Multitasking Window State Control via Multimodal Input

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Solution Overview

Problem

In a multitasking environment, multimodal interface-based inputs often unintentionally change the state of windows, leading to user inputs being misapplied, as intended inputs may not reach the correct application due to unintended changes in foreground or background states of application windows.

Innovation Solution

A method for controlling the state of windows in a multitasking environment, where user inputs are processed based on multimodal interfaces, ensuring that inputs are correctly applied by determining specific conditions to maintain or change the state of windows according to user intent, using a processor to manage the execution of applications and their respective windows.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multimodal interface-based inputs are processed in a multitasking environment, then multiple simultaneous controls are possible, but the state of windows may be unintentionally changed causing inputs to be applied to wrong applications

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemultimodal interface capabilityVSAvoidinput application accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system determines whether to change the window state before processing the input, by checking if the input type corresponds to a background application. This preliminary check prevents unintended window state changes that would cause inputs to be applied to wrong applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides feedback by determining the current window state and comparing it with the intended target application state. Based on this feedback, the system adjusts the window state management to ensure inputs are applied to the correct application, resolving the reliability issue.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If a window is changed to foreground state upon receiving input, then the input can be processed by the intended application, but other windows are changed to background state which may cause re-changing of states

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinput processingVSAvoidwindow state stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies preliminary anti-action by preventing window state changes when the input is intended for a background application. By checking the correspondence between input type and application state beforehand, the system avoids unnecessary window state transitions that would cause instability and re-changing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Device complexity

If keyboard input is always applied to foreground window, then simple input handling is achieved, but user intent may be ignored when input should go to background application

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinput handling mechanismVSAvoiduser intent recognition
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements dynamic input routing by making the input handling behavior adaptable based on the current window state and input type. When the current window is in background state and corresponds to the input type, the system dynamically routes the input to the appropriate application, maintaining both simplicity and user intent recognition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3625659B1Method for controlling display and electronic device supporting the same
Publication Date: 2024.09.25 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3625659B1 patent drawingFigure 1a
  • EP3625659B1 patent drawingFigure 1b
  • EP3625659B1 patent drawingFigure 1c

AI summary

An electronic device is configured to support a multitasking environment, the electronic device comprises a communication circuit configured to communicate with at least one external device; a microphone configured to receive voice input; a memory storing a plurality of application programs; a display configured to output a plurality of virtual windows as the plurality of application programs are executed and at least one processor electrically connected with the communication circuit, the microphone, the memory, and the display, wherein the processor is configured to execute the plurality of application programs.