WO2023244147A1

WO2023244147A1 - Menu system

Info

Publication number: WO2023244147A1
Application number: PCT/SE2022/050594
Authority: WO
Inventors: Shenzhi LI
Original assignee: Li Shenzhi
Priority date: 2022-06-16
Filing date: 2022-06-16
Publication date: 2023-12-21

Abstract

The invention concerns a computing device as well as a method, computer program and computer program product for allowing a user to navigate in a menu system. The method is carried out in a computing device and comprises accessing a menu system (23) comprising selectable elements organized in groups comprising a first group (28) of selectable elements and a second group (30) of selectable elements, displaying a first two-dimensional matrix (56) with the first group (28) and displaying a second two-dimensional matrix with the second group (30) based on the user selecting at least one corresponding selectable element in the first group (28), wherein at least the first matrix is a 3x3 matrix.

Description

MENU SYSTEM

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a computing device as well as to a method, computer program and computer program product for allowing a user to navigate in a menu system.

BACKGROUND

Menu systems, such as hierarchically structured menu systems, that are used for navigation between selectable elements, e.g. in applications in so-called smart phones, can be burdensome for a user to navigate through if the menu system has a large number of selectable elements. A user will in many cases have to make a number of element selections before reaching a desired element.

It is therefore of interest to obtain a menu system that can be navigated fast even when the number of possible selectable elements in the system is high.

Aspects of the invention address this.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One object of the invention is therefore to provide a hierarchically structured menu system that can be navigated rapidly by a user while at the same time allowing a high number of selectable elements in the structure.

This object is according to a first aspect achieved by a computing device comprising a processor acting on computer instructions whereby the computing device is configured to: access a menu system for a user, the menu system comprising selectable elements organized in groups comprising a first group of selectable elements and a second group of selectable elements, display a first two-dimensional matrix with the first group of selectable elements, and display a second two-dimensional matrix with the second group of selectable elements based on the user selecting at least one selectable element in the first group of elements, wherein the first matrix is a 3x3 matrix. The object is according to a second aspect achieved through a method for allowing a user to navigate in a menu system, the method being carried out in a computing device and comprising:

- accessing a menu system comprising selectable elements organized in groups comprising a first group of selectable elements and a second group of selectable elements,

- displaying a first two-dimensional matrix with the first group of selectable elements, and displaying a second two-dimensional matrix with the second group of selectable elements based on the user selecting at least one selectable element in the first group of elements, wherein the first matrix is a 3x3 matrix.

The object is according to a third aspect further achieved through a computer program for allowing a user to navigate in a menu system, the computer program comprising computer program code which when run in a processor of a computing device, causes the computing device to: access a menu system for a user, the menu system comprising selectable elements organized in groups comprising a first group of selectable elements and a second group of selectable elements, display a first two-dimensional matrix with the first group of selectable elements, and display a second two-dimensional matrix with the second group of selectable elements based on the user selecting at least one selectable element in the first group of elements wherein the first matrix is a 3x3 matrix.

The object is according to a fourth aspect further achieved through a computer program product for allowing a user to navigate in a menu system, the computer program product comprising a data carrier with computer program code according to the third aspect.

The groups maybe provided in a hierarchical structure comprising a number of levels, where a first level comprises the first group of selectable elements and the second level comprises a number of groups of selectable elements comprising the second group of selectable elements. The second level of the hierarchical structure may additionally comprise nine groups of selectable elements.

Each element in the first group maybe linked to a corresponding group of elements at the second level of the hierarchical structure. There may thus be a one-to-one correspondence between elements in the first group at the first level and the groups of elements at the second level. In this case the display of the second two-dimensional matrix with the second group of selectable elements may be based on the user selecting a corresponding first selectable element in the first group of elements.

Alternatively, a simultaneous selection of a combination of elements in the first group, such as the simultaneous selection of two elements in the first group like the first and another selectable element, may lead to the display of the second matrix. Each selectable element combination may be linked to a corresponding group at the second level. There may thus be a one-to-one correspondence between selectable element combinations in the first group at the first level and the groups of elements at the second level.

The displaying of a second two-dimensional matrix with a second group of selectable elements may thus be based on the user simultaneously selecting a combination of selectable elements, such as the combination of two elements. Two of the simultaneously selected elements of the combination may be separated from each other by one other element in the first matrix. As an alternative it is possible that one of the selected elements of the combination is a central element of the first matrix.

The second two-dimensional matrix may be of the same type as the first two-dimensional matrix. In fact, all matrices used in the display of the groups of elements, such as on the first and second level of the hierarchical structure, may be of the same type as the first two- dimensional matrix. It is even possible that all matrices used in the display of all groups of elements in the whole menu system maybe of the same type as the first two-dimensional matrix, where the same type may indicate that the number of rows are the same as the number of rows of the first matrix and the number of columns are the G as the number of columns of the first matrix.

In one variation of the first aspect, the computing device is further configured to detect a selection made by the user of the at least one element of the first group of selectable elements, such as the selection of a single element or the simultaneous selection of a combination of selectable elements, such as the combination of two elements.

In a corresponding variation of the second aspect, the method further comprises detecting the selection made by the user of the at least one element of the first group of selectable elements, such as the selection of a single element or the simultaneous selection of a combination of selectable elements, such as the combination of two elements. The first group of selectable elements may form an entry point into the menu system.

In the case of a hierarchically structured menu system, the first level may be an entry level, where the user enters the menu system. The last level may be an exit level where the user exits the menu system. It is additionally possible that exit points exist from other selectable elements in other levels between the first and the last level.

A level of the hierarchical structure below the first level may comprise a third group of selectable elements reached via a selectable element in a group of elements at a previous level of the hierarchical structure.

According to another variation of the first aspect, the computing device is in this case further configured to display a third two-dimensional matrix with the third group of selectable elements, and set up a communication session via a communication network based on the user selecting at least one selectable element in the third group of selectable elements, where the communication session is set up to a counterpart corresponding to the at least one selectable element in the third group.

According to a corresponding variation of the second aspect, the method further comprises displaying a third two-dimensional matrix with the third group of selectable elements and setting up, based on the user selecting at least one selectable element in the third group of selectable elements, a communication session via a communication network, where the communication session is set up to a counterpart corresponding to the at least one selectable element in the third group.

The counterpart maybe a person or entity, such as an organization or a company, a user of the computing device desires to contact. As an alternative the counterpart may be a communication terminal of such a person or entity, such as cellular phone of a person or a private branch exchange of a company. The counterpart may also be a computer, such as a server, providing web site of such a person or entity that is reached via a link. The web site may additionally provide data files, such as text and/or media files, to the user.

According to yet another variation of the first aspect, the computing device is further configured to detect the selecting by the user of the at least one selectable element in the third group of selectable elements. According to a corresponding variation of the second aspect, the method further comprises detecting the selecting by the user of the at least one selectable element in the third group of selectable elements.

The third group of selectable elements maybe provided at a last level of the hierarchical structure of selectable elements.

The menu system maybe provided in or for an application in the computing device.

The menu system may additionally be used by a menu navigating function or a menu navigating unit of the computing device implementing the menu navigating function.

When accessing the menu system, the menu navigating function or menu navigating unit may access the menu system locally in the computing device. Alternatively, the menu navigating function or menu navigating unit may access the menu system at an external server.

Moreover, according to some variations of the first aspect, the computing device may additionally be configured to fetch the first group of selectable elements from the menu system in order to display the first two-dimensional matrix and to fetch the second group of selectable elements of the second level from the menu system in order to display the second two-dimensional matrix.

According to corresponding variations of the second aspect, the method may additionally comprise fetching the first group of selectable elements from the menu system in order to display the first two-dimensional matrix and fetching the second group of selectable elements of the second level from the menu system in order to display the second two-dimensional matrix.

It is additionally possible that the menu system is a part of the menu navigating function or menu navigating unit, in which case the menu navigating function or menu navigating unit may be configured to provide the menu system, and the method may comprise the step of providing the menu system instead of accessing the menu system. It is furthermore possible that the first level of the menu system comprises more than one group of selectable elements, where each element of each group is linked to a corresponding group of elements at the second level.

In this case, the computing device may be further configured to display a matrix for each group of selectable elements at the first level when displaying the first matrix. In this case the method may further comprise displaying a matrix for each group of selectable elements at the first level when displaying the first matrix.

The number of levels in the menu system may be equal to or higher than two. It is also possible that the number of levels in the menu system is equal to or higher than three.

The computing device may additionally be configured to display at least the first two- dimensional matrix as a side of a polyhedron, such as a cube, and the method may additionally comprise displaying at least the first two-dimensional matrix as a side of a polyhedron, such as a cube.

It is also possible that the second matrix is provided as another side of the polyhedron.

If a cube is used, it may be a three-dimensional cube. The cube may as an alternative be a hypercube, such as a four-dimensional hypercube.

The invention according to the above-mentioned aspects has a number of advantages. It provides a hierarchically structured menu system that can be navigated rapidly by a user while at the same time allowing a high number of selectable elements in the structure, which improves the user friendliness of the menu system. The menu system is also well-suited for providing holistic navigation. It is also easy to implement in a computing device. It can be provided by only using software.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described in more detail in relation to the enclosed drawings, in which:

Fig. i schematically shows a front view of a computing device equipped with a display, Fig. 2 schematically shows various units included in a first realization of the computing device, Fig. 3 schematically shows various units included in a second realization of the computing device,

Fig. 4 schematically shows the computing device communicating with a communication network, to which communication network a data centre server and a counterpart for communication with the computing device are also connected,

Fig. 5 schematically shows a menu system comprising groups of selectable elements in a hierarchical structure,

Fig. 6 schematically shows a first matrix with a first group of selectable elements of the menu system comprising a first selected element,

Fig. 7 schematically shows a second matrix with a second group of selectable elements of the menu system,

Fig. 8 schematically shows a third matrix with a third group of selectable elements of the menu system comprising a third selected element,

Fig. 9 shows a flow chart of a first number of method steps in a method for allowing a user to navigate in the menu system,

Fig. io shows a flow chart of a second number of method steps in the method for allowing a user to navigate in the menu system,

Fig. n schematically shows the first matrix with the first group of selectable elements of the menu system and where a combination comprising the first and a ninth element has been selected,

Fig. 12 schematically shows the front view of the computing device with the first and second matrices appearing simultaneously on the display,

Fig. 13 schematically shows the front view of the computing device where a number of matrices of a first layer of the menu system are displayed as sides of a three-dimensional cube,

Fig. 14 schematically shows an alternative cube in the form of a four-dimensional hypercube, and

Fig. 15 shows a computer program product in the form of a CD ROM disc with a computer program for allowing a user to navigate in the menu system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the following description, for purposes of explanation and not limitation, specific details are set forth such as particular architectures, interfaces, techniques, etc. in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention maybe practiced in other embodiments that depart from these specific details. In other instances, detailed descriptions of well-known devices, circuits and methods are omitted so as not to obscure the description of the invention with unnecessary details.

The invention is generally directed towards a navigable menu system for a user of a computing device.

In the following, a detailed description of preferred embodiments of a computing device as well as a method, computer program and computer program product for allowing a user to navigate in a menu system will be given.

Fig. 1 schematically shows a front view of one variation of a computing device CD to. In this example the computing device to is a mobile or cellular terminal, here in the form of a smart phone. However, it should be understood that the computing device can be realized as other types of computing devices such as tablets, pads and laptop or desktop computers.

The computing device to comprises a display D 12 The display 12 is a type of user interface. In some variations it is a touch screen via which data can be presented for the user of the computing device 10 as well as via which data can be entered by the user, such as selections of various features in applications or as selections of elements in a menu structure. It should be realized that in other variations the display 12 may only be a display and the inputs provided through a keypad or a keyboard, a trackball, a joystick or some other buttons. On the display of Fig. 1, an icon 14 of an application A is also shown. In this example the application A is an application downloaded and installed from a data carrier in the form of a server, for instance provided through services such as App Store™ or Google Play™. Such an application is often merely referred to as an App. However, it should be realized that the application A may be installed in other ways such as from a data carrier like a CD ROM disc or a memory stick. The application A may also be provided in the computing device by the manufacturer, such as a part of the Operating System.

Fig. 2 shows a block schematic of various units in the interior of a first realization of the computing device 10. The computing device 10 comprises the display 12, a processor PR 16, a radio circuit RC 21 as well as a memory M 18 comprising computer instructions 19 for implementing a menu system and computer instructions 20 for implementing a menu navigating function. The radio circuit 21 may employ an antenna (not shown) for communicating with a communication counterpart via a wireless communication network, such as a cellular network. It should here be realized that the radio circuit 21 is optional. Instead, the communication may be carried out via a stationary computer network such as a Local Area Network (LAN), which can be connected to the Internet. It is additionally possible that no communication is carried out.

In the memory 18 there may thereby be provided software code or computer instructions 19 which when being run by the processor 16 implement a menu system. In the memory 18 there may thereby also be provided software code or computer instructions 20 which when being run by the processor 16 implement a menu navigating function. The menu navigating function may be a part of the application A. Therefore, the memory 18 also typically comprises code for implementing the application A and the code implementing the menu navigating function may be a part of this code implementing the application A. Alternatively the code 20 implementing the menu navigating function maybe a separate code. The menu navigating function may therefore be provided in or for the application A. Also, the code 19 implementing the menu system may be provided as a part of the application. The code 20 implementing the menu navigating function could also be code that is a part of code used to implement an Operating System (OS) of the computing device 10. Naturally also the code 19 implementing the menu system maybe provided as a part of the OS.

The menu navigating function lets a user navigate through the menu system. As can be seen above, the menu system may be provided through separate code 19 in the memory 18. Alternatively, the menu system may be stored on an external server, such as a server in a data centre, and the menu navigating function accesses the menu system on this server. The menu system may as yet another alternative be provided as a part of the menu navigating function and may thus be included in the code used to implement the menu navigating function.

The processor 16 together with the computer instructions 20 implementing the menu navigating function, may additionally be considered to form a menu navigating unit that carries out the menu navigating function in the menu system.

Fig. 3 shows a block schematic of various units in the interior of a second realization of the computing device 10, where there is such a menu navigating unit 22 and a menu system 23 instead of the processor and memory with code 19 and 20 compared with Fig. 2. It is possible that the memory navigating unit 22 is realized in an integrated circuit, such as a digital signal processor (DSP), Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) or Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA). As can be seen above, it is also possible that the menu system is part of such a circuit. Fig. 4 schematically shows the computing device to communicating with a base station of a communication network CN 24, here in the example of a cellular network. Also, a server S 26 of a data centre DC 25 as well as a counterpart CP 27 are connected to the communication network 24. The counterpart 27 is a counterpart to the computing device 10 in a communication session in which the communication device 10 may be involved. The counterpart may be a person or entity, such as an organization or company, a user of the computing device desires to contact. As an alternative the counterpart may be a communication terminal of such a person or entity, such as cellular phone of a person or a private branch exchange of a company. The counterpart may also be a server providing a web site of such a person or entity that is reached via a link. The web site may provide data files, such as text and/or media files, to the user. The counterpart 27 may thereby cooperate with the computing device 10. Also, the server 26 may cooperate with the computing device 10. This cooperation will be described later.

Fig. 5 schematically shows a hierarchical structure that can be used in the menu system MS 23. The exemplifying menu system 23 comprises selectable elements organized in a hierarchical structure comprising a number of levels. The menu system 23 may thus be hierarchical and may therefore comprise a number n of hierarchical levels, exemplified by a first level Li, a second level L2 and an nth level Ln. The first level Li, which is an entry level where a user enters the menu system, comprises at least one group of selectable elements and in this example there is only a first group Gi 28 of selectable elements on the first level Li. There are also a number of groups of elements on the second level L2. Furthermore, in this variation each element in the first group 28 at the first level Li is linked to a corresponding group of elements at the second level L2 of the hierarchical structure. As an example a first element in the first group 28 on the first level Li is linked to a second group G2b 30 on the second level L2, a second element in the first group 28 on the first level Li is linked to a first group G2a 29 on the second level L2, a third element in the first group 28 on the first level Li is linked to a third group G2c 32 on the second level L2, a fourth element in the first group 28 on the first level Li is linked to a fourth group G2d 34 on the second level L2, a fifth element in the first group 28 on the first level Li is linked to a fifth group G2e 36 on the second level L2, a sixth element in the first group 28 on the first level Li is linked to a sixth group G2f 38 on the second level L2, a seventh element in the first group 28 on the first level Li is linked to a seventh group G2g 40 on the second level L2, an eighth element in the first group 28 on the first level Li is linked to an eighth group G2h 42 on the second level L2 and a ninth element in the first group 28 on the first level Li is linked to a ninth group G2i 44 on the second level L2. Each element on the second level L2 may in a similar manner be linked to a corresponding group of elements on a third level of the hierarchical structure. Such links are shown for the fifth group of elements 36 on the second level L2. These links each lead to a corresponding group of elements on the third level (not shown). On the third level each element of a group may in a similar manner be linked to a group of elements on a fourth level. In this way the structure is provided until a last nth level is reached. As an example there is shown a first group of elements Gna 46 on the last level Ln, a second group of elements Gnb 48 on the last level Ln, a third group of elements Gnc 50 on the last level Ln, a fourth group of elements Gnd 52 on the last level Ln and a fifth group of elements Gne 54 on the last level Ln. It thereby can be seen that the third group of selectable elements 50 is provided on a level below the first level Li and in this case on the last level Ln. Each of these groups on the last level Ln is linked to an element in a group of elements on the previous level L(n-i), which is also a next to last level. It should here be realised that the next to last level L(n-i) may comprise further groups of elements comprising elements that are linked to corresponding groups of elements on the last level L. Finally, it should be mentioned that the number of levels n can vary, where n > 2 or n > 3.

It can thereby also be seen that a level of the hierarchical structure below the first level, which in this case is the last level Ln, may comprise a third group 50 of selectable elements reached via a selectable element in a group of elements at a previous level of the hierarchical structure.

As mentioned earlier, the menu system 23 may be provided in the computing device 10 and associated with the menu navigating unit 22 or menu navigating function. The menu navigating function or menu navigating unit 22 may thereby access the menu system 23 locally in the computing device. However, it is also possible that the menu system 23 is stored on the server 26 of the data centre 25, which server 26 the menu navigating unit 22 or menu navigating function accesses via the communication network 24. The menu system 23 may thus be provided through “the cloud” and cloud computing.

Fig. 6 shows a first two-dimensional matrix Ml 56 with the first group of elements Gi 28 from the first level Li of the hierarchical structure, which matrix is to be displayed by the display 12 of the computing device 10. As can be seen the first group 28 comprises a first element G1E1, a second element G1E2, a third element G1E3, a fourth element G1E4, a fifth element G1E5, a sixth element G1E6, a seventh element G1E7, an eighth element G1E8 and a ninth element G1E9, where each element is, as previously described, linked to a corresponding group of elements on the second level L2. The fifth element G1E5 is here a central element in that it is placed in the middle of the first matrix 56. As mentioned earlier the first element G1E1 may be linked to the second group 30 on the second level L2, the second element G1E2 may be linked to the first group 29 on the second level L2, the third element G1E3 may be linked to the third group 32 on the second level L2, the fourth element G1E4 may be linked to the fourth group 34 on the second level L2, the fifth element G1E5 may be linked to the fifth group 36 on the second level L2, the sixth element G1E6 may be linked to the sixth group 38 on the second level L2, the seventh element G1E7 may be linked to the seventh group 40 on the second level L2, the eighth element G1E8 may be linked to the eighth group 42 on the second level L2 and the ninth element G1E9 may be linked to the ninth group 44 on the second level L2. In the figure the first element G1E1 is also being shown as being selected.

The elements may be displayed as push buttons on the display 12 such as circular push buttons. It should however be realized that they may have any other shape such as rectangular, square or elliptical. Furthermore, the matrix is a 3x3 matrix. This matrix combines a high number of alternative links with a good overview of the elements.

Fig. 7 schematically shows a second two-dimensional matrix M257 with the second group of elements 30 from the second level L2 of the hierarchical structure, where this second group 30 is linked to the first element G1E1 of the first group 28 on the first level Li. Also, this second matrix 57 is to be displayed by the display 12 of the computing device 10. As can be seen the second group 30 likewise comprises a first element G2E1, a second element G2E2, a third element G2E3, a fourth element G2E4, a fifth element G2E5, a sixth element G2E6, a seventh element G2E7, an eighth element G2E8 and a ninth element G2E9.

The second matrix is also in this case a 3x3 matrix. Generally, it is of advantage if the second matrix 57 is of the same type as the first matrix 56. However, this is not a strict requirement. It may as an example be of any of the previously mentioned types, irrespective of the type of matrix used as the first matrix 56 for the first group of elements on the first level Li.

Fig. 8 schematically shows a third two-dimensional matrix M358 with the third group of elements Gnc 50 from the last level Ln of the hierarchical structure, where this third group 50 is linked to an element in a group on the next to last level L(n-i). Also, this third matrix 58 is to be displayed by the display 12 of the computing device 10. As can be seen this third group 50 comprises a first element GnEi, a second element GnE2, a third element GnE3, a fourth element GnE4, a fifth element GnE.5, a sixth element GnE6 and a seventh element GnE .

This third matrix is also in this case a 3x3 matrix. However, it can be seen that not all the positions are filled. Two of the positions are empty. It is thus possible that only some of the positions in the matrix are filled with elements. It is of course as an alternative possible that all positions are filled.

The second two-dimensional matrix may, as can be seen above, be of the same type as the first two-dimensional matrix. In fact, all matrices used may be of the same type as the first two-dimensional matrix, where a matrix that is of the same type as the first matrix may have the same number of rows and columns as the first matrix.

The menu system 23 is provided for a user of the computing device 10. How the menu system 23 shown in Fig. 5 may be used by the user of the computing device 10 will now be described with reference also being made to Fig. 9 and 10, where Fig. 9 shows a flow chart of a first number of method steps in a method for allowing a user to navigate in the menu system and Fig. 10 shows a second number of method steps that maybe performed in the same method. The method will additionally be described as being performed by the menu navigating unit 22 or the menu navigating function.

The method will in the following be described in relation to the application A.

In this case the menu navigating unit 22 may be invoked by the application A. The menu navigating function may also be a part of the application A.

A link to the application A may be displayed as the icon 14 on the display 12, where the application A may get started by the processor 16 in case the user selects the icon 14. The application A may then invoke the menu navigating unit 22 or menu navigating function.

The menu navigating unit 22 may then access the menu system MS, step 60, which may be done locally in the memory 18. In some variations, the menu system MS is provided by the server 26 in the data centre 25, in which case the accessing includes the menu navigating unit 22 accessing the menu system 23 on the data centre server 26 via the radio circuit 21 and the communication network 24. The accessing of the menu system MS may more particularly involve the menu navigating unit 22 obtaining the first group of elements Gi from the first level Li of the hierarchical structure. The menu navigating unit 22 then displays the first two- dimensional matrix Mi with the first group of selectable elements Gi on the display 12, step 62, in order to allow the user to navigate down into lower levels of the menu system MS. The menu navigating unit 22 then monitors if there are any inputs of the user with regard to the elements of the first group Gi at the first level Li.

The different layers may be related to different aspects of a theme of which the application is concerned, such as travel. The first level may be related to a first aspect, the second level to a second aspect, the third level to a third aspect, the next to last level to a next to last aspect and the last level to a last aspect. Each of these levels may comprise all selections that can be made in relation to the corresponding aspect. It is for instance possible that all elements which are related to the second aspect are provided on the second level and not on any other level. The organization of the menu system may furthermore be based on mind mapping. Thereby the menu system provides holistic navigation and a good overview.

As an example indicated in Fig. 6, the user may select the first element G1E1 of the first group Gi at the first layer Li in order to make a selection concerning the first aspect of the theme. For this reason, the menu navigating unit 22 detects the selection made by the user of at least one element and in this case detects the selection of the first element G1E1, step 64. As the first element G1E1 is linked to the second group of elements G2b at the second level L2 of the menu system 27, the menu navigating unit 22 then fetches the second group of elements G2b at the second level L2 of the menu system 23, which may be done locally in the computing device 10 or from the data centre server 26, where all the elements may be elements concerning a second aspect of the theme. Thereafter the menu navigating unit 22 displays the second two-dimensional matrix M2 with the second group of selectable elements G2b belonging to the second level L2 of the hierarchal structure on the display 12, step 66, where the displaying of the second group G2b thus is based on the user selecting the corresponding first selectable element in the first group of elements.

When the second matrix M2 with the second group of elements G2b of the second level L2 is displayed, the user may navigate back to the first group of elements Gi of the first level Li or to a group of elements on the third level with elements concerning a third aspect of the theme, where the first selection may be performed using a “back” or return button (not shown) and the latter selection may be made through the selection of a corresponding selectable element in the second group of elements G2b at the second level L2. It is then possible that the user ends up at the next to last level L(n-i), i.e. second-to-last level concerning a next to last aspect of the theme, and there selects an element that is linked to the third group of elements Gnc of the last level Ln.

If this is done, the menu navigating unit 22 in a similar manner obtains the third group of elements Gnc from the last level Ln of the menu system 23. Then the menu navigating unit 22 displays the third two-dimensional matrix M3, which level in this case is the last level Ln, step 68, concerned with the last aspect of the theme.

If now the user selects at least one of these elements, such as the third element GnE3, this selection is detected by the menu navigating unit 22, step 69, which then continues and ensures that a communication session is set up with the counterpart 27 via the radio circuit 21 and the communication network 24, step 70. The third element maybe linked to an identifier of the counterpart 27 used to set up a communication session, such as cell phone number or an Internet Protocol (IP) address. The selection of the third element GnE3 may trigger the automatic setting up of the communication session to the counterpart 27 using the associated identifier. A communication session is thus set up via the communication network 24 based on the user selecting the third selectable element GnE3 in the third group of selectable elements Gnc, where the communication session is set up to the counterpart 27 that corresponds to the third selectable element GnE3. As the communication session is set up, the user may at the same time exit the menu structure. Here it should also be mentioned that it is possible that there are exits from the menu structure also via selectable elements at other levels as well as from other selectable elements of the last level. Thereby the menu system may also be a closed menu system with one entry point and a limited number of exit points.

The counterpart may be a person or entity that is a counterpart to the user, in which case the communication session is set up to a device of this person or entity. Alternatively, the counterpart may be a device that is a counterpart to the computing device of the user. The communication session may be a voice communication session to a phone of a receiving party, which may additionally be set up directly or via a private branch exchange. As an alternative the communication session may be a web session where a data link is set up to a computer or server providing a web page from which the user may access data, such as text and/or media files. As yet another alternative, it is possible that the selectable element leads to the entry level of another menu structure. It can in this way be seen that a menu system is provided in which the number of selectable elements can be high while the number of hierarchical levels can at the same time be kept low. Thus, the number of element selections needed for performing a certain activity such as setting up a connection or communication session through the communication network 24 can be low, especially when the setting up has to be made using the last level of the menu system. Thereby navigating through the system can be made fast and the connection may be set up faster compared with using a conventional menu system. This improves the user friendliness of the menu system. It is also easy to implement the menu navigating function and the menu system in a computing device. It can be provided only using software. Furthermore, through the grouping of the levels into aspects of a theme, the navigation through the menu system can be made holistic, where the overview is improved.

There are several variations that are conceivable within the scope of the present invention.

It is for instance not necessary to organize the layers and elements according to aspects of a theme.

Furthermore, in the example above, there was a one-to-one correspondence between a selectable element in a group of elements at one level and a group of elements at the following lower level, where the selection of one element leads to a corresponding group. However, it should be realized that it is as an alternative possible that the simultaneous selection of a combination of elements, such as of two specific elements in a group of elements of a level, leads to a corresponding group of elements on a lower level. For instance, a simultaneous selection of the first and another element on one level, for instance using two fingers, could lead to the display of the matrix on the next level.

There may thus be a one-to-one correspondence between a combination of elements in a group on one level and a corresponding group of elements on a lower level. Each combination in a group on said one level may thus be linked to a corresponding group of elements on the lower level.

This is exemplified in Fig. 11, where the simultaneous selection of the first and the ninth element G1E1 and G1E9 of the first matrix 56 has been made. This selection may then lead to the second matrix 57 on the second level L2. Through the use of simultaneous selection of different combinations it is possible to provide more links to the second level compared with if only one element is used. Moreover, the 3x3 matrix is compact, which means that if two fingers are used for the simultaneous selection, the distance that these fingers need to be separated from each other in order to make a selection is short. It can for instance be seen that the selected elements will at most only be separated by one other element. Furthermore, if the central element G1E5 is one of the two simultaneously selected elements, the other element will always be a neighbouring element.

Furthermore, the menu system 23 may be a part of the menu navigating unit 22 or menu navigating function and may therefore also be a part of the application A. In this case the menu navigating function or menu system may be seen as providing the menu system 23,

Another variation is schematically shown in Fig. 12. When a matrix with a group of elements at a level below the first level Li is presently displayed based on a user selection of at least one element in a matrix with a group of elements at a preceding level, it is possible that that the matrix of the preceding level is continued to be displayed, for instance behind, above, below or partly covered by the matrix of the present level. The user can then simply move back through selecting this matrix of the preceding level on the display 12. This simplifies a move back in the menu system 23. This principle is exemplified in Fig. 12 for the first matrix 56 with the first group of the first layer and the second matrix 57 with the second group of the second layer.

Another variation is shown in Fig.13. It is possible that there is more than one group of elements in the first layer. There may as an example be six groups, each being provided in a corresponding matrix. In this case, the menu navigating unit may, when displaying the first matrix, display a matrix for each group of selectable elements at the first level. It is additionally possible that at least some of the matrices for the groups of elements of the first layer are displayed as the sides of a polyhedron, here exemplified by a cube. It is in fact possible that each such matrix is displayed as a side of a three-dimensional polyhedron. In Fig. 13 three such matrices Mia 56’, Mib 72 and Mic 74 on three sides of a three-dimensional cube CU 71A are shown. It should be realized that other 3D polyhedron shapes maybe used, such as tetrahedron, pentahedron, octahedron or nonahedron.

It is additionally possible that one or more polyhedrons may be used for displaying the matrices of the groups of elements at lower levels in the menu structure.

It is additionally possible that the cube is a polycube. Fig. 14 shows one example of such a polycube CU 71B that is four-dimensional. It should also be realized that the menu structure need not be hierarchical. It is for instance possible that an element selection made in a matrix on one side of the cube leads to a matrix on another side of the cube. It is thus possible that the selection of one, two or more elements on one side of a cube leads to another side of the same cube.

An activity such as the moving to a lower hierarchical level or the setting up of a communication session may not be limited to a selection in a single matrix. It is for instance possible that the user makes a number of sequential selections on a number of sides of the cube and that the activity is performed after a sequence of selections is finished. A selection may in this case also be a selection of a single element or the selection of a combination of elements.

The computing device, and particularly the menu navigating unit of the computing device, may be considered to comprise means for

- accessing a menu system for a user,

- displaying the first two-dimensional matrix,

- displaying the second two-dimensional matrix,

- detecting the selecting by the user of the first element of the first group,

- displaying a third two-dimensional matrix with the third group of selectable elements and setting up a communication session via a communication network based on the user selecting at least one selectable element in the third group of selectable elements,

- detecting the selecting by the user of the at least one selectable element in the third group of selectable elements,

- fetching the first group of selectable elements from the menu system in order to display the first two-dimensional matrix and means for fetching the second group of selectable elements from the menu system in order to display the second two-dimensional matrix, and

- providing the menu system.

If a hierarchical structure is used and if there is more than one group of selectable elements at the first level of the menu system, the means for displaying the first two-dimensional matrix may be a part of means for displaying a matrix for each group of selectable elements at the first level.

The means for displaying a matrix for each group of selectable elements at the first level may additionally be considered to comprise means for displaying at least some of the matrices for the groups of elements at the first layer as the sides of a polyhedron. The menu navigating unit may, as described earlier, be provided in the form of a processor with associated program memory including computer program code for performing its functionality. It may also be provided in the form of a DSP, ASIC or FPGA.

A computer program may also be provided as a part of a computer program product, for instance in the form of a computer readable storage medium or data carrier, like a server, a CD ROM disc or a memory stick, carrying a computer program with the computer program code, which will implement the functionality of the above-described menu navigating unit or menu navigating function as well as possibly also the menu system when being loaded into a processor. One such computer program product in the form of a CD ROM disc 76 with the above-mentioned computer program code 78 is schematically shown in Fig. 15.

The menu system maybe used in a variety of areas. It may for instance be used for decision making.

Decision making is based on a set of factors. These factors need to be defined, categorized in certain groups, presented in a certain order, following a workflow chart in different steps or levels.

Such a menu system can be used for several purposes, not only for decision making, but also to present a strategy, navigate a website, organize bookmarks, design a workflow or describe a mind mapping structure.

Most of the existing mind mapping or menu systems are 2-dimensional, comprising elements that are categorized in a fixed group by its character. However, for a user, when navigating, the reason to search this certain element can be different than the original characterdefinition itself. This is a limitation of the existing menu system which often contains only one possible navigating path.

It is therefore of interest to obtain a hierarchically structured menu system that can be navigated rapidly, flexibly, and logically even when the number of possible selectable elements in the system is high.

Traditional web site menu system presents only one way of navigating path. However, the present navigating system can be designed to give multiple navigating paths. A fixed set of matrices gives an easier way to navigate. Different elements are organized in different groups, so the user can focus on one group at a time. While working with one group, the user has the possibility to compare different elements to decide which element to choose. The chosen element leads to the next group which contains elements related with the previous selected element. This way makes the navigation faster and more accurate, which also gives a holistic perspective for decision making.

Possible content in the menu system will now be discussed for a 3x3 menu matrix organized as a three-dimensional cube.

A cube has 6 sides, each side contains 9 elements. Starting with one side, each side can be seen as a module in planning. Each module can contain 2 or more levels. Each level contains 9 elements.

These 9 elements belong to 9 different element types, which for example can be: When, Where, Who, What, Why, How, How Much, If, Which. These 9 element types will appear on the first level of each side, text can be as they are (Ws, Hs and If), or with different element names (change When to Season or Date for example). Different element names follow the same element type.

After clicking one element, it leads to the next level. Next level should contain several alternatives, which belongs to the previously selected element.

For example, if this is a cube for travel planning, the user is free to choose any of the element type on level 1. A user can choose When (or Season/Date), which leads to next level that contains a selection of different time choices. It can be Christmas, Spring, Summer holiday, October, etc. These elements can be designed by the user or the service provider or randomly selected from a travel website.

After selecting an element, for example, Christmas, the user will be led to the next level. Next level can be a subcategory of choices (Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Before Christmas, After Christmas, etc.) The user can continue the selection, to narrow his/her choices or exit to an external link (web site, document, picture, contact, etc.) or stop here, finish this side (module) and start another side (a new module). A new module can be WHO. This goes to a new side, select WHO, which leads to the next level, with a selection set of WHO. These selections can be Partner, Family, Friends, Colleagues, People I don’t know, Classmates, etc. After selecting Family, the user will be led to the 3rd level, which contains Family with baby, Family with young kids, Family with teenage kids, Big family, Family with older parents, Single parent with kids, etc. The user can stop here or continue clicking until the selection is accurate enough.

Then the user goes to the 3rd side, to select the 3rd module, which can be How Much. This side (module) will help user to define the desired price level for his/her travel budget.

Then the user goes to the 4th side, to select the 4th module, for example, WHY. This side (module) will let user to choose if this trip is a holiday or business visit, or family visit, or special event, etc.

In this case, a user can select from up to 6 sides, due to the structure of a cube.

After the selection

1. As a navigating menu system

As explained above, the user can exit from a selected element to an external place, which can be a web site, a document or a phone call, etc.

2. As a planning notepad

An exit can also link the user to a place where the user can document his/her own comments. For example, from the selection of Family Visit, the user can explain in free text about that kind of family will be visited and if there will be a special event, for example, a birthday to celebrate.

3. As a mind mapping system

Use this system to map, organize, or move elements between different groups and levels.

4. As a workflow chart

Use a defined navigating path to follow a workflow chart.

5- As a request form Define different elements to form a more accurate request, in order to let supplier(s) understand the necessary factors behind the request, in order to select the most suitable solution.

Communicate and Compare

Each cube contains a set of thinking patterns as well as information organized in a certain way. Compared with today' s communication, which is often very one-sided, communication via a cube will give a holistic perspective.

By comparing different cubes, at least two interesting facts can be discovered.

1. Users’ opinion is often described in free text, which is not structured, therefore hard to compare. A cube system shows both the path and priority from a user, which is comparable because all data are based on the same matrix structure.

2. How a user selects an element is also very interesting. Selection of different paths shows different mindsets. By comparing how the selection is made, different thinking patterns among different users can be seen.

To reach the same element, some users need more levels to navigate. By learning from other user’s quicker selection, the “slow” users learn how to think, navigate or plan faster. Meanwhile, a cube contains 6 sides, which will remind the user not to forget other important factors. This can help the user to make a more logic and smarter decision.

While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements. Therefore, the invention is only to be limited by the following claims.

Claims

1. A computing device (10) comprising a processor (16) acting on computer instructions (20) whereby the computing device (10) is configured to: access a menu system (23) for a user, the menu system (23) comprising selectable elements (G1E1, G1E2, G1E3, G1E4, G1E5, G1E6, G1E7, G1E8, G1E9, G2E1, G2E2, G2E3, G2E4, G2E5, G2E6, G2E7, G2E8, G2E9, GnEi, GnE2, GnE3, GnE4, GnE.5, GnE6, GnEy) organized in groups (28, 29, 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44) comprising a first group (28) of selectable elements (G1E1, G1E2, G1E3, G1E4, G1E5, G1E6, G1E7, G1E8, G1E9) and a second group (30) of selectable elements (G2E1, G2E2, G2E3, G2E4, G2E5, G2E6, G2E7, G2E8, G2E9), display a first two-dimensional matrix (56) with the first group (28) of selectable elements (G1E1, G1E2, G1E3, G1E4, G1E5, G1E6, G1E7, G1E8, G1E9), and display a second two-dimensional matrix (57) with a second group (30) of selectable elements (G2E1, G2E2, G2E3, G2E4, G2E5, G2E6, G2E7, G2E8, G2E9) based on the user selecting at least one corresponding selectable element (G1E1; G1E1, G1E9) in the first group of elements (28), wherein the first matrix (56) is a 3x3 matrix.

2. The computing device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the displaying of a second two- dimensional matrix (57) with a second group (30) of selectable elements (G2E1, G2E2, G2E3, G2E4, G2E5, G2E6, G2E7, G2E8, G2E9) is based on the user simultaneously selecting a combination of selectable elements (G1E1, G1E9).

3. The computing device (10) according to claim 2, wherein two selected elements (G1E1, G1E9) of the combination are separated by one other element of the first matrix (56).

4. The computing device (10) according to claim 2, wherein one selected element of the combination is a central element (G1E5) of the first matrix (56).

5. The computing device (10) according to any previous claim, wherein the groups are provided in a hierarchical structure comprising a number of levels (Li, L2, ..., Ln), where a first level (Li) comprises the first group (28) of selectable elements (G1E1, G1E2, G1E3, G1E4, G1E5, G1E6, G1E7, G1E8, G1E9), a second level (L2) comprises a number of groups of selectable elements (29, 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44) comprising the second group (30) of selectable elements (G2E1, G2E2, G2E3, G2E4, G2E5, G2E6, G2E7, G2E8, G2E9) and a level of the hierarchical structure below the first level (Li) comprises a third group (50) of selectable elements (GnEi, GnE2, GnE3, GnE4, GnE.5, GnE6, GnEy) reached via a selectable element in a group of elements at a previous level of the hierarchical structure, the computing device (to) being further configured to display a third two-dimensional matrix (58) with the third group of elements (50) and to set up, based on the user selecting at least one selectable element (GnE3) in the third group (50) of selectable elements (GnEi, GnE2, GnE3, GnE4, GnE.5, GnE6, GnEy), a communication session via a communication network (24), where the communication session is set up to a counterpart (2y) corresponding to said selectable element (GnEs) in the third group.

6. The computing device (10) according to claim 5, wherein the third matrix (58) with the third group (50) of selectable elements is provided at a last level (Ln) of the hierarchical structure of selectable elements. y. The computing device (10) according to any previous claim, wherein the menu system is provided in or for an application (A) in the computing device (10).

8. The computing device (10) according to any of claims 5 - y, wherein the first level comprises more than one matrix (56’, y2, 74) each comprising a corresponding group of selectable elements (28), where each element of each group is linked to a corresponding group of elements at the second level and the computing device is configured to display each matrix (56’, y2, 74) at the first level when displaying the first matrix (56’).

9. The computing device (10) according to any previous claim, wherein the computing device is configured to display said first two-dimensional matrix (56) as the side of a cube (yiA; yiB).

10. The computing device according to claim 9, wherein the cube is a hypercube, such as a four-dimensional hypercube (yiB).

11. A method for allowing a user to navigate in a menu system (23), the method being carried out in a computing device (10) and comprising:

- accessing (60) a menu system (23) comprising selectable elements (G1E1, G1E2, G1E3, G1E4, G1E5, G1E6, GlEy, G1E8, G1E9; G2E1, G2E2, G2E3, G2E4, G2E5, G2E6, G2Ey, G2E8, G2E9; GnEi, GnE2, GnE3, GnE4, GnE.5, GnE6, GnEy) organized in groups comprising a first group (28) of selectable elements (G1E1, G1E2, G1E3, G1E4, G1E5, G1E6, G1E7, G1E8, G1E9) and a second group (30) of selectable elements (G2E1, G2E2, G2E3, G2E4, G2E5, G2E6, G2E7, G2E8, G2E9),

- displaying (62) a first two-dimensional matrix (56) with the first group (28) of selectable elements (G1E1, G1E2, G1E3, G1E4, G1E5, G1E6, G1E7, G1E8, G1E9), and

- displaying (66) a second two-dimensional matrix (57) with the second group (30) of selectable elements (G2E1, G2E2, G2E3, G2E4, G2E5, G2E6, G2E7, G2E8, G2E9) based on the user selecting (64) at least one corresponding selectable element (G1E1; G1E1, G1E9) in the first group of elements (28), wherein the first matrix (56) is a 3x3 matrix. The method according to claim 11, wherein the displaying of a second two-dimensional matrix (57) with a second group (30) of selectable elements (G2E1, G2E2, G2E3, G2E4, G2E5, G2E6, G2E7, G2E8, G2E9) is based on the user simultaneously selecting a combination of selectable elements (G1E1, G1E9). The method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the groups are provided in a hierarchical structure comprising a number of levels (Li, L2, Ln), where a first level (Li) comprises the first group (28) of selectable elements (G1E1, G1E2, G1E3, G1E4, G1E5, G1E6, G1E7, G1E8, G1E9), a second level (L2) comprises a number of groups of selectable elements (29, 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44) comprising the second group (30) of selectable elements and a level of the hierarchical structure below the first level (Li) comprises a third group (50) of selectable elements (GnEi, GnE2, GnE3, GnE4, GnE.5, GnE6, GnEy) reached via a selectable element in a group of elements at a previous level of the hierarchical structure, the method further comprising displaying (68) a third two- dimensional matrix (58) with the third group of elements (50) and setting up (70), based on the user selecting (69) at least one selectable element (GnEs) in the third group (50) of selectable elements, a communication session via a communication network (24), where the communication session is set up to a counterpart (27) corresponding to the selectable element (GnEs). A computer program for allowing a user to navigate in a menu system (23), the computer program comprising computer program code (78) which when run in a processor (16) of a computing device (10), causes the computing device (10) to: access a menu system (23) for a user, the menu system comprising selectable elements (G1E1, G1E2, G1E3, G1E4, G1E5, G1E6, G1E7, G1E8, G1E9, G2E1, G2E2, G2E3, G2E4, G2E5, G2E6, G2E7, G2E8, G2E9, GnEi, GnE2, GnE3, GnE4, GnE.5, GnE6, GnEy) organized in groups comprising a first group (28) of selectable elements (G1E1, G1E2, G1E3, G1E4, G1E5, G1E6, G1E7, G1E8, G1E9) and a second group (30) of selectable elements (G2E1, G2E2, G2E3, G2E4, G2E5, G2E6, G2E7, G2E8, G2E9), display a first two-dimensional matrix (56) with the first group (28) of selectable elements (G1E1, G1E2, G1E3, G1E4, G1E5, G1E6, G1E7, G1E8, G1E9), and display a second two-dimensional matrix (57) with the second group (30) of selectable elements (G2E1, G2E2, G2E3, G2E4, G2E5, G2E6, G2E7, G2E8, G2E9) based on the user selecting at least one corresponding selectable element (G1E1; G1E1, G1E9) in the first group of elements (28), wherein the first matrix (56) is a 3x3 matrix. A computer program product for allowing a user to navigate in a menu system (23), the computer program product comprising a data carrier (76) with computer program code (78) according to claim 14.