Edge Gesture Shortcut Menu for Terminals

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for accessing shortcut keys on terminals are cumbersome, requiring users to navigate to a menu and perform additional gestures to trigger the desired application or function.

Innovation Solution

A shortcut key control method that allows users to invoke a shortcut menu by performing a sliding operation on the edge of the touchscreen, enabling them to select and activate shortcut keys directly within the same operation, simplifying the process of accessing applications or functions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If users navigate to menu and perform gestures to trigger shortcut keys, then shortcut functions can be accessed, but the operation process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshortcut key access processVSAvoidtime to access application or function

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-positions shortcut keys in the current interface rather than requiring navigation to a separate menu. The shortcut keys are displayed in advance at convenient locations within the current interface, allowing users to access them directly without performing additional navigation gestures or returning to home screen first.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The interface is segmented to display multiple shortcut keys simultaneously at different locations within the current interface. This allows users to access different applications or functions through different shortcut keys in the same interface without needing to navigate through multiple menus or pages.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If shortcut keys are displayed in pull-up menu or drop-down menu, then users can access application functions, but users must first jump to menu and then perform gestures to trigger

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplication function accessVSAvoidoperation process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges the shortcut key display with the current interface by directly displaying shortcut keys within the current interface rather than separating them in a dedicated menu. This integration allows users to access application functions without leaving the current interface or performing additional navigation gestures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The current interface serves multiple functions: it displays both the main content and the shortcut keys for accessing applications or functions. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate menu structures and allows users to access various functions directly from the current interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If users return to home screen to access shortcut keys, then shortcut functions can be triggered, but the process becomes more complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshortcut function triggeringVSAvoidtime to return to home screen and access shortcut

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-positions shortcut keys within the current interface before users need to access them. This eliminates the need for users to return to home screen or perform additional navigation actions, as the shortcut keys are already displayed and ready for immediate activation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3800535B1Method and terminal for controlling shortcut button

Publication Date: 2025.01.22 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD

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AI summary

Embodiments of this application relate to the field of terminals, and disclose a shortcut key control method and a terminal, to simplify a process of opening an application or enabling an application function by a user by using a shortcut key. The method includes: displaying a first interface; receiving a first phase of a sliding operation entered by a user in the first interface, where a start location of a finger of the user in the first phase is a point on a first edge in the first interface, and an end location of the finger of the user in the first phase is a point away from the first edge in the first interface; in response to the first phase of the sliding operation, displaying a shortcut menu in the first interface, where the shortcut menu includes at least one shortcut key; receiving a second phase of the sliding operation entered by the user in the first interface, where a start location of the finger of the user in the second phase is the end location of the finger of the user in the first phase, and an end location of the finger of the user in the second phase is a first shortcut key in the shortcut menu; and enabling a shortcut function corresponding to the first shortcut key.