Idle Screen Dynamic Information Display for Background Processes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electronic devices' idle screens are inefficiently utilized as they display fixed additional information, occupying limited space and not effectively showcasing dynamic data from background application processes.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device with a display unit and control unit that acquires and displays information related to background application processes as additional information on the idle screen, allowing for dynamic updates and efficient use of screen space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a fixedly set character string is displayed as additional information on the idle screen, then the idle screen provides quick access to specific applications, but the idle screen space is occupied and cannot be effectively used

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvequick access to applicationsVSAvoididle screen space utilization

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by changing the additional information display from static fixed character strings to dynamic content that automatically updates based on background application processes. The control unit acquires process information from running applications and dynamically generates additional information such as notification counts and process statuses, allowing the idle screen to adaptively utilize available space while maintaining quick access functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If the idle screen displays fixed additional information, then application activation is simplified, but the limited screen space is wasted and cannot showcase dynamic data

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplication activation processVSAvoiddynamic process information

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by enabling the idle screen to automatically acquire and display process information from background applications without requiring user configuration. The control unit autonomously monitors running applications, extracts relevant process data, and generates appropriate additional information displays, allowing the system to serve itself in utilizing screen space effectively while preserving dynamic information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of manufacture

If fixed character strings are used for additional information, then the display is simple and clear, but the idle screen cannot effectively display dynamic information from background processes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay implementationVSAvoidinformation display flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by transforming the display content from fixed character strings to variable information parameters extracted from background application processes. The control unit changes the display parameters dynamically based on process states, such as showing notification counts, process names, and status information, thereby maintaining implementation simplicity while achieving high adaptability to display diverse dynamic information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS9083780B2Electronic device, screen control method, and screen control program

Publication Date: 2015.07.14 KYOCERA CORP

AI summary

According to an aspect, an electronic device includes: a display unit; and a control unit for acquiring information related to a process of an application program being executed in background and, executing an operation repeatedly to display the acquired information as additional information on the display unit.