Foldable Screen App Relaunch via Shortcut Icon Transition

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

When a foldable screen terminal transitions from a 'big screen' to a 'small screen' mode, the currently active application interface stops displaying, requiring users to unlock and re-launch the application, which is cumbersome.

Innovation Solution

A method for foldable screen terminals that includes displaying a target application interface in a larger first screen area when unfolded, transitioning to a shortcut application icon in a smaller second screen area upon folding, and allowing the interface to be relaunched by triggering this icon in the second screen area.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the screen is folded from unfolded state to folded state, then the terminal transitions to a more portable configuration, but the currently active application interface stops displaying and requires re-launching

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescreen configuration adaptabilityVSAvoidapplication relaunch convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by preserving the application state and displaying a shortcut icon on the folded screen before the user needs to relaunch the application. This allows the user to quickly restore the application by simply tapping the icon without going through the full launch process, thus maintaining convenience during screen configuration transitions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates a simplified copy of the application access mechanism by displaying a shortcut icon that represents the full application interface. This icon copy enables rapid reinstatement of the application state without requiring the user to search through menus or remember how to access the application, effectively resolving the convenience issue during state transitions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Productivity

If the application interface is stopped when folding the screen, then the system can manage display resources efficiently, but the user experience deteriorates due to the need to unlock and re-launch applications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay resource management efficiencyVSAvoidapplication relaunch time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by maintaining the application state in memory and preparing a shortcut icon for quick restoration. This preliminary preservation of state allows the application to be restored in seconds rather than requiring a full relaunch, thus reducing time loss while still allowing the system to manage display resources efficiently during the folded state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The shortcut icon serves as an intermediary element between the folded screen state and the full application interface. This intermediary provides a direct pathway to restore the application without requiring the user to go through the complete launch sequence, effectively bridging the gap between resource management efficiency and user convenience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If the terminal transitions to lock screen state when folding, then security is maintained, but application accessibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity reliabilityVSAvoidapplication accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The shortcut icon acts as an intermediary that provides direct access to the application restoration function while maintaining the lock screen security framework. The icon is visible and tappable on the lock screen, serving as a mediator between the security requirement (locked state) and the user's need to quickly access the application without full authentication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary action by pre-positioning the shortcut icon on the lock screen interface during the folded state. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the user needs to access the application, the pathway is already established and visible, reducing the steps required to restore application access while maintaining security protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12493396B2Method and apparatus for displaying application interface, and terminal and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium

Publication Date: 2025.12.09 GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP LTD

AI summary

A method and apparatus for displaying an application interface, and a terminal and a storage medium, which relate to the technical field of human-computer interaction. The method comprises: when a terminal with a foldable screen is in an unfolded state, displaying, in a first screen area, a target application interface of a target application program; when the terminal with a foldable screen is switched from the unfolded state to a folded state, stopping displaying the target application interface in the first screen area, and displaying, in a second screen area, a shortcut application icon of the target application program, wherein a display mode of the shortcut application icon is different from a display mode of a default application icon of the target application program; and in response to a trigger operation for the shortcut application icon, displaying the target application interface in the second screen area.