External Device Control Interface Without App Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face inconvenience when trying to control external electronic devices as they need to install additional programs, search for and execute applications, and switch between applications to change settings, which can lead to unintentional termination of the current application.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device method and system that allows easy installation of programs to control external devices, displays state information in a simple and accessible manner, and eliminates the need to search for control applications by receiving data from connected devices and displaying a setting window for user interface control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a user wants to control an external electronic device, then the device needs to provide control functionality, but the user must install additional programs which increases device complexity and operation burden
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic device is designed to universally control multiple types of external electronic devices (smartwatch, smartphone, tablet PC) through a single integrated system. The processor executes control instructions and the display unit shows control screens without requiring separate applications for each device type, making the device multi-functional and eliminating the need for additional program installations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the control functionality for external devices directly into the electronic device's operating system. The control unit, display unit, and input unit are integrated components that work together within the same device, combining what would traditionally require separate applications into a unified control interface.
2Productivity
If the user needs to change settings of an external device, then control functionality is required, but the user must search for and execute specific applications which increases operation time
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic device automatically detects when an external device is connected and proactively displays a control screen for that device without requiring the user to search for or manually execute an application. The processor monitors connection status and prepares the control interface in advance, allowing the user to immediately access and change settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback by monitoring the connection status of external devices and automatically responding by displaying the appropriate control screen. The display unit shows information about connected devices, and the processor responds to user input to change settings, creating a feedback loop that eliminates the need for manual application searching.
3Ease of operation
If the user switches the current application to background to access control application, then control functionality becomes accessible, but the current application may be unintentionally terminated which reduces reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic device integrates control functionality directly into its own operating system, making the control feature part of the device's core functionality rather than a separate application. This allows the user to access control settings without switching applications or risking termination of the current application, as the control interface operates within the same system environment.
Data Source
AI summary
An example method for controlling an external electronic device of an electronic device, according to various embodiments, includes: receiving data information corresponding to at least one function of the external electronic device from an external electronic device connected to the electronic device; displaying a setting window for setting a user interface for controlling the external electronic device using the data information; selecting a control item corresponding to the at least one function included in the setting window according to user input reception; and setting and displaying the user interface corresponding to the selected control item.