Experience Mode Transition in Computing Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional computing devices are limited to single usage scenarios, restricting user interactions when used in different settings, as they typically require manual switching between modes, which can be inconvenient and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A computing device configured to operate in multiple experience modes, such as desktop and touch modes, that automatically transitions based on triggering events like hardware connections or rotations, maintaining user interaction context and reducing the need for manual switching.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a computing device is configured for a single usage scenario, then the device can be optimized for that specific setting, but the device cannot support interactions in other settings

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveusage scenario supportVSAvoidconfiguration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The computing device dynamically transitions between different experience modes (desktop, touch, tablet) based on triggering events such as hardware connection status or device orientation. This allows the device to adapt its user interface and interaction model to match the current usage scenario without requiring multiple fixed configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The computing device is designed to support multiple experience modes within a single configuration, enabling it to function effectively across diverse usage scenarios including desktop computing, tablet usage, and touch-based interactions, thereby eliminating the need for separate device configurations for each scenario.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual switching between modes is required, then the device can support multiple settings, but user interaction time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveusage scenario supportVSAvoidmode switching time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The computing device automatically detects triggering events (such as keyboard connection, device rotation, or touch input patterns) and autonomously transitions between experience modes without requiring user intervention. This self-service approach eliminates manual mode switching and reduces the time users spend adjusting device settings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors user interactions and hardware states, using this feedback to automatically determine the appropriate experience mode. For example, if the device detects touch-based interactions or changes in orientation, it automatically adjusts the user interface accordingly, ensuring the device responds adaptively to current usage conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If the device transitions between experience modes, then interaction optimization for different settings is achieved, but computational resources may be consumed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinteraction optimizationVSAvoidcomputational resource usage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs only the minimal necessary actions to transition between experience modes. Rather than completely reloading applications or resetting system states, it preserves user interaction context and maintains application continuity, thereby reducing computational overhead while still achieving optimal interaction for the current usage scenario.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

4Ease of operation

If manual mode switching is required, then users have control over device behavior, but ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser interaction convenienceVSAvoidautomatic transition capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The computing device automatically transitions between experience modes by detecting triggering events such as keyboard connection, device rotation, or touch input patterns, eliminating the need for manual user intervention and significantly improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10552031B2Experience mode transition

Publication Date: 2020.02.04 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC

AI summary

Techniques for an experience mode transition are described. Generally, an experience mode refers to a visual and functional arrangement that is presented to a user of a device. Different experience modes present different visual and functional arrangements to a user. According to various embodiments, a computing device is configured to operate in multiple experience modes and may transition between different experience modes and based on a variety of different triggering events. Generally, a transition between different experience modes causes a visual and/or functional reconfiguration of a user experience on a device.