Icon Layout Synchronization via Server Mediator

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for transferring application icons from one device to another do not efficiently arrange icons on the new device, leading to user inconvenience in maintaining consistent layouts across multiple devices.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising an electronic device, another electronic device, and a server that shares screen layout information, including icon order and size, to arrange icons on the new device based on the layout of the original device, with the ability to display icons as installed, installable, or non-installable, and install applications upon user selection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If screen layout information is shared across devices, then consistency of icon arrangement is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveicon layout consistencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A server acts as an intermediary to store and manage screen layout information. When a user installs applications on a new device, the server provides the layout information from their previous device, enabling automatic icon arrangement without direct device-to-device communication. This resolves the contradiction by externalizing the complexity to a centralized service while maintaining layout consistency across user devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If icons are automatically arranged on a new device, then user convenience is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveicon arrangement convenienceVSAvoidlayout information accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system copies screen layout information from a user's previous device to their new device. The layout data, including icon positions, sizes, and arrangements, is retrieved from the server and applied to automatically arrange icons on the new device. This approach improves user convenience by eliminating manual arrangement while the precision requirement is met through accurate copying and transmission of layout data structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Productivity

If all applications are pre-installed on a new device, then productivity is improved, but loss of information increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication installation speedVSAvoiduser selection information
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by preparing the environment for rapid application installation. Screen layout information is pre-configured and stored on the server, and when a user sets up a new device, this information is quickly applied to automatically arrange icons. Applications themselves are not pre-installed, but the framework for their arrangement is prepared in advance, enabling fast setup while respecting user installation choices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2946278B1Method and apparatus for arranging a plurality of icons on a screen
Publication Date: 2019.03.06 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP2946278B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2a
  • EP2946278B1 patent drawingFigure 2b~2c
  • EP2946278B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A method and apparatus are provided for arranging icons on a screen of a device, wherein a first device receives information about a layout of a plurality of icons displayed on a screen of a second device, and then displays the plurality of icons on a screen of the first device, based on the received information.