Floating Window Switching With Floating Balls for Fast App Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing application switching methods on terminals require redundant steps and interrupt user flow, making it inefficient to quickly switch between multiple applications.
Innovation Solution
Implement a method using floating windows and floating balls, enabling continuous multi-point touch interactions like sliding operations to simplify switching between applications, allowing direct entry to target scenarios and improving user experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional application switching methods are used, then applications can be switched, but redundant steps are required and user flow is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the application window into two functional components: a floating window for displaying the current application interface and a floating ball for representing the application in a minimized state. This segmentation allows users to switch between applications by interacting with the floating ball rather than navigating through multiple steps in the traditional task switcher, thereby reducing operational steps and time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The floating ball acts as an intermediary element between the user and the application switching mechanism. Instead of directly accessing the task switcher or using gesture-based navigation, users interact with the floating ball which mediates the switching process by expanding to show available applications and allowing direct selection, thus simplifying the switching operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple applications are displayed simultaneously using floating windows, then users can browse multiple applications, but the interface complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic interface where the floating ball can transition between different states: a minimized state (floating ball) and an expanded state (showing multiple application thumbnails). This dynamic transformation allows the interface to adapt to user needs - remaining simple when not in use and providing multi-application access when activated - without permanently increasing interface complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension to the interface by adding the floating ball as a separate interactive element that exists alongside the floating window. This additional dimension provides a compact representation of applications that doesn't occupy the same screen space as the floating window, allowing multi-application functionality without cluttering the main display area.
Data Source
AI summary
This application discloses an application switching method. In the method, an electronic device may separately display interfaces of corresponding applications by using a plurality of floating windows. When a quantity of floating windows is greater than a preset quantity, and the electronic device detects that a new floating window is opened, the electronic device may switch the first displayed floating window to a form of a floating ball, and add a new floating window. In addition, the electronic device may switch the one or more floating windows to one or more corresponding floating balls for display. When detecting a sliding operation input by the user, the electronic device may switch a current floating window to a corresponding floating window on which the minimization operation is first or last performed. In this way, the electronic device can simultaneously display a plurality of applications, and quickly switch any one of the applications.