Orientation-Based Application Switching for Mobile Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users of mobile electronic devices must manually select and configure applications and rotate their devices to change between different graphic output orientations, leading to an inconvenient user experience.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device with an orientation sensor and processor that automatically switches between applications based on device orientation, allowing users to change graphic output modes without manual input by detecting changes in orientation and pausing/resuming applications accordingly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual selection and configuration of applications is required to switch between different graphic output orientations, then application control precision is improved, but user operation convenience deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser operation convenienceVSAvoidmanual configuration steps

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects device orientation changes and launches the appropriate application without requiring manual user input. The processor monitors orientation sensor data and autonomously determines which application to launch based on the detected orientation, making the system self-serve the user's needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-configures multiple applications to handle different orientation scenarios. Before the user needs to switch applications, the system has already prepared the appropriate application for each orientation, allowing immediate launch when the orientation changes, eliminating the need for manual configuration at the moment of switching.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If automatic application switching based on orientation is implemented, then user operation convenience is improved, but control precision over application selection deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplication switching convenienceVSAvoidapplication selection flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adapts application selection based on real-time orientation detection. Instead of a fixed application assignment, the system continuously monitors device orientation and launches different applications according to the current orientation state, providing both automatic convenience and adaptability to user needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational parameter of application selection based on the detected orientation parameter. When the orientation sensor detects a change in device orientation, the system adjusts which application is launched, creating a flexible mapping between orientation parameters and application choices that maintains both automation and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If multiple applications are automatically launched based on orientation changes, then orientation-specific graphic output is improved, but system response time deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveorientation-specific output reliabilityVSAvoidapplication launch time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-loads and pre-configures multiple applications in memory before they are needed. When an orientation change occurs, the pre-prepared application is already ready to launch immediately, eliminating the time penalty of initializing applications on-demand and ensuring reliable orientation-specific output without significant time loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system maintains continuous monitoring of orientation sensor data and keeps potential candidate applications in a ready state. This continuous preparation ensures that when an orientation change occurs, the transition to the appropriate application is seamless and rapid, maintaining both reliability and responsiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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

Enables seamless switching between applications optimized for different orientations, enhancing user convenience by eliminating the need for manual configuration and input, while ensuring continuous operation of multimedia content.

Implementation Method 1

detecting a change in orientation of the electronic device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS8810512B2Methods of launching applications responsive to device orientation and related electronic devices

Publication Date: 2014.08.19 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

A method of operating an electronic device may include providing first graphic output of a first application on a display. Responsive to detecting a change in orientation of the electronic device, providing second graphic output of a second application may be automatically provided on the display. Related devices are also discussed.