Modular Widget Segmentation for Resource Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices with graphical user interfaces face resource wastage due to multiple widgets performing similar functions, leading to increased battery drain and processing requirements, as they often communicate with the internet and access redundant resources.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for creating modular widgets that allow users to select and combine portions of widgets, enabling the creation of custom widgets by separating, moving, and reassembling modules, thereby deactivating unused resources and optimizing resource usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple widgets are used to provide different functions on the display, then the functionality and versatility of the device is improved, but the resource consumption and battery drain increase due to redundant operations and internet communications

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewidget functionalityVSAvoidbattery consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides a widget into multiple independent modules, each performing a specific function. Users can select and activate only the modules they need, rather than running entire widgets that contain all possible functions. This segmentation allows the system to load and execute only the necessary code and resources for each active module, reducing overall resource consumption and battery drain while maintaining the versatility to provide different functions through module组合

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal widget framework where a single widget container can hold multiple modules with different functions. Instead of creating separate widgets for each function, the system uses one universal widget structure that can dynamically load and unload different modules based on user needs. This multi-functionality approach reduces redundancy by sharing common resources (like the widget container, event handlers, and base functionality) across multiple modules, thereby reducing battery consumption while maintaining versatility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple widgets access resources simultaneously, then the device provides comprehensive functionality, but the processing requirements and resource contention increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource access capabilityVSAvoidprocessing requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting widgets into modules, the patent reduces processing requirements because each module is smaller and more focused. The system can load modules on-demand rather than loading entire widgets, reducing memory usage and processing overhead. Resource access is managed at the module level, allowing for more granular control and reduced contention compared to full widgets accessing resources simultaneously

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts individual functional modules from their parent widgets, allowing these modules to be managed independently. This extraction enables the system to separate resource-intensive operations into individual modules that can be loaded only when needed, rather than having all widgets and their resources loaded simultaneously. This reduces processing requirements and resource contention while maintaining the capability to access diverse resources through selected modules

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of operation

If users can customize widget configurations, then the ease of operation and user satisfaction improve, but the device complexity and development difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser customization capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent simplifies user customization by presenting modular components that users can easily select, add, remove, and rearrange. This segmentation into discrete modules makes the customization process more intuitive and manageable compared to configuring monolithic widgets. The system complexity is managed by providing pre-defined modules with clear interfaces, reducing the burden on users while enabling extensive customization capabilities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic module management where the widget configuration can be changed at runtime without requiring full widget reinitialization. Users can add, remove, or rearrange modules dynamically, and the system adapts by loading or unloading modules as needed. This dynamic approach enhances ease of operation by allowing flexible reconfiguration while managing system complexity through efficient module lifecycle management and resource allocation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If entire widgets are loaded and executed, then the functionality is complete, but the resource wastage occurs due to unused modules continuing to operate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewidget functionalityVSAvoidresource wastage
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments widgets into modules so that only the modules corresponding to active functions are loaded and executed. When a user needs a specific function, only the relevant module is instantiated and run, rather than loading the entire widget with all its functions. This segmentation eliminates resource wastage by ensuring that unused modules remain unloaded and do not consume processing power, memory, or battery, while maintaining complete functionality through on-demand module loading

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts individual modules from their parent widgets and manages them independently. This extraction allows the system to load only the specific modules that are currently needed, rather than loading entire widgets. Unused modules are not loaded into memory or executed, eliminating the resource wastage that occurs when entire widgets are loaded and run regardless of whether all their functions are needed. The extracted modules can be loaded on-demand based on user interaction or system requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS11269500B2Method and system for modular widgets in smart devices
Publication Date: 2022.03.08 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US11269500B2 patent drawing
  • US11269500B2 patent drawing
  • US11269500B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An electronic device, a method and computer readable medium for widget modification are disclosed. The method includes receiving a first input to modify a widget that includes at least two modules, the widget accesses resources of the electronic device. The method also includes in response to receiving the first input, separating the widget into the at least two modules. The method further includes receiving a second input to move one of the modules to a new location on a display of the electronic device. The method additionally includes in response to the second input, moving the one module to the new location on the display.