Two-Dimensional Circular Interface Switching Reducing Slide Operations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for switching between multiple application interfaces on terminal devices require a large number of operations, leading to inefficiency and user burden due to one-dimensional slide operations.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize two-dimensional direction switching, where users can switch between application interfaces by indicating a two-dimensional direction such as vertical, horizontal, or diagonal, using a predefined database to determine the target interface based on the user's slide operation, reducing the number of required operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If one-dimensional slide operations are used for interface switching, then the implementation is simple, but the number of operations required increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional slide operations to two-dimensional circular slide operations. The interface arrangements are organized in a circular pattern with multiple rings, allowing users to switch interfaces by sliding in any direction (radially or tangentially) on a two-dimensional plane. This dimensional expansion reduces the average number of slide operations needed to access any interface, directly improving switching efficiency while maintaining operational simplicity through intuitive circular gestures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple slide operations are required to access distant interfaces, then all interfaces can be accessed, but the time required increases
Solution Approach 1:
By organizing interfaces in a circular layout with multiple concentric rings rather than linear sequences, the patent enables direct access to any interface from the current position through two-dimensional sliding. The radial distance and angular position of each interface are pre-calculated to minimize the number of slides required, reducing average switching time while maintaining full accessibility to all interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-arranges interfaces in an optimized circular configuration where the position of each interface is predetermined based on its frequency of access and relationship to other interfaces. This preliminary organization allows the system to quickly determine the optimal slide path and reduces the cognitive load on users, enabling faster interface switching without requiring real-time calculations.
3Ease of manufacture
If one-dimensional switching is implemented, then the system is easy to implement, but user burden increases due to repeated operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a two-dimensional circular sliding mechanism that allows users to navigate interfaces more naturally, similar to clock face navigation or compass directions. Users can slide radially outward to access outer rings or tangentially to move between adjacent interfaces on the same ring, reducing the need for repeated back-and-forth sliding. This maintains implementation feasibility while significantly improving user convenience and reducing operational burden.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for switching an application interface at an apparatus is disclosed. The method is performed at a computer system having one or more processors and memory for storing programs to be executed by the one or more processors. The method includes receiving, from a user of the apparatus, an interface switching instruction with respect to an original application interface that is currently displayed at the apparatus. The interface switching instruction includes information indicating a two-dimensional direction from a stored set of two-dimensional directions. The method includes retrieving a predefined database that includes two-dimensional location information associated with a group of application interfaces including the original application interface. The method also includes determining, based on the two-dimensional direction and the two-dimensional location information, a target application interface from the group of application interfaces. The method further includes switching to display the target application interface at the apparatus.