this case, the remote device will require means for discovering the control capabilities of the accessing device. For example, said discovery means might identify a 'modified menu' flag set at the accessing device, in response to which the MMA is invoked at the remote device and the resulting modified menu transmitted to the accessing device. The menu control part of the MMA is preferably handled at the accessing device. There is no requirement for menu modification to be performed 'on the fly', whether at the accessing device or a networked device. In a third embodiment, there is provided a mobile telephone having a modified menu stored on a memory thereof. The modified menu is pre-generated and can be supplied to the mobile telephone memory using portable media, e.g. a CD-ROM or disk, or even downloaded over the Internet 2. The mobile telephone thereafter uses only the controller part 34 of the MMA to monitor control signals from the cursor control device to determine which menu level to display.

Claims

1. A method of providing a menu for output to a display device associated with a processing system, the method comprising: (a) outputting to the display device a first menu comprising a plurality of values;
(b) assigning each value in the first menu to one of a plurality of categories wherein values within a particular category have an identified relationship with each other;
(c) providing a second menu comprising the plurality of categories; (d) receiving a control signal from a cursor control device associated with the processing system, the control signal indicating whether the cursor control device is in a neutral state or one of a plurality of directional states; and
(e) arranging for the second menu to be displayed on the display device in response to receiving a sequence of control signals indicative of the cursor control device being maintained in a directional state for a predetermined period of time.
2. A method of providing a modified menu for output to a display device associated with a processing system, the method comprising:
(a) providing a first menu comprising a plurality of values; . (b) assigning said plurality of values to a plurality of directories, the values assigned to each directory having an identified relationship with each other;
(c) providing a second menu comprising the plurality of directories;
(d) receiving a control signal from a cursor control device associated with the processing system, the control signal indicating whether the cursor control device is in a neutral state or one of a plurality of directional states; and
(e) arranging for the second menu to be displayed on the display device in response to receiving a sequence of control signals indicative of the cursor control device being maintained in a directional state for a predetermined period of time.
3. A method according to claim 2, the method further comprising (f) associating a cursor with a first directory, and, (g) whilst the cursor control device is maintained in said directional state, periodically changing said association to a different directory.
4. A method according to claim 3, wherein the directories forming the second menu are arranged in an ordered list, step (g) further comprising periodically changing said association to the next directory in the ordered list in dependence on the directional state being maintained.
5. A method according to claim 3 or claim 4, further comprising (h) arranging for the first menu to be displayed in place of the second menu in response to receiving a control signal indicative of the cursor control device being returned to the neutral state.
6. A method according to claim 5, wherein step (h) further comprises arranging for at least some of the values assigned to the directory with which the cursor is associated to be displayed as a list on the display device.
7. A method of controlling a menu system for output to a display device associated with a processing system, the method comprising:
(a) providing a first menu comprising a plurality of values, each value being assigning to one of a plurality of directories, the values assigned to each directory having an identified relationship with each other;
(b) providing a second menu comprising the plurality of directories;
(c) receiving a control signal from a cursor control device associated with the processing system, the control signal indicating whether the cursor control device is in a neutral state or one of a plurality of directional states; and
(d) arranging for the second menu to be displayed in place of the first menu on the display device in response to receiving a sequence of control signals indicative of the cursor control device being maintained in a directional state for a predetermined period of time.
8. A computer program stored on a computer-readable medium and comprising instructions arranged to cause a computer processor to perform the steps according to any preceding claim.
9. A menu formatting system comprising processing means arranged to receive a first menu comprising a plurality of values, to assign said plurality of values to a plurality of directories, the values in each directory having an identified relationship with each other, and to provide a second menu comprising the plurality of directories; control means arranged to receive a control signal from a cursor control device associated with the processing system, the control signal indicating whether the cursor control device is in a neutral state or one of a plurality of directional states, and to display the second menu in place of the first menu on the display device in response to receiving a sequence of control signals indicative of the cursor control device being maintained in a directional state for a predetermined period of time.
10. A system according to claim 9, wherein the control means is arranged to associate a cursor with a first directory of the second menu, and, whilst the cursor control device is maintained in said directional state, to periodically change said association to a different directory.
11. A system according to claim 9, wherein the directories forming the second menu are arranged in an ordered list, the control means being arranged further to periodically change said association to the next directory in the ordered list in dependence on the directional state being maintained.
12. A system according to claim 10 or claim 11 , wherein the control means is arranged to display the first menu in place of the second menu in response to receiving a control signal indicative of the cursor control device being returned to the neutral state.
13. A system according to claim 12, wherein the control means is arranged such that the values assigned to the directory with which the cursor is associated are displayed as a list on the display device.
14. A method of creating a modified menu for output to a display device associated with a processing system, the method comprising:
(a) providing a first menu comprising a plurality of values;
(b) assigning said plurality of values to a plurality of directories, the values assigned to each directory having an identified relationship with each other;
(c) generating a second menu comprising the plurality of directories;
(d) generating control instructions responsive to a control signal from a cursor control device associated with the processing system, the control signal indicating whether the cursor control device is in a neutral state or one of a plurality of directional states.
15. A processing system comprising: a display, storage means storing a first menu comprising a plurality of values and a second menu comprising a plurality of directories, the values from the first menu being assigned to one of the directories; a cursor control device comprising a plurality of directional buttons and arranged to generate control instructions respectively indicative of a neutral, non- directional, condition and actuation of each directional button; and a controller for receiving control instructions from the cursor control device and for outputting to the display the second menu in place of the first menu in response to receiving a sequence of control instructions indicative of the cursor control device being maintained in a directional state for a predetermined period of time.
PCT/GB2007/000644 2006-03-20 2007-02-23 Method & system for providing a menu WO2007107694A1 (en)

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DE19964158A1 (en) * 1998-12-22 2000-09-28 Motorola Inc Radiotelephone with extended graphical user interface (GUI) with display and interconnected control
DE10305168A1 (en) * 2003-01-31 2004-08-26 Volkswagen Ag User interface for operating a mobile telephone in motor vehicles, has a user input device next to a steering wheel, a driver's console or a steering column assembly

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DE19743283C1 (en) * 1997-09-30 1999-02-04 Siemens Ag Multi-functional operation unit for communications terminal
DE19964158A1 (en) * 1998-12-22 2000-09-28 Motorola Inc Radiotelephone with extended graphical user interface (GUI) with display and interconnected control
DE10305168A1 (en) * 2003-01-31 2004-08-26 Volkswagen Ag User interface for operating a mobile telephone in motor vehicles, has a user input device next to a steering wheel, a driver's console or a steering column assembly

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CN110708416A (en) * 2018-07-10 2020-01-17 珠海市魅族科技有限公司 Contact information processing method and contact information processing system

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