Context Panel for Cross-Application Interaction on Electronic Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems fail to efficiently manage multiple applications on electronic devices, requiring users to switch between applications for tasks like file transfer, limiting user experience and inefficiently utilizing screen space.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device method that identifies and dynamically positions secondary applications related to the current application on the screen, allowing users to select and invoke these applications without switching screens, using an interactive context panel for cross-application interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users switch between applications to perform tasks like file transfer, then they can access different application functions, but user experience deteriorates and time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple applications into a unified interface by displaying representations of secondary applications within the context panel of the current application. This allows users to access and interact with multiple applications simultaneously without switching screens, thereby improving ease of operation and reducing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimensional approach by overlaying the context panel with secondary application representations on top of the current application interface. This layered display enables cross-application interactions within the same screen space, eliminating the need for sequential application switching.
2Productivity
If multiple applications are displayed on the screen, then cross-application tasks become efficient, but screen space utilization becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the display area into distinct zones: the primary application interface and the overlaying context panel. The context panel is further segmented to show representations of secondary applications, their icons, and interaction options. This segmentation allows efficient cross-application tasks while maintaining clear screen space organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by making the context panel semi-transparent or dynamically adjustable in opacity, allowing users to focus on specific areas. The secondary application representations are localized within the context panel rather than occupying the entire screen, optimizing screen space utilization while enabling cross-application productivity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If secondary applications are identified and displayed, then application management becomes centralized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically identifies and displays secondary applications relevant to the current application context without requiring manual user configuration. The processor autonomously determines which applications to show based on the current application state and content, centralizing application management while minimizing user burden despite increased system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where the context panel dynamically updates based on user interactions with secondary application representations. When users select or interact with secondary applications, the system adjusts the display and available operations accordingly, providing adaptive application management that handles complexity behind the scenes.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for managing applications by an electronic device are provided. The method and apparatus include identifying, by a processor, a secondary application based on an application executed on the electronic device or content included in the application, displaying a representation corresponding to the secondary application on the electronic device, selecting the representation based on an input, and invoking the secondary application corresponding to the selected representation on the electronic device.