Application Icon Association Display for Multi-App Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties in easily selecting and executing applications from a multitude of installed applications on a device, as well as utilizing them in association with each other, due to the complexity of managing various applications and their functions.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that display association information between applications by allowing users to input commands, such as dragging an application icon, to reveal related functions and data, enabling the execution of secondary applications in the background and presenting this information peripherally, allowing for seamless interaction and selection of functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple applications are installed on a device, then the functionality and versatility of the device are improved, but it becomes difficult for users to easily select and execute applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary interface (the application selection screen with icons and association information display) that mediates between the user and the multiple installed applications. When a user drags an icon to another location, the system displays association information as a mediator to help the user understand relationships between applications, making selection easier despite the large number of applications available.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-displaying association information related to applications before the user makes a selection. The association information is prepared and shown in advance based on the user's dragging action, allowing users to make informed decisions about which application to select without having to manually search through all installed applications.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple functions are provided within applications, then the versatility is improved, but it becomes inconvenient for users to select specific functions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the display into different functional areas: the source icon area, the association information display area, and the target area. The association information itself is segmented into different types (e.g., related applications, shared data, compatible functions). This segmentation allows users to easily locate and select specific functions without being overwhelmed by the complete set of available functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies local quality by displaying different types of association information in different locations on the screen. When a user drags an icon, the association information specific to that icon and its relationships is displayed locally at the drag destination or in a designated area, allowing users to access function-specific information without navigating through a comprehensive list of all functions.
3Productivity
If applications are used in association with each other, then the productivity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary interface (the association information display) to manage the complexity of application associations. Instead of requiring users to directly manage complex relationships between multiple applications, the system provides an intermediary view that shows associations in a simplified format, making it easier to understand and manage application integrations while maintaining high productivity benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a simplified copy or representation of the complex application association relationships in the form of displayable association information. This copy presents the essential relationships (which applications work together, what data is shared) without requiring users to manage the underlying complexity, allowing productive application integration while keeping the user interface simple.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a device and method for displaying association information associated with a first application and a second application. The method may include: presenting a list of applications executable by the device; receiving a user input of moving an icon of the first application, in the presented list of the applications, to an icon of the second application; obtaining the association information associated with the first application and the second application by using at least one piece of preset data corresponding to the icon of the first application, in response to the received user input; and presenting the obtained association information in a periphery of the icon of the second application.