Sharing Interface Segmentation for Content Compatibility Handling

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for sharing content on electronic devices with touch-sensitive surfaces are cumbersome and inefficient, wasting energy, especially in battery-operated devices.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a method that displays a sharing interface with user-first and protocol-first options, allowing users to share content directly with other users or via selected protocols, reducing the number of steps and navigation operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional content sharing methods are used, then content can be shared between users, but the process is cumbersome and inefficient, requiring multiple navigation steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontent sharing processVSAvoidtime to share content
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-loads and displays a sharing interface with multiple sharing options (messaging apps, social media, email, etc.) before the user actually initiates sharing. This preliminary display of sharing options eliminates the need for users to navigate through multiple menus and screens, allowing them to quickly select their desired sharing method and complete the action in fewer steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If conventional content sharing methods are used, then content can be shared, but the process wastes energy, especially in battery-operated devices

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesharing efficiencyVSAvoidbattery energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

By displaying the sharing interface and options immediately when sharing is requested, the system eliminates unnecessary navigation operations and screen transitions that would consume additional energy. The user can directly select and execute the sharing action without prolonged device activation and processing, thereby reducing overall energy consumption during the sharing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional content sharing methods are used, then content sharing functionality is provided, but the interface is complex and places cognitive burden on users

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesharing options availabilityVSAvoidsharing interface complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sharing interface is segmented into distinct sections, each representing a different sharing method or destination (messaging apps, social media platforms, email, etc.). This segmentation allows users to quickly scan and identify their desired sharing option without being overwhelmed by a monolithic complex interface. Each segment is clearly delineated and can be independently selected, simplifying the user's cognitive processing while maintaining comprehensive sharing capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3843020A1Device, method, and graphical user interface for sharing content from a respective application
Publication Date: 2021.06.30 APPLE INC
  • EP3843020A1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3843020A1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3843020A1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A method performed at an electronic device that includes a display, the method comprising: while displaying a user interface for a first application on the display, receiving a sharing request to share respective content with the electronic device that was initiated by another device, wherein the respective content is not compatible with the first application; in response to receiving the sharing request, to share the respective content that is not compatible with the first application, while displaying the user interface for the first application: displaying a sharing confirmation dialog that includes a plurality of options for responding to the sharing request; detecting activation, by a user of the electronic device, of a respective option of the plurality of options for responding to the sharing request; in accordance with a determination that the respective option is an option to accept the sharing request, identifying one or more applications that are compatible with the respective content and performing a preparatory operation that prepares the electronic device to display the respective content on the display using an application that is compatible with the respective content; andin accordance with a determination that the respective option is an option to deny the sharing request, canceling sharing of the respective content with the electronic device and returning to the user interface for the first application.