Touch Screen Border Regions for Intuitive Application Switching
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional user interfaces for computer systems are inadequate in non-traditional environments, such as televisions and refrigerators, as they require technically savvy users and are not intuitive for switching between applications.
Innovation Solution
A touch screen interface with border regions that allow intuitive switching between applications, enabling users to access multiple applications by cycling through them using the same interface elements and passing data between applications by moving representations of data objects between border regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional desktop computer interface is duplicated on a touch screen, then the interface can be used in non-traditional environments, but the interface remains complex and not intuitive for users
Solution Approach 1:
The interface is segmented into a central display region and peripheral border regions. The border regions are further segmented to represent different applications, allowing users to access multiple applications through intuitive peripheral touches rather than navigating complex menus in the central region.
Solution Approach 2:
The border regions serve multiple functions: they act as visual indicators of available applications, serve as touch targets for application selection, and dynamically update to reflect the current application context. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate controls for each function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple applications are made accessible simultaneously, then application switching capability is improved, but the interface complexity and number of controls increase
Solution Approach 1:
The interface transitions from a two-dimensional flat display to a three-dimensional spatial arrangement where applications are positioned in peripheral border regions around the central display. This spatial dimensionality allows multiple applications to be accessed simultaneously without increasing the complexity of the central display area.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of placing application controls in the traditional central display area, the patent inverts the approach by positioning application access points in the peripheral border regions. This inversion allows the main content area to remain clean and focused while application switching occurs through intuitive peripheral interactions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If data transfer between applications is enabled through the interface, then application interoperability is improved, but the complexity of data management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The border regions act as intermediaries between applications, facilitating data transfer without requiring direct interaction between application interfaces. Users can drag and drop data objects through the border region, which mediates the transfer process and manages the complexity of inter-application communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface enables self-service data transfer between applications through intuitive drag-and-drop operations. The system automatically handles the complexity of data formatting, validation, and transfer protocols, allowing users to perform data exchange without needing to understand the underlying data management mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
Detailed herein is a technology which, among other things, provides a touch screen interface for computer system which allows intuitive switching between several applications. In one approach to this technology, a touch screen display is used to display an interface for an application. A touch sensitive border region is defined at the edge of this display, and is associated with another application. Receiving input at the touch sensitive border region causes the touch screen display to display the interface for the second application.