Context-Aware Application Switch Object for Seamless Mobile Interface

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices lack an efficient method to dynamically display and manage application switching, particularly in multimedia devices that provide various services, making it difficult for users to seamlessly transition between applications while maintaining context.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device that includes a processor configured to display an application switch object alongside application execution information, which includes usage history and recommended applications, and updates based on user input, location, and time, allowing for intuitive application switching and management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional application switching methods are used, then the device structure remains simple, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to lack of context awareness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication switching easeVSAvoidapplication management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-calculates and stores usage history and recommended applications in advance, so that when application switching is needed, the information is already prepared and immediately available, eliminating the need for complex real-time analysis

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The application switch object serves as an intermediary interface between the user and the application management system, presenting simplified options (usage history and recommendations) without exposing the underlying complexity of application state tracking and analysis

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If dynamic context-aware application display is implemented, then the ease of operation improves through better context awareness, but the loss of information increases due to additional display elements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication switching easeVSAvoiddisplay information overload
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The application management information is segmented into two distinct categories: usage history (past behavior) and recommended applications (future suggestions). This segmentation allows users to process information in manageable chunks rather than receiving a single overwhelming list

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the application switch object provide different types of information with different qualities - usage history shows factual past data while recommendations provide predictive suggestions, allowing users to focus on the most relevant information for their current needs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If comprehensive application usage tracking is implemented, then the adaptability improves through context awareness, but the device complexity increases due to tracking requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontext awarenessVSAvoidtracking system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The application management system automatically tracks and analyzes its own usage patterns without requiring external intervention. The processor monitors application launches, usage duration, and switching patterns autonomously, building context awareness through self-observation rather than complex external tracking infrastructure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3568758B1Method for switching applications, and electronic device thereof
Publication Date: 2023.11.01 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3568758B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3568758B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3568758B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A device and method for switching applications in an electronic device are described. An electronic device includes a display and at least one processor. The at least one processor controls the display to display execution information on a first application and to display an application switch object in at least a portion of the display along with the displayed execution information on the first application when input for displaying the application switch object is received while the first application is executed. The application switch object includes at least one first object corresponding to an application usage history of the electronic device, a second object corresponding to the first application, and at least one third object corresponding to at least one second application executable in the electronic device.