Orientation-Based Application Launch on Consumer Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Consumer electronic devices require cumbersome processes to unlock and launch application programs, especially when many applications are installed, as users must navigate menus to find and execute desired programs, which is time-consuming and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
The device uses an orientation sensor, such as an accelerometer, to detect its orientation and automatically launch a predefined application program when unlocked, associating specific applications with unique device orientations, thereby eliminating the need for users to navigate menus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the device uses a traditional unlock and menu navigation process to launch applications, then users can access any application, but the process is cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by detecting device orientation before the unlock process completes. The controller identifies the orientation state and prepares to launch the corresponding application automatically, so that when the device is unlocked, the application launches immediately without requiring user navigation through menus or screens.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service by automatically launching applications based on detected device orientation. The controller monitors orientation sensors and autonomously determines which application to launch based on pre-configured orientation-app associations, eliminating the need for user intervention in the application selection process.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the device presents a desktop with multiple application icons, then users can select any application, but finding and launching the desired application becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts the application selection function from the traditional graphical interface. Instead of requiring users to visually search through icons on a desktop or home screen, the system extracts selection logic and replaces it with automatic detection of device orientation and corresponding application launch, simplifying the user interaction while maintaining access to multiple applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The unlock control serves multiple functions: it traditionally unlocks the device and displays the desktop, but now it also functions as an application launcher based on device orientation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate navigation steps while maintaining the ability to access various applications.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution streamlines the process of unlocking and launching applications by directly executing the associated program based on device orientation, reducing the time and effort required to access frequently used programs.
Implementation Method 1
an orientation sensor, such as an accelerometer
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3
AI summary
A consumer electronic device has an orientation sensor and a lock control. The orientation sensor outputs signals identifying the orientation of the device, while the lock control to allow a user to move the device from a locked state to an unlocked state. The device also includes a plurality of application programs stored in memory. Responsive to the user unlocking the device, a controller will launch a selected application program. Which application is launched by the device is based on an orientation of the device.