Edge-Slide Application Bar for Stable Multi-Window Gestures

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mobile electronic devices face challenges in conveniently and stably triggering multi-window interaction operations, particularly on large-screen devices like foldable-screen devices and tablet computers, due to conflicting gesture operations with existing Android systems.

Innovation Solution

An application bar display method involving slide gestures on the device edges to invoke application bars, allowing for the expansion of application icons and interfaces, including visual feedback and intelligent rollback features to enhance user experience.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If slide gestures are added to invoke application bars on device edges, then user convenience and accessibility are improved, but gesture operation conflicts with existing Android systems occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser convenienceVSAvoidgesture stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating a dedicated first area on the device edge with distinct visual identification (e.g., colored strip or special background). This localized area serves as a specific trigger zone for invoking the application bar, separating it from other interaction areas. The first area has unique properties (visual distinction and specific response to slide gestures) that differentiate it from the rest of the interface, thereby improving ease of operation while avoiding conflicts with existing system gestures that operate in different zones.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If application bars are expanded to include more application icons, then application selection capability is improved, but interface complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication selection capabilityVSAvoidinterface complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements segmentation by dividing the application bar into multiple sections or groups, where applications are organized in a structured manner (e.g., by category, frequency of use, or functionality). The application bar can be segmented into a visible portion and an extended portion, allowing users to access more applications without overwhelming the immediate view. This segmented approach enhances adaptability by providing comprehensive application access while managing interface complexity through organized presentation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies dynamics by making the application bar adjustable and reconfigurable. The application bar can dynamically change its state between expanded and contracted forms, allowing it to adapt to different user needs and contexts. Users can customize the number of displayed icons, rearrange applications, and adjust the bar's visibility and position. This dynamic nature enables the interface to scale between simplicity and comprehensiveness based on actual usage requirements, improving versatility without permanently increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If visual feedback mechanisms are implemented during slide gestures, then user awareness and control are improved, but processing time and system resources increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser awarenessVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by providing visual feedback at specific intervals or milestones during the slide gesture. Instead of continuous heavy processing, the system updates the visual state at key points (e.g., when the first area is entered, when the application bar is fully expanded, or when specific thresholds are reached). This periodic feedback mechanism maintains user awareness and control while reducing overall processing time and resource consumption compared to continuous feedback updates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP4036699B1Application bar display method and electronic device
Publication Date: 2025.12.24 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP4036699B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4036699B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4036699B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention discloses an application bar display method and an electronic device, and relates to the field of graphical user interface interaction technologies. A user may invoke, through continuous sliding, a first application bar and a second application bar that includes more application icons than the first application bar, to help the user perform an operation on an application icon included in the first application bar or the second application bar to quickly start an application. In addition, the foregoing method is further combined with a return function. After a first identifier appears, for example, when a first slide gesture goes to a second point, if a touch point of the user leaves a screen, the electronic device may perform the return function, for example, display an interface previous to a first interface on a display, or the electronic device may perform a function of returning to a home screen, for example, display the home screen of the electronic device on a display. This facilitates a user operation.