Touchscreen Multi-Window Layout for Drag-and-Drop App Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing touch devices with small screens can only display one application view at a time, limiting the efficient use of multiple applications.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for a touch device that splits the screen into at least two windows, allowing simultaneous display and execution of multiple applications, with adjustable layouts and user-friendly controls for window management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If only one application view is displayed at a time on touch devices with small screens, then the display is simple and easy to manage, but the efficiency of using multiple applications is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of managing application displayVSAvoidefficiency of using multiple applications
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the single display screen into multiple independent window regions, allowing different applications to be displayed simultaneously in separate segments. This segmentation enables users to view and interact with multiple applications at once, resolving the contradiction between simple display management and multi-application efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If pop-up windows are used to display additional applications, then multiple applications can be accessed, but user convenience is hindered due to limited screen space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to access multiple applicationsVSAvoiduser convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple application views into a unified multi-window display environment where applications share the main screen space. Instead of using separate pop-up windows that limit screen real estate, the system combines multiple views in a coordinated manner, allowing users to access multiple applications while maintaining full screen utilization and operational convenience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If the screen is split into multiple windows to display multiple applications, then multitasking efficiency is improved, but the complexity of window management increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemultitasking efficiencyVSAvoidcomplexity of window management
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic window management where window sizes, positions, and configurations can be automatically adjusted based on application types, user preferences, or current task requirements. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to different multitasking scenarios, improving efficiency while reducing the perceived complexity through automated adjustments rather than manual configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3493042B1Method and apparatus for executing applications in a touch device
Publication Date: 2026.04.29 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3493042B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3493042B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3493042B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method of executing applications in a touch device and a corresponding touch device. The method comprises: displaying an execution screen of a first application as a full screen window on a touch screen; displaying a tray including an execution icon corresponding to a second application according to a user input while the execution screen of the first application continues to be displayed as the full screen window; receiving an input selecting the execution icon corresponding to the second application, dragging the selected execution icon within the touch screen and releasing the execution icon in a portion of the touch screen while the execution screen of the first application continues to be displayed as the full screen window; configuring a multi-window display in which the touch screen is split into two windows according to a releasing position of the execution icon; and independently displaying execution screens of the first application and the second application in the multi-window display; wherein a window for displaying the second application execution screen of the multi-window display is located in the portion of the touch screen where the execution icon is released.