Dual Window Mobile Interface Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mobile devices have limited user interfaces due to their small screen size, which restricts their ability to utilize increased capabilities, as desktop UI paradigms are impractical on handheld devices with screens smaller than 12 inches.

Innovation Solution

A dual window system for mobile devices that allows switching between single and dual window modes, with windows re-orienting based on device orientation and user gestures, enabling better utilization of screen space and functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a single window interface is used on mobile devices, then the interface is simple and easy to operate, but the functionality and multitasking capability are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterface simplicityVSAvoidfunctionality
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The display screen is segmented into multiple independent windows that can be positioned and sized independently. Each window can display different applications or content, allowing the interface to provide desktop-like multitasking capabilities while maintaining mobile device portability and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple overlapping windows are used like desktop UI, then multitasking capability is improved, but the interface becomes impractical on small screens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemultitasking capabilityVSAvoidusability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from the traditional single-dimension (vertical stack or horizontal row) window arrangement to a two-dimensional grid layout. This allows windows to be positioned in multiple rows and columns, efficiently utilizing the limited screen real estate while providing multiple simultaneous application views without excessive overlapping or scrolling.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If the screen size is increased to accommodate multiple windows, then functionality is improved, but the device becomes less portable

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidscreen size
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The display screen is segmented into multiple independent windows that can be positioned and sized independently. Each window can display different applications or content, allowing the interface to provide desktop-like multitasking capabilities while maintaining mobile device portability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from single-dimension window arrangement to a two-dimensional grid layout, efficiently utilizing the limited screen real estate to accommodate multiple applications simultaneously without requiring a larger physical screen.

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

4Length of stationary object

If a single window is used on mobile devices, then the device remains portable and compact, but the user interface cannot utilize increased capabilities

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidinterface capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The display screen is segmented into multiple independent windows that can be positioned and sized independently. Each window can display different applications or content, allowing the interface to provide desktop-like multitasking capabilities while maintaining mobile device portability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from single-dimension window arrangement to a two-dimensional grid layout, efficiently utilizing the limited screen real estate to accommodate multiple applications simultaneously without requiring a larger physical screen.

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

Data Source

PatentUS8600446B2Mobile device interface with dual windows
Publication Date: 2013.12.03 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • US8600446B2 patent drawing
  • US8600446B2 patent drawing
  • US8600446B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A mobile device having a user interface supporting multiple windows is disclosed. The user interface is suitable for use in any device having a handheld form factor, such as a mobile phone or mobile Internet device. The user interface includes two windows that are displayed on the mobile device's screen. The mobile device may be configured to switch between a single window mode and a dual window mode. The device may also be configured to launch applications in either mode. It may be configured to switch between modes automatically or in response to a user command. The windows may also be re-oriented in response to a change in the device's orientation or to a user's command.