Application Management Interface Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for managing concurrently open applications on portable electronic devices with small screens are cumbersome and inefficient, causing cognitive burden and energy wastage, particularly in battery-operated devices.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of advanced user interfaces and event handling mechanisms that allow for seamless navigation and management of multiple open applications on touch-sensitive devices, including gestures and animations to facilitate quick selection and closure of applications, and integration of touch-sensitive surfaces for intuitive interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple applications are displayed concurrently on small screens, then application management efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interface is segmented into distinct functional areas: a preview area showing thumbnail images of open applications, a contacts area displaying contactable users, and a communication options area. This segmentation allows multiple applications to be managed concurrently without overwhelming the user, as each segment serves a specific purpose and can be independently interacted with.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional sequential application switching to a multi-dimensional view where multiple applications are displayed simultaneously in a spatial arrangement. Thumbnail images of open applications are positioned in a preview area, allowing users to navigate between applications by swiping or tapping, effectively adding a spatial dimension to application management.
2Device complexity
If traditional single-application display method is used, then device complexity is reduced, but user cognitive burden increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of fully opening each application, the system creates thumbnail copies or previews of open applications in the preview area. These thumbnails represent the full application state and allow users to select which application to bring to the foreground, reducing the need to mentally track multiple open applications while maintaining simple interface presentation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If comprehensive application management features are implemented, then functionality is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements partial action by displaying only thumbnail previews and essential information (such as contactable users) rather than fully rendering all application interfaces simultaneously. Full application functionality is activated only when the user selects a specific application, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining comprehensive management capabilities.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
An electronic device displays a first row, configured to move in a first direction, in a user interface that includes a plurality of representations of open applications. The device concurrently displays a second row, spaced apart from the first row. The second row includes a plurality of application icons corresponding to the representations of open applications. The device detects a first input that corresponds to movement of a respective representation of an open application, in a second direction different from the first direction. The device moves the respective representation out of the first row in the second direction in accordance with a progression of the first input. In accordance with a determination that application-close criteria have been met for the respective application, the device closes the respective application, ceases to display the respective representation in the first row, and ceases to display the corresponding application icon in the second row.