Unified Desktop Docking Rules for Handheld Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Handheld computing devices with single touch screen displays face challenges in balancing display graphics and input areas, leading to user frustration due to visual clutter and limited screen space, and lack integration of functionality with larger computing systems when connected.
Innovation Solution
A dual multi-display handheld device that provides a unified desktop across its screens and a connected peripheral display, integrating handheld and PC functionalities, allowing seamless interaction and displaying different applications and information in various formats across multiple screens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a virtual keypad or user interface is superimposed on the display, then input functionality is provided, but display space is reduced and visual clutter increases
Solution Approach 1:
The display is segmented into multiple independent display areas (first display area and second display area) that can show different content simultaneously. The first display area shows application content while the second display area shows user interface elements like virtual keypads, allowing both to coexist without competing for the same space.
Solution Approach 2:
The user interface is moved from being superimposed on top of the display (2D overlay) to being displayed in a separate spatial dimension (second display area). This dimensional separation eliminates the visual clutter problem while maintaining full input functionality.
2Area of stationary object
If application content is displayed on the full screen, then display area is maximized, but input area space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The screen is divided into two distinct display areas: the first display area for application content and the second display area for user interface elements. This segmentation allows both content display and input functionality to have adequate space without one compromising the other.
3Area of stationary object
If handheld device connects to PC, then display area is expanded, but functionality integration is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The handheld device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate as a standalone device with full functionality, or connect to a PC to form a unified system. The device maintains its own processing capabilities and can function independently while also integrating with external systems when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system configuration is dynamic and adaptable. The handheld device can switch between standalone mode and integrated mode with PC, adjusting its operational characteristics based on the connection state. This allows the system to optimize functionality for different usage scenarios.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and devices for selectively presenting a user interface or “desktop” across two devices are provided. More particularly, a unified desktop is presented across a device and a computer system that comprise a unified system. The unified desktop acts as a single user interface that presents data and receives user interaction in a seamless environment that emulates a personal computing environment. To function within the personal computing environment, the unified desktop includes a process for docking and undocking the device with the computer system. The unified desktop presents desktops or windows based on a set of pre-determined rules.