Multi-Window Message Interface for Cluttered Session Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing message service interfaces on electronic devices are not user-friendly, particularly when managing multiple messaging sessions, as they lack efficient methods for displaying and managing dialog windows, leading to clutter and difficulty in transmitting messages across various contacts.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device with a touchscreen that employs an integrated message program to control the display and management of multiple dialog windows, allowing users to magnify, reduce, and change window sizes and layouts based on user input, including voice instructions and gestures, to facilitate easy message transmission and reception.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple messaging sessions are displayed simultaneously on the screen, then users can manage multiple contacts efficiently, but the screen layout becomes cluttered and difficult to operate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemessage management efficiencyVSAvoidinterface usability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The messaging interface is divided into separate dialog windows for different contacts, with each window independently manageable. Users can select specific contacts to display in individual windows, separating the cluttered single-view interface into organized, discrete segments that can be managed independently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from displaying multiple messaging sessions in a single two-dimensional screen space to using multiple independent dialog windows that can be positioned and sized independently. This dimensional approach allows simultaneous display of multiple contacts without the clutter of forced compression in a single view.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If dialog windows are displayed for multiple contacts, then message transmission across various contacts is facilitated, but the device interface becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-contact messaging capabilityVSAvoidinterface structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The dialog window structure serves multiple functions: it displays contact information, message history, and provides message composition capabilities within a single unified interface element. This universal window design handles various messaging operations without requiring separate specialized interfaces for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple messaging functions (display, composition, transmission) into a unified dialog window system that manages multiple contacts simultaneously. Rather than creating separate interfaces for each contact or function, the system merges these elements into a flexible window-based framework.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If users can magnify and reduce dialog windows, then message composition and reading becomes easier, but controlling window sizes adds operational complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemessage reading comfortVSAvoidwindow control mechanisms
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The dialog windows are designed to be dynamically resizable and repositionable, allowing users to adjust window sizes and positions according to their needs. This dynamic behavior enables flexible adaptation of the interface to different user preferences and screen real estate requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically manages window positioning and sizing based on user selections, reducing the need for manual adjustment. When users select contacts for display, the system self-adjusts the window parameters to optimize the layout, minimizing the operational burden on users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2701352B1Method for transmitting/receiving message and electronic device thereof
Publication Date: 2022.11.09 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP2701352B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2701352B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2701352B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

An apparatus and a method for transmitting/receiving a message in an electronic device are provided. The method includes displaying a plurality of dialog windows are displayed, receiving a message via an input window, selecting at least one dialog window among the plurality of dialog windows, and transmitting the message to at least one of the plurality of dialog windows.