Window Switching via Drag-to-Response Region Gesture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing window switching methods in smart terminals require multiple complex operations to transition between full-screen, split-screen, and small-window modes, leading to low operation efficiency and poor user experience.

Innovation Solution

A window switching method that detects a continuous touch and drag operation to a preset hot zone on the screen, allowing for seamless transitions between different display modes, such as split-screen or small-window modes, by dragging an application window to a corresponding hot zone.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional multi-step operations are used to switch window modes, then the switching process is stable and reliable, but the operation efficiency is low and user experience is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewindow switching efficiencyVSAvoidoperation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The screen is divided into multiple response regions (first response region, second response region, third response region) corresponding to different window modes. Each region independently triggers a specific mode when the application window is dragged to it, enabling parallel operation paths for different switching scenarios without interfering with each other.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-sets multiple response regions and their corresponding window modes before user interaction. When the user drags the application window, the system has already prepared the target states (full-screen, split-screen, small-window modes) in advance, allowing immediate transition without requiring sequential selection steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If multiple continuous operations are required for window mode switching, then precise mode selection is achieved, but the switching time increases and efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemode switching speedVSAvoidswitching operation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple response regions and their corresponding window modes are pre-configured on the screen. The system prepares the target states in advance, so when the user completes a drag operation to any response region, the corresponding mode transition can occur immediately without requiring additional selection steps or time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows the user to skip the traditional multi-step process (entering multi-task interface, tapping to open options, selecting mode) by directly dragging the application window to the desired response region. This shortcuts the operation path and achieves mode switching in a single continuous gesture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #21Skipping (Rushing through)

3Ease of operation

If a single continuous gesture is used for window switching, then operation efficiency is improved, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegesture simplicityVSAvoidsystem structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The screen is divided into multiple response regions (first response region for full-screen mode, second response region for split-screen mode, third response region for small-window mode). Each region is independently configured and triggered by a single drag gesture, allowing the system to handle complex mode switching through simple spatial segmentation rather than complex operational logic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The same drag gesture operation (dragging the application window) serves multiple functions depending on the target response region. A single gesture type can trigger different window modes based on where the user drags the window, eliminating the need for different gesture types for different modes and simplifying the user interface.

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

Data Source

PatentEP4414833B1Window switching method, electronic device, and readable storage medium
Publication Date: 2026.04.22 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP4414833B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1c
  • EP4414833B1 patent drawingFigure 1d
  • EP4414833B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2c

AI summary

This application relates to the field of smart terminal technologies, and specifically, to a window switching method, an electronic device, and a readable storage medium. The method includes: detecting a first touch operation of a user, and displaying a first interface, where the first interface includes a first identifier and at least one application window, the first identifier is displayed in a first response region, the first response region is located in a display region corresponding to the first interface, the at least one application window includes a first application window, and an interface of a first application is displayed in the first application window; and detecting a first drag operation, and displaying the first application window in a first mode, where the first drag operation includes an operation of dragging the first application window to the first response region, and the first touch operation and the first drag operation are one continuous operation. According to the solutions provided in this application, a one-step split-screen operation or a one-step small-window operation can be implemented, and operation steps of switching a window display mode by the user is simplified. This is fast and convenient, and helps improve user experience.