Universal Back Navigation Context Transition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Desktop computers and immersive devices lack universal back navigation functionality, making it difficult to transition between in-application and cross-application contexts, especially when multiple windows are open, leading to inefficiencies and increased error rates in navigation.
Innovation Solution
Implementing universal back navigation that determines the context based on user intent, allowing for seamless transitions between in-application and cross-application contexts using a single universal back button or functionality, which can perform back operations within designated contexts, including historical navigation stacks and system-owned surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If application-specific back buttons are used in each window, then users can undo operations within individual applications, but users cannot efficiently navigate across multiple applications or switch contexts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal back button that can function in multiple contexts: as an application-specific back button when within a single application, and as a cross-application navigation button when switching between applications. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate navigation mechanisms for different contexts, resolving the contradiction between navigation efficiency and system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single universal back button is implemented, then cross-application navigation becomes possible, but the ability to perform application-specific undo operations may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the back button's functionality dynamic rather than static. The button automatically adapts its behavior based on the current context: it performs application-specific undo operations when the user is within a single application, and performs cross-application navigation when the user needs to switch applications. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between versatility and reliability by ensuring the correct function is always performed in the correct context.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback to determine the appropriate back button functionality by monitoring the current application state and window context. This feedback mechanism allows the system to automatically select whether to perform an undo operation or cross-application navigation, ensuring reliable functionality while maintaining adaptability to different user needs.
3Ease of operation
If context determination is added to the back button functionality, then seamless transitions between in-application and cross-application contexts are enabled, but processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary context determination by maintaining awareness of the current application state and window context before the back button is activated. By pre-establishing the contextual framework and having the system ready to recognize the appropriate mode (in-application or cross-application), the processing required at the moment of button activation is minimized, resolving the contradiction between smooth context transitions and processor cycle consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are described herein that are capable of providing universal back navigation for multiple windows. Universal back navigation allows universal back functionality to transition between operating in an in-application context and a cross-application context. In the in-application context, operation of the universal back functionality is restricted to functionality of an application (e.g., a single application) to which user instructions are to be currently directed by default. In the cross-application context, operation of the universal back functionality is not restricted to functionality of the application to which user instructions are to be currently directed by default.