Split View Application Switching via Gesture Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional portable terminals face difficulties in seamlessly switching between applications while maintaining a split view, requiring complex key or touch interactions and inefficient window management.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that allow users to switch applications by detecting a long tap with two fingers, reducing application sizes, displaying candidate applications, and moving them based on drag direction, enabling seamless switching within a split view without losing the split view layout.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional split view switching methods are used, then application switching is achieved, but the split view layout is lost and complex escape operations are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication switching operationVSAvoidtime to switch applications
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system prepares candidate application thumbnails in advance within the split view interface. When the user performs a swipe gesture, the selected candidate application is immediately activated without requiring escape to full-screen mode or additional navigation steps, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and time loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces thumbnail previews of candidate applications as an intermediary element within the split view. These thumbnails serve as a mediation mechanism that allows users to switch applications directly from the split view without fully exiting it, eliminating the need for complex escape operations and reducing switching time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If fixed 1/2 split view is used, then two applications are displayed simultaneously, but switching to other applications requires escaping the split view

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication display capabilityVSAvoidapplication switching operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from a static fixed 1/2 split view to a dynamic interface where candidate application thumbnails can be swiped through and selected. This dynamic interaction allows application switching while maintaining the split view structure, improving ease of operation without sacrificing adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds a temporal dimension to the split view by introducing swipeable candidate thumbnails that appear in sequence. This dimensional enhancement allows users to navigate through multiple application options within the existing split view framework, eliminating the need to escape for switching while maintaining versatile application display.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If PC-like Free Style window is used, then multiple applications are accumulated, but switching requires window removal and complex operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-application managementVSAvoidwindow management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system extracts the essential function of application switching from complex window management operations. By presenting candidate applications as selectable thumbnails within the split view, it separates the switching function from the need to manipulate full windows, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining multi-application adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates simplified copies (thumbnails) of candidate applications that can be selected without manipulating the full application windows. These thumbnail copies enable straightforward switching operations while the actual application windows remain managed in the background, reducing the complexity of visible window management operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

4Productivity

If conventional application switching is performed, then application switching is achieved, but the split view state cannot be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication switching efficiencyVSAvoidsplit view layout stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

Candidate application thumbnails are prepared in advance within the split view interface. When selected via swipe gesture, the switching action is executed immediately while the split view layout remains intact, thereby maintaining layout stability and improving switching efficiency simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The candidate thumbnail serves as an intermediary that enables application switching without disrupting the split view composition. By interacting with the thumbnail rather than directly switching applications, the system maintains the visual stability of the split view while achieving efficient application switching.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2717145B1Apparatus and method for switching split view in portable terminal
Publication Date: 2022.11.09 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP2717145B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2717145B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2717145B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method of displaying a view in a portable terminal includes: displaying a plurality of applications as a split view corresponding to a split display region of a display unit; reducing and displaying an application of the split view and switchable candidate applications in a switch mode; displaying an application selected from the candidate applications and changing an application displayed on the split view in a previous state to the candidate application; and enlarging and displaying the split view when the switch mode is terminated.