Browser Address Bar Control for More Usable Mobile Display Space

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Solution Overview

Problem

Portable electronic devices face challenges in optimizing screen space utilization due to limited display area, particularly when displaying information and input controls, which can hinder user interaction and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a touch-sensitive display with a shutter mechanism adjacent to the display boundary that allows for the display of additional information or controls upon user input, such as a shutter operator, to manage screen space effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If a touch-sensitive display is used to maximize screen space, then display area is increased, but user input capability is reduced due to limited physical controls

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay areaVSAvoiduser input capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the display surface with touch-sensitive capabilities, merging the information presentation function with the input function. The display screen serves both as a visual output device and as a touch-sensitive input device, allowing users to interact by touching, sliding, or gesturing on the display surface itself, thereby eliminating the need for separate physical buttons while maintaining input capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The display screen is designed to perform multiple functions: it displays information visually and simultaneously serves as a touch-sensitive input interface. The same surface that presents information also detects user interactions such as taps, slides, and gestures, making the display device universal and multi-functional

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If additional controls are added to improve user interaction, then ease of operation is enhanced, but screen space is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser interaction capabilityVSAvoidscreen space
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates control functionality directly into the display surface through touch-sensitive capabilities. Instead of adding separate physical controls that would occupy screen space, the display itself becomes the control interface, allowing various input methods (taps, slides, gestures) to be implemented on the existing display area without reducing visible screen space

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3518094B1Portable electronic device and method of controlling same
Publication Date: 2026.01.14 MALIKIE INNOVATIONS LTD
  • EP3518094B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3518094B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3518094B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method, device and computer program containing instructions for displaying a browser address bar are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method comprises displaying a browser address bar adjacent to a boundary at a top of a first information display region on a display of a portable electronic device, the first information display region for displaying first information; in response to detecting a first input at the portable electronic device, increasing the size of the first information display region so as to close the browser address bar; and in response to detecting a second input at the portable electronic device, decreasing the size of the first information display region so as to display the browser address bar.