Distributed Interface Display Across Devices for Multi-Task Operation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multi-device display technologies cannot implement distributed collaborative display and operations on different content in a single interface across multiple devices, limiting user convenience and experience.

Innovation Solution

A distributed interface display method that allows a first electronic device to display multiple function or application interfaces on itself and a second device, with the ability to send specific content areas to the second device for display, adjust layouts, and support adaptability features like stretching and hiding, enabling flexible collaboration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If multiple small screens are used to display different applications, then application accessibility is improved, but device portability and ease of carrying deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication accessibilityVSAvoiddevice portability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The display interface is segmented into multiple independent display areas (first display area and second display area) that can simultaneously show different applications. This allows users to access multiple applications at once without needing multiple physical screens, maintaining portability while improving application accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a single-screen spatial arrangement to a multi-area virtual spatial arrangement on the same physical display. By dividing the display interface into multiple selectable areas, the system provides multi-application access without adding physical screens, thus maintaining device portability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Area of stationary object

If a large screen is used to display multiple applications, then application visibility is improved, but device size and portability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication visibilityVSAvoiddevice size
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The display interface is divided into multiple selectable display areas, each capable of showing different applications. Users can switch between areas to view different applications at full screen, or use split-screen mode to view multiple applications simultaneously, achieving good visibility without increasing device size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The display areas are dynamically adjustable and switchable. Users can freely switch between different display areas and adjust the layout (full screen or split screen), providing flexible visibility for multiple applications without requiring a larger physical screen.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If multiple physical screens are added to display different applications, then application accessibility is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication accessibilityVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single display screen is designed to perform multiple functions by virtually dividing it into multiple selectable display areas. This multi-functional approach allows the same physical hardware to provide multi-application access without increasing device complexity or requiring additional screens.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates virtual copies of display areas on the same physical screen. Instead of adding multiple physical screens, the patent uses software to generate multiple virtual display areas that can be switched or displayed simultaneously, reducing hardware complexity while maintaining application accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

4Ease of operation

If split-screen mode is used to display multiple applications, then application accessibility is improved, but interface complexity and user confusion increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication accessibilityVSAvoidinterface complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides visual feedback by displaying indicators (such as dots or icons) that show which display area is currently active or selected. This feedback mechanism helps users understand the current state and switch between applications more easily, reducing confusion despite the presence of multiple display areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary selection mechanism (such as selectable indicators or control elements) that mediates between the user and multiple display areas. This intermediary provides a clear and simple way to switch between applications, reducing interface complexity and user confusion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4206897B1Distributed display method of interface, and electronic device and communication system
Publication Date: 2026.05.20 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP4206897B1 patent drawingFigure 1(a)~1(c)
  • EP4206897B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4206897B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

This application relates to the field of electronic technologies, and discloses a distributed interface display method, an electronic device, and a communication system, to implement distributed collaborative display of different content in a same interface, thereby providing more convenience of using for a user and improving user experience. In this application, a first electronic device may display content in a plurality of function areas (for example, a first function area and a second function area) on the first electronic device and another electronic device (for example, a second electronic device) in a distributed collaborative manner. Specifically, when the first electronic device displays the content in the first function area and the content in the second function area, the first electronic device may send the content in one of the function areas (for example, the first function area) to the second electronic device for display. According to this solution, a user can conveniently handle different tasks by using a plurality of electronic devices, thereby facilitating a user operation.