Multitasking UI Priority-Based Display Area Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional user interfaces for multi-function set-top boxes are inconvenient as they can only display one functional screen at a time, limiting user convenience and requiring users to switch between applications, which blocks other screens and does not allow simultaneous viewing of multiple associated applications.
Innovation Solution
A user interface method and system that determines priorities and display areas for multiple applications, allowing simultaneous display of two or more associated applications by assigning different sizes to each based on priority levels, which can be adjusted by user input or predefined information, enabling flexible screen management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If one application is displayed at a time in conventional user interfaces, then the interface is simple to implement, but user convenience deteriorates because users cannot simultaneously view multiple associated applications
Solution Approach 1:
The display screen is segmented into multiple display areas, with each area dedicated to a specific application. This allows multiple applications to be displayed simultaneously without requiring a single complex full-screen interface, thereby improving user convenience while maintaining manageable interface complexity through modular area assignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface transitions from a single-dimensional (one screen at a time) to a multi-dimensional display approach by dividing the screen into multiple simultaneous display areas. This dimensional change enables users to view multiple applications at once, significantly improving ease of operation without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Productivity
If a newly executed application is displayed on the full screen, then the new application receives maximum attention, but previously displayed applications are blocked and become inaccessible
Solution Approach 1:
When a new application is executed, the screen is segmented into multiple display areas rather than allocating the full screen to a single application. The newly executed application is assigned to a specific display area, ensuring it receives adequate attention while previously displayed applications remain visible in other segments, preventing information loss and maintaining continuous accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The display area allocation is dynamic and adjusts based on application priority and user needs. High-priority applications can be assigned larger or more prominent display areas, while lower-priority applications occupy remaining spaces. This dynamic allocation ensures productive multitasking without completely blocking access to other applications.
3Ease of operation
If multiple applications are displayed simultaneously using a partitioned screen, then user convenience improves, but the screen becomes cluttered and difficult to manage
Solution Approach 1:
Different display areas are assigned different qualities or characteristics based on the application requirements. High-priority applications receive larger or more prominent display areas, while lower-priority applications occupy smaller or less prominent spaces. This local differentiation allows multiple applications to be displayed simultaneously with improved user convenience while maintaining manageable screen complexity through quality-based organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The partitioned screen configuration is dynamic rather than static. Users can adjust display area sizes, move applications between areas, and change the number of simultaneously displayed applications based on current needs. This dynamic screen management reduces clutter and difficulty by allowing flexible reorganization, improving ease of operation without permanently increasing screen management complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
In a user interface method, system and device in a multitasking environment, it is possible for a user to view all of a plurality of simultaneously executed applications by assigning different display areas to the plurality of applications. In the method, system and device, priorities of applications already being executed and of additional applications for which execution is requested are determined, and a display area size is determined and assigned to each application according to its priority. The system comprises a set-top box for performing the latter functions and a user terminal for transmitting a user request, while the device comprises a control unit for performing the latter functions.