Application Interface Markers for Distinguishing Identical Instances

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems fail to distinguish between multiple identical applications running concurrently on a terminal, leading to user confusion and inefficiency due to identical display interfaces.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that determine the application with the closest operating time to the current time within a group of identical applications and display specific prompting information, such as a multi-on identifier or icon, in the terminal's interface to differentiate them.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple identical applications are run concurrently on a terminal, then the functionality and versatility of the terminal is improved, but the user cannot distinguish between the different application instances due to identical display interfaces

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidapplication identification
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by adding distinctive visual markers (different colored icons or indicators) to specific locations in the user interface where application instances are displayed. This allows each identical application instance to be locally differentiated without changing the overall application functionality, enabling users to distinguish between instances while maintaining the same core features and operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple identical applications are run concurrently, then the application capabilities are enhanced, but the user interface complexity increases making it difficult to manage and identify instances

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication capabilitiesVSAvoiduser interface complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes color changes by assigning different colors or visual indicators to icons representing multiple identical application instances. This simple visual differentiation method enhances application capabilities by allowing concurrent operation of multiple instances while minimizing interface complexity through an intuitive and easily distinguishable color-coding system that users can quickly comprehend without adding significant UI elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Data Source

PatentEP3686736B1Method and device for displaying application interface
Publication Date: 2025.07.23 BEIJING XIAOMI MOBILE SOFTWARE CO LTD
  • EP3686736B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2A
  • EP3686736B1 patent drawingFigure 2B~2E
  • EP3686736B1 patent drawingFigure 2F~2H

AI summary

The embodiments of the present invention relate to a method and device for displaying an application interface, and belong to the field of computers. The method includes a first application, of which operating time is closest to current time, of an application multi-on group is determined (101), and application prompting information is displayed in a specific area in an interface of a terminal for indicating the first application of which the operating time is closest to the current time (102).