Touch-Sensitive App Store Interfaces for Faster App Browsing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices face inefficiencies in browsing and downloading applications, leading to increased user interaction time and battery consumption, particularly in battery-operated devices.

Innovation Solution

Implementing touch-sensitive interfaces and intelligent user interfaces that streamline application browsing and downloading processes, utilizing touch-sensitive displays and sensors to reduce redundant user inputs and optimize processor and battery usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If traditional application browsing and downloading interfaces are used, then users can access and download applications, but user interaction time increases and battery consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser interaction timeVSAvoiduser interaction efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-loads application information, icons, and metadata into memory before the user actually requests them. When a user browses the app store, the applications are already prepared and ready for immediate display, eliminating loading delays and reducing the time users spend waiting during interaction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The interface dynamically adapts its behavior based on user interaction patterns. The system monitors which applications are frequently viewed or selected and optimizes the display layout, pre-loads related applications, and adjusts the interface responsiveness to minimize interaction time for commonly used functions while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Use of energy by moving object

If traditional application browsing and downloading processes are used, then applications can be downloaded, but processor power consumption increases and battery power is depleted faster

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessor power consumptionVSAvoidapplication download efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of loading complete application packages immediately, the system loads only essential metadata, icons, and basic information into memory. The actual application data is loaded on-demand when users initiate downloads or installations. This partial loading approach significantly reduces processor power consumption during browsing while maintaining download efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The system optimizes memory allocation and processing power distribution based on local conditions. Frequently accessed application categories receive more aggressive pre-loading, while less accessed areas use minimal resources. The interface dynamically adjusts quality of service for different application types, ensuring efficient processor utilization without compromising overall download productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If comprehensive application information is displayed to help users make informed decisions, then user experience improves, but interface complexity and cognitive burden increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser experience qualityVSAvoidinterface complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The application information is segmented into hierarchical levels: basic information (icon, name, rating) is always visible, detailed information (screenshots, descriptions, reviews) is available on-demand through expanded views or separate panels. This segmentation allows users to access comprehensive information when needed while maintaining a clean, simple interface for routine browsing, thereby improving user experience without permanently increasing interface complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3612919B1User interfaces for downloading applications on an electronic device
Publication Date: 2025.10.22 APPLE INC
  • EP3612919B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3612919B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3612919B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

In some embodiments, an electronic device presents information about, and facilitates downloading of, featured applications in an app store application. In some embodiments, an electronic device facilitates browsing of applications and games by category. In some embodiments, an electronic device facilitates presentation of information about in-app purchases for a game or application in an app store application. In some embodiments, an electronic device facilitates the purchase of in- app purchases for the games or applications that are available on the electronic device. In some embodiments, an electronic device facilitates the download/purchase of games, applications and/or in-app purchases from outside of an app store application that is for browsing such content available on the electronic device. In some embodiments, an electronic device autoplays media content corresponding to applications (e.g., games, non-game applications, etc.) in an app store application so as to facilitate the ordered presentation of the media content to the user.