Side-Touch Interface Switching on Foldable Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional interface switching methods on electronic devices with curved or foldable screens are not intuitive and user-friendly, particularly when using a single hand, affecting user experience.
Innovation Solution
Implement a side touch area on foldable or curved displays, allowing users to switch interfaces through touch operations on the side area, adapting to user habits and enhancing convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a virtual key or entity key is disposed at the lower part of the screen for interface switching, then the interface switching function can be implemented, but the intelligence is low and user experience is affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the touch area from the traditional lower part of the screen (2D plane) to the side edge of the display (introducing a third dimension/side dimension). This dimensional change allows the interface switching function to be triggered by touching the side edge, making it more intelligent and improving user experience by providing a more natural and ergonomic interaction method.
2Ease of operation
If the side touch area is used for interface switching on foldable displays, then user experience is improved and user habits are adapted, but the display structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The side touch area on the foldable display serves multiple functions: it can be used for interface switching, as a flexible display area, and for various touch operations. By making this area multi-functional, the patent improves user convenience without requiring additional separate components, thus managing the complexity effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The side touch area is designed to be flexible and adaptable to different folding states of the display. When the display is folded, the side touch area can be positioned on the folded edge; when unfolded, it can be positioned on the boundary area. This dynamic positioning adapts to user habits and improves convenience while utilizing the inherent flexibility of the foldable display structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the third display area is used to include the side touch area when folded, then each area on the foldable display is properly used, but the touch area positioning becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The display is divided into multiple display areas (first, second, and third display areas), with the side touch area specifically positioned in the third display area when folded. This segmentation allows each area to have a specific function: the first and second areas for main content display, and the third area for side touch operations. This structured segmentation improves display area utilization while managing positioning complexity through clear functional division.
Data Source
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AI summary
This application provides an interface switching method and an electronic device. The method is applied to the electronic device, the electronic device has a display and a side touch area, and the method includes: when a first interface is displayed on the display, detecting a touch operation performed in the side touch area, and switching the first interface to a second interface for displaying on the display in response to the touch operation. In the solutions provided in the embodiments of this application, user interfaces can be switched by using the operation detected in the side touch area of the electronic device. This is relatively intelligent and facilitates a user operation, so that user experience can be improved.