FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] The embodiments herein generally relate to portable electronic devices and more particularly to portable electronic devices with touch surfaces that are configured to provide User Interface (UI) for quick user access to multiple mini applications.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 5
[0002] Portable electronic devices such as smart phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and tablets have become popular and ubiquitous. The touch-sensitive surfaces in the portable electronic devices are typically used as an input means to interact with the electronic device. Exemplary touch-sensitive surfaces include touch pads and touch screen displays. Such 10 surfaces are widely used to select, launch, and manage applications in the electronic device.
[0003] Generally, the portable electronic devices have limited display screen and the UI surface area due to which managing and switching between the applications in the electronic devices are 15 cumbersome and inefficient. For example, to perform even a basic action in a portable electronic device such as a smart phone, a user always has to open a full application. Thus, the user needs to keep on switching between different applications to perform certain tasks. This situation creates a significant cognitive burden on the user. 20
[0004] For example, if the user is interested to initiate a call to a contact with which the user has recently received an incoming call, the user has to access the call application and then initiate the call. In another example, if the user is interested to send a message to the contact with which the user has recently interacted, the user has to access the message 25 application and then send the message to the person. In addition, existing methods for switching and managing various applications to perform certain tasks take longer time, thereby wasting energy and decreasing the
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overall user experience. This latter consideration is particularly important in the portable electronic device as they are battery-operated.
[0005] Thus, there is a need in the art for a robust and simple mechanism for dynamically switching and managing various applications to perform certain tasks in the portable electronic devices with touch 5 surfaces.
[0006] The above information is presented as background information only to help the reader to understand the present invention. Applicants have made no determination and make no assertion as to whether any of the above might be applicable as Prior Art with regard to 10 the present application.
OBJECT OF INVENTION
[0007] The principal object of the embodiments herein is to provide a mechanism for dynamically switching and managing various applications to perform certain tasks in portable electronic devices with touch surfaces. 15
[0008] Another object of the embodiments herein is to provide a mechanism, in portable electronic devices with touch surfaces, to provide a User Interface (UI) for quick user access to multiple mini applications.
[0009] Yet another object of the embodiments herein is to provide a mechanism for displaying a first application on a first portion of a screen of 20 an electronic device and an activity list on a second portion of the screen of the electronic device.
[0010] Yet another object of the embodiments herein is to provide a mechanism for displaying a second application corresponding to an activity on the first portion of the screen of the electronic device. The first 25 application is dynamically switched to the activity list displayed on the second portion when the second application is displayed on the first portion of the screen.
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[0011] Yet another object of the embodiments herein is to provide a mechanism for re-launching the first application on the first portion when the activity associated with the second application is completed. The second application is dynamically switched to the activity list when the first application is displayed on the first portion of the screen. 5
[0012] Yet another object of the embodiments herein is to provide a mechanism for dynamically synchronizing the first portion of the screen of the electronic device with one or more wearable devices.
SUMMARY 10
[0013] Accordingly the embodiments herein provide a method for managing applications in an electronic device. The method includes displaying, by a controller unit, a first application on a first portion of a screen of the electronic device and an activity list on a second portion of the screen of the electronic device. Further, the method includes receiving, by the controller unit, an input to launch an activity. Further, the method includes displaying, by the controller unit, a second application corresponding to the activity on the first portion of the screen of the electronic device. The first application is dynamically switched to the activity list displayed on the second portion when the second application is displayed on the first portion of the screen.
[0014] Accordingly the embodiments herein provide an electronic device for managing applications. The electronic device includes a controller unit configured to display a first application on a first portion of a screen of the electronic device and an activity list on a second portion of the screen of the electronic device. Further, the controller unit is configured to receive an input to launch an activity. Further, the controller unit is configured to display a second application corresponding to the activity on the first portion of the screen of the electronic device. The first application
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is dynamically switched to the activity list displayed on the second portion when the second application is displayed on the first portion of the screen.
[0015] Accordingly the embodiments herein provide a computer program product including a computer executable program code recorded on a computer readable non-transitory storage medium. The computer executable program code when executed causing the actions including displaying, by a controller unit, a first application on a first portion of a screen of an electronic device and an activity list on a second portion of the screen of the electronic device. Further, the computer executable program code when executed causing the actions including receiving, by the controller unit, an input to launch an activity. Further, the computer executable program code when executed causing the actions including displaying, by the controller unit, a second application corresponding to the activity on the first portion of the screen of the electronic device. The first application is dynamically switched to the activity list displayed on the second portion when the second application is displayed on the first portion of the screen.
[0016] These and other aspects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating preferred embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by 5 way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES 10
[0017] This invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, throughout which like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in the
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various figures. The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:
[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates an electronic device for dynamically switching and managing applications by dividing a screen of the electronic device into a first portion and a second portion, according to embodiments 5 as disclosed herein;
[0019] FIG. 2 illustrates various units of the electronic device for dynamically switching and managing applications, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0020] FIG. 3 illustrates various units of a controller unit in the 10 electronic device, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0021] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for dynamically switching and managing applications in the electronic device, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0022] FIG. 5 is another flow diagram illustrating a method for 15 dynamically switching and managing applications in the electronic device, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0023] FIG. 6 is another flow diagram illustrating a method for dynamically switching and managing applications in the electronic device, according to embodiments as disclosed herein; 20
[0024] FIG. 7 illustrates an example system for displaying a message application and a call application on the first portion of the screen of the electronic device, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0025] FIGS. 8a - 8c illustrate an example for launching an outgoing call activity corresponding to the call application on the first 25 portion of the screen of the electronic device, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0026] FIGS. 9a - 9d illustrate an example for dynamically switching a music application displayed on the first portion to an activity
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list in the second portion of the screen of the electronic device when an incoming call activity is displayed on the first portion, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0027] FIGS. 10a - 10c illustrate another example for dynamically switching a camera application displayed on the first portion to the activity 5 list in the second portion when a note pad application is displayed on the first portion, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0028] FIG. 11 illustrates an example for deleting the application from the activity list displayed on the second portion of the screen of the electronic device, according to embodiments as disclosed herein; 10
[0029] FIG. 12 illustrates an example to schedule the outgoing call activity corresponding to the call application from the activity list displayed on the second portion of the screen of the electronic device, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0030] FIG. 13a and FIG. 13b illustrates an example for controlling 15 a smart Television (TV) by launching a smart TV application on the first portion of the screen, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0031] FIG. 14a and FIG. 14b illustrates an example for controlling an Air condition (AC) by launching an AC application on the first portion of the screen, according to embodiments as disclosed herein; 20
[0032] FIG. 15 illustrates another example for managing a smart classroom application in the electronic device, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0033] FIG. 16 illustrates an example for dynamically synchronizing the first portion of the screen of the electronic device with a 25 watch, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0034] FIG. 17 illustrates notifications displayed on the first portion of the screen of the electronic device, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
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[0035] FIGS. 18a – 18c illustrate an example for launching a mini notepad application on the first portion and a full notepad application on the screen of the electronic device, according to embodiments as disclosed herein; and
[0036] FIG. 19 illustrates a computing environment implementing 5 the method for dynamically switching and managing applications of the electronic device, according to embodiments as disclosed herein.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
[0037] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-5 known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. Also, the various embodiments described herein are not necessarily mutually exclusive, as some embodiments can be combined with one or more other embodiments to form new embodiments. The term “or” as used herein, refers to a non-10 exclusive or, unless otherwise indicated. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein can be practiced and to further enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein. 15
[0038] The embodiments herein disclose a method and system for dynamically switching and managing various applications to perform certain tasks in portable electronic devices with touch surfaces. The method includes displaying a first application on a first portion of a screen of the electronic device and an activity list on a second portion of the screen of 20 the electronic device. The first application can be a mini application having basic actionable user controls of a full application. In an embodiment, the activity list includes at least one of recently used application, favorite applications, and notifications.
[0039] Further, the method includes receiving an input to launch an 25 activity. In an embodiment, the activity is from the activity list, where the input is received from the user on the activity from the activity list to launch the activity. In another embodiment, the activity is an incoming notification. Further, the method includes displaying a second application
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corresponding to the activity on the first portion of the screen of the electronic device. The first application is dynamically switched to the activity list displayed on the second portion when the second application is displayed on the first portion of the screen. In an embodiment, the second application can be a mini application having basic actionable user controls 5 of a full application.
[0040] Further, the method includes re-launching the first application on the first portion when the activity associated with the second application is completed. In an embodiment, the second application is dynamically switched to the activity list when the first application is 10 displayed on the first portion of the screen.
[0041] In an embodiment, the first portion of the screen of the electronic device can be dynamically synchronized with one or more wearable devices. Further, the first portion is dynamically synchronized with the wearable devices to shift current ongoing activities or upcoming 15 activities or priority tasks on a display portion of the wearable device. For example, the first portion of the screen of the electronic device can be synchronized with a smart watch.
[0042] In an embodiment, the user can drag and drop the activity corresponding to the application from the activity list on the second portion 20 to the first portion of the screen.
[0043] In an embodiment, by default, the priority activities or the favorite activities appear at the top in the activity list. In an embodiment, the user may provide ratings to the applications in the activity list. Further, the activity list can be sorted based on the rating provided by the user. In an 25 embodiment, similar applications in the activity list can be grouped or bundled together based on a context, similarity, emergency applications, or the like. Further, the screen may be modified to show Micro-level listing of the applications which form a part of the bundles.
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[0044] Further, the screen can include a toggle button, where the selected running application can be switched as per the user requirement from full application mode to the mini-application mode and vice versa. In the conventional systems and methods, the portable electronic devices have limited display screen and the UI surface area, due to which managing and 5 switching between the applications in the electronic devices is cumbersome and inefficient. For example, to perform even a basic action in a portable electronic device such as a smart phone, a user always has to open a full application. Thus, the user needs to keep on switching between different applications to perform certain tasks. This situation creates a significant 10 cognitive burden on the user.
[0045] Unlike conventional systems and methods, the user can access different applications on the screen of the electronic device from where the user can view and perform actions from the same screen. Further, the users need not switch between different applications to perform certain 15 tasks. Due to dynamic switching between the applications, the number of interactions to perform certain tasks can be considerably reduced thereby improving the overall user experience. Further, the proposed system and method can save processor power and improve speed for accessing application features. 20
[0046] In an example, consider a scenario where the first portion of the screen displaying the music application which is currently ongoing activity. The second portion of the screen includes the activity (i.e., activity imprint) corresponding to the message application, the call application, and the camera application. When the user receives any priority notification, the 25 notification will be displayed on the first portion of the screen for the time period. Further, music application which is currently ongoing activity is dynamically switched to the activity list displayed on the second portion when the notification is displayed on the first portion of the screen. The
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notification is displayed on the first portion for the time period and is dynamically switched to the activity list on the second portion. The music application is re-launched on the first portion.
[0047] Throughout the description the terms “SCREEN” and “DISPLAY SCREEN” are used interchangeably. 5
[0048] Further, the labels such as “first”, “second,” are used merely to differentiate the portions of the screen of the electronic device and do not limit the scope of the invention.
[0049] Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1 through 19, where similar reference characters denote 10 corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown preferred embodiments.
[0050] FIG. 1 illustrates an electronic device 100 for dynamically switching and managing applications in the electronic device 100, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. The electronic device 100 15 can be, for example and not limited to a laptop, a desktop computer, a mobile phone, a smart phone, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), a tablet, a phablet, a consumer electronic device, a server, or any other electronic device.
[0051] In an embodiment, the electronic device 100 includes a 20 screen 102. The screen 102 can be, for example but not limited to, divided into a first portion 102a and a second portion 102b. In an example, the first portion 102a includes a header Graphical User Interface (GUI).
[0052] Initially, the first portion 102a of the screen 102 can be configured to display default information such as time and weather in an 25 idle condition as shown in the FIG. 1. The second portion 102b of the screen 102 can be configured to display an activity list. In an embodiment, the activity list includes at least one of recently used application, favorite applications, and notifications. For example, all the attended or un-attended
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notifications received by the user’s and users’ activity are displayed on the screen of the electronic device 100 where the user can take action on the activity. The applications can be, for example but not limited to, a message application, a call application, a music application, a calendar application, a Notepad application, a calculator application, a Wi-Fi application, a 5 Bluetooth application, a reminder application, a camera application, a memo application, and any other applications. In an example, the activity list may be used to switch between actions within multiple mini applications rendered in an advance header application launcher (i.e., launcher unit). The functionalities of the launcher unit are explained in 10 conjunction with the FIG. 3.
[0053] In an embodiment, the notifications are displayed for a time period on the first portion 102a of the screen 102 and dynamically switched to the second portion 102b after the time period. The notifications can be related to a battery low condition, a missed call, a new message, earphones 15 connected or disconnected, downloading file status, a Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, brightness control, or the like. In an example, the time period can be pre-defined by the user. In another example, the time period can be dynamically determined based on a type of the notification. Further, the notifications appear in the activity list and are actionable. Acting on the 20 notification leads to the notification details either in the inline view or the full detail application of the respective notification.
[0054] In an embodiment, the electronic device 100 can be configured to display a first application on the first portion 102a of the screen 102 and the activity list on the second portion 102b of the screen 25 102. In an embodiment, the first application is a mini application having basic actionable user controls of a full application.
[0055] Further, the electronic device 100 can be configured to receive an input to launch an activity. In an embodiment, the activity is
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from the activity list, where the input is received from the user on the activity from the activity list to launch the activity. In another embodiment, the activity is an incoming notification. In an embodiment, the activity can be related to sending a message, initiating an outgoing call, capturing photos, scheduling a birthday reminder, or the like. For example, by 5 selecting the activity in the activity list displayed on the second portion, a small application window is launched on a top header part (i.e., first portion 102a) of a launcher (i.e., screen) in which the user can perform corresponding actions.
[0056] Further, the electronic device 100 can be configured to 10 display a second application corresponding to the activity on the first portion 102a of the screen 102. In an embodiment, the first application is dynamically switched to the activity list displayed on the second portion 102b when the second application is displayed on the first portion 102a of the screen 102. In an embodiment, the second application is a mini 15 application having basic actionable user controls of a full application. For example, when the second application is displayed on the header, the user can view the displayed application and can scroll through the activity list displayed on the second portion of the launcher.
[0057] Further, the electronic device 100 can be configured to re-20 launch the first application on the first portion 102a when the activity associated with the second application is completed. The second application is dynamically switched to the activity list when the first application is displayed on the first portion 102a of the screen 102. Unlike conventional systems, the user can simultaneously view the application on 25 the first portion 102a of the screen 102 and can view the activity list on the second portion 102b of the screen 102 of the electronic device 100.
[0058] In an embodiment, the first portion 102a of the screen 102 of the electronic device 100 can be dynamically synchronized with one or
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more wearable devices. Further, the first portion 102a of the screen 102 can be dynamically synchronized with the wearable devices to shift current ongoing activities or upcoming activities or priority tasks on to a display portion of the wearable device. The activity corresponding to the application can be given high priority on the basis of time, location, a prior 5 user pattern, or the like. Further, the functionalities of the electronic device 100 can be described in conjunction with the FIG. 2. Unlike conventional systems, the header GUI is provided for enabling dynamic switching of the applications while viewing from the activity list displayed on the second portion 102b of the screen 102. 10
[0059] The FIG. 1 shows a limited overview of the electronic device 100 but, it is to be understood that another embodiment is not limited thereto. Further, the electronic device 100 can include different units communicating among each other along with other hardware or software components. For example, the component can be, but not limited 15 to, a process running in the electronic device, an executable process, a thread of execution, a program, or a computer. By way of illustration, both an application running on an electronic device 100 and the electronic device can be the component.
[0060] FIG. 2 illustrates various units of the electronic device 100 20 for dynamically switching and managing applications, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the electronic device 100 includes the display screen 102, a controller unit 202, a gesture recognition unit 204, a storage unit 206, and a communication unit 208. The functionalities of the display screen 102 are explained in conjunction 25 with the FIG. 1.
[0061] Further, the controller unit 202 can be configured to display the first application on the first portion 102a of the display screen 102 and the activity list on the second portion 102b of the display screen 102. In an
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embodiment, the first application can be the mini application having basic actionable user controls of the full application. In an embodiment, the activity list includes at least one of recently used application, favorite applications, and notifications. For example, all read and unread activities are maintained in the activity list on the second portion 102b of the screen 5 102. When the user selects the activity corresponding to the application, the mini application is launched on the header of the launcher in which the user can perform corresponding actions.
[0062] In an embodiment, the notifications are displayed for the time period on the first portion 102a of the screen 102 and dynamically 10 switched to the second portion 102b after the time period. In an example, the time period can be pre-defined by the user. In another example, the time period can be dynamically determined based on the type of the notification.
[0063] Further, the gesture recognition unit 204 can be configured to recognize the input to launch the activity. In an embodiment, the activity 15 is from the activity list, where the input is received from the user on the activity from the activity list to launch the activity. In another embodiment, the activity is an incoming notification. Further, the gesture recognition unit 204 can be configured to send the recognized input to the controller unit 202. After receiving the input to launch the activity, the controller unit 202 20 can be configured to display the second application corresponding to the activity on the first portion 102a of the screen 102. The first application is dynamically switched to the activity list displayed on the second portion 102b when the second application is displayed on the first portion 102a of the screen 102. In an embodiment, the second application can be the mini 25 application having basic actionable user controls of the full application.
[0064] Further, the controller unit 202 can be configured to re-launch the first application on the first portion 102a when the activity associated with the second application is completed. In an embodiment, the
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second application is dynamically switched to the activity list when the first application is displayed on the first portion 102a of the screen 102.
[0065] In an embodiment, the controller unit 202 can be configured to dynamically synchronize the first portion 102a of the screen 102 with the wearable devices. Further, the first portion 102a can be dynamically 5 synchronized with the wearable devices to shift current ongoing activities or upcoming activities or priority tasks on to the display portion of the wearable device. Further, the functionalities of the controller unit 202 are explained in conjunction with the FIG. 3.
[0066] Further, the storage unit 206 can encompass one or more 10 memory devices of any of a variety of forms (e.g., read-only memory, random access memory, static random access memory, dynamic random access memory, or the like) and can be used by the controller unit 202 to store and retrieve data. The data that is stored by the storage unit 206 can include operating systems, applications, and informational data. Each 15 operating system includes executable code that controls basic functions of the electronic device 100, such as interaction among the various internal components, communication with external devices via the wireless transceivers or the component interface, and storage and retrieval of applications and data to and from the storage unit 206. 20
[0067] Further, the communication unit 208 can be configured to receive a notification corresponding to the application. Further, the communication unit 208 can be configured to send the current ongoing activities or upcoming activities or priority tasks to be displayed on the display portion of the wearable device. 25
[0068] The FIG. 2 shows a limited overview of the electronic device 100 but, it is to be understood that another embodiment is not limited thereto. Further, the electronic device 100 can include different units communicating among each other along with other hardware or
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software components. For example, the component can be, but not limited to, a process running in the electronic device 100, an executable process, a thread of execution, a program, or a computer. By way of illustration, both an application running on an electronic device 100 and the electronic device 100 can be the component. 5
[0069] FIG. 3 shows various units of the controller unit 202 in the electronic device 100, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the controller unit 202 includes an activity list manager 302, an input unit 304, a switching unit 306, a monitoring unit 308, and a launcher unit 310. 10
[0070] The activity list manager unit 302 can be configured to include the activity list displayed on the second portion 102b of the screen 102. The activity list includes at least one of recently used application, favorite applications, and notifications. Further, the input unit 304 can be configured to receive the input to launch the activity. In an embodiment, 15 the activity is from the activity list, where the input is received from the user on the activity from the activity list to launch the activity. In another embodiment, the activity is the incoming notification. In an embodiment, the input can be the gesture performed by the user on the activity from the activity list on the second portion 102b. Further, the input unit 304 can be 20 configured to send the input to the switching unit 306. After receiving the input from the input unit 304, the switching unit 306 can be configured to dynamically switch the first application which is currently displayed on the first portion 102a to the activity list on the second portion 102b. Further, the switching unit 306 can be configured to send the second application 25 corresponding to the activity to be launched on the first portion 102a of the screen 102 to the launcher unit 310. After receiving a request to launch the second application corresponding to the activity, the launcher unit 310 can be configured to display the second application corresponding to the
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activity on the first portion 102a of the screen 102 of the electronic device 100.
[0071] Further, the monitoring unit 308 can be configured to monitor if the activity associated with the second application is completed. If the activity associated with the second application is completed, then the 5 switching unit 306 can be configured to dynamically switch the second application to the activity list when the first application is displayed on the first portion 102a of the screen 102. Further, the launcher unit 310 can be configured to automatically free the memory of the launched second application once the activity corresponding to the second application is 10 completed.
[0072] The FIG. 3 shows a limited overview of the controller unit 202 but, it is to be understood that another embodiment is not limited thereto. Further, the controller unit 202 can include different units communicating among each other along with other hardware or software 15 components.
[0073] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating a method 400 for dynamically switching and managing applications in the electronic device 100, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. At step 402, the method 400 includes displaying the first application on the first portion 20 102a of the screen 102 of the electronic device 100 and the activity list on the second portion 102b of the screen 102 of the electronic device 100. The method 400 allows the controller unit 202 to display the first application on the first portion 102a of the screen 102 and the activity list on the second portion 102b of the screen 102. In an embodiment, the first application can 25 be the mini application having basic actionable user controls of the full application.
[0074] In an embodiment, the activity list includes at least one of recently used application, favorite applications, and notifications. The
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applications can be, for example but not limited to, the message application, the call application, the music application, the calendar application, the Notepad application, the calculator application, the Wi-Fi application, the Bluetooth application, the reminder application, the camera application, the memo application, and any other applications. 5
[0075] In an embodiment, the notifications are displayed for the time period on the first portion 102a of the screen 102 and dynamically switched to the second portion 102b after the time period. The notifications can be related to the battery low condition, the missed call, the new message, earphones connected or disconnected, downloading file status, the 10 Wi-Fi, the Bluetooth, brightness control, or the like. In an example, the time period can be pre-defined by the user. In another example, the time period can be dynamically determined based on the type of the notification.
[0076] At step 404, the method 400 includes receiving the input to launch the activity. In an embodiment, the activity is from the activity list, 15 where the input is received from the user on the activity from the activity list to launch the activity. In another embodiment, the activity is the incoming notification. In an embodiment, the activity can be related to sending the message, initiating the outgoing call, capturing photos, scheduling the birthday reminder, or the like. The method 400 allows the 20 controller unit 202 to receive the input to launch the activity.
[0077] At step 406, the method 400 includes displaying the second application corresponding to the activity on the first portion 102a of the screen 102 of the electronic device 100. The method 400 allows the controller unit 202 to display the second application corresponding to the 25 activity on the first portion 102a of the screen 102. In an embodiment, the second application can be a mini application having basic actionable user controls of a full application.
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[0078] At step 408, the method 400 includes dynamically switching the first application to the activity list displayed on the second portion 102b when the second application is displayed on the first portion 102a of the screen 102. The method 400 allows the controller unit 202 to dynamically switch the first application to the activity list displayed on the second 5 portion 102b when the second application is displayed on the first portion 102a of the screen 102.
[0079] If it is determined, at step 410, that the activity associated with the second application is completed then, at step 412, the method 400 includes re-launching the first application on the first portion 102a of the 10 screen 102. The method 400 allows the controller unit 202 to re-launch the first application on the first portion 102a of the screen 102. At step 414, the method 400 includes dynamically switching the second application to the activity list when the first application is displayed on the first portion 102a of the screen 102 and looped back to step 404. The method 400 allows the 15 controller unit 202 to dynamically switch the second application to the activity list when the first application is displayed on the first portion 102a of the screen 102. If it is determined, at step 410, that the activity associated with the second application is not completed then, at step 416, the method 400 includes performing the activity of the second application and is looped 20 back to step 410.
[0080] Unlike conventional systems, the user can access all activities corresponding to multiple applications displayed on the second portion 102b of the screen 102 of the electronic device 100 from where the user can take actions from the same screen 102. 25
[0081] The various actions, acts, blocks, steps, or the like in the method 400 may be performed in the order presented, in a different order or simultaneously. Further, in some embodiments, some of the actions, acts,
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blocks, steps, or the like may be omitted, added, modified, skipped, or the like without departing from the scope of the invention.
[0082] FIG. 5 is another flow diagram illustrating a method 500 for dynamically switching and managing applications in the electronic device 100, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. At step 502, the 5 method 500 includes displaying the first application on the first portion 102a of the screen 102 and the activity list on the second portion 102b of the screen 102. The method 500 allows the controller unit 202 to display the first application on the first portion 102a of the screen 102 and the activity list on the second portion 102b of the screen 102. In an 10 embodiment, the first application can be the mini application having basic actionable user controls of the full application.
[0083] In an embodiment, the activity list includes at least one of recently used application, favorite applications, and notifications. The applications can be, for example but not limited to, the message 15 application, the call application, the music application, the calendar application, the Notepad application, the calculator application, the Wi-Fi application, the Bluetooth application, the reminder application, the camera application, the memo application, and any other applications.
[0084] In an embodiment, the notifications are displayed for the 20 time period on the first portion 102a of the screen 102 and dynamically switched to the second portion 102b after the time period. In an example, the time period can be pre-defined by the user. In another example, the time period can be dynamically determined based on the type of the notification.
[0085] At step 504, the method 500 includes receiving the input to 25 launch the activity from the activity list. In an embodiment, the activity is from the activity list, where the input is received from the user on the activity from the activity list to launch the activity. In another embodiment, the activity is the incoming notification. The method 500 allows the
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controller unit 202 to receive the input to launch the activity from the activity list. In an embodiment, the activity can be related to sending the message, initiating the outgoing call, capturing photos, scheduling the birthday reminder, or the like. If it is determined, at step 506, that the application (i.e., application window) for the activity to be launched is 5 available then, at step 508, the method 500 includes inflating the corresponding application view for the activity to be launched. The method 500 allows the controller unit 202 to inflate the corresponding application view for the activity to be launched. In an embodiment, the inflating of the corresponding application view may include retrieving the mini application 10 corresponding to the activity, from a storage location, and rendering the mini application in the first portion 102a of the screen 102.
[0086] At step 510, the method 500 includes adding the inflated view to the first portion 102a of the screen 102. The method 500 allows the controller unit 202 to add the inflated view to the first portion 102a of the 15 screen 102. At step 512, the method 500 includes switching to the application on the first portion 102a of the screen 102. The method 500 allows the controller unit 202 to switch to the application on the first portion 102a of the screen 102.
[0087] If it is determined, at step 506, that the application for the 20 activity to be launched is unavailable then, at step 514, the method 500 includes performing the activity corresponding to the application by launching the activity in the full application. The method 500 allows the controller unit 202 to launch the activity in the full application.
[0088] The various actions, acts, blocks, steps, or the like in the 25 method 500 may be performed in the order presented, in a different order or simultaneously. Further, in some embodiments, some of the actions, acts, blocks, steps, or the like may be omitted, added, modified, skipped, or the like without departing from the scope of the invention.
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[0089] FIG. 6 is another flow diagram illustrating a method 600 for dynamically switching and managing applications in the electronic device 100, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. At step 602, the method 600 includes displaying the first application on the first portion 102a of the screen 102 and the activity list on the second portion 102b of 5 the screen 102. The method 600 allows the controller unit 202 to display the first application on the first portion 102a of the screen 102 and the activity list on the second portion 102b of the screen 102. In an embodiment, the first application can be the mini application having basic actionable user controls of the full application. 10
[0090] In an embodiment, the activity list includes at least one of recently used application, favorite applications, and notifications. In an embodiment, the notifications are displayed for the time period on the first portion 102a of the screen 102 and dynamically switched to the second portion 102b after the time period. The notifications can be related to the 15 battery low condition, the missed call, the new message, earphones connected or disconnected, downloading file status, the Wi-Fi, the Bluetooth, brightness control, or the like. In an example, the time period can be pre-defined by the user. In another example, the time period can be dynamically determined based on the type of the notification. 20
[0091] At step 604, the method 600 includes receiving the input to launch the activity from the activity list. The method 600 allows the controller unit 202 to receive the input to launch the activity from the activity list. In an embodiment, the activity is from the activity list, where the input is received from the user on the activity from the activity list to 25 launch the activity. In another embodiment, the activity is the incoming notification. In an embodiment, the activity can be related to sending the message, initiating the outgoing call, capturing photos, scheduling the birthday reminder, or the like. If it is determined, at step 606, that the
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application for the activity to be launched is available then determining whether any previous application is open on the first portion 102a of the screen 102. If it is determined, at step 608, that any previous application is running on the first portion 102a of the screen 102 then, at step 616, the method 600 includes closing the current application and adding the 5 corresponding activity corresponding to the application to the activity list. The method 600 allows the controller unit 202 to close the current application and add the corresponding activity corresponding to the application to the activity list.
[0092] If it is determined, at step 608, that any previous application 10 is not running on the first portion 102a of the screen 102 then, at step 610, the method 600 includes inflating the corresponding application view. The method 600 allows the controller unit 202 to inflate the corresponding application view. At step 612, the method 600 includes adding the inflated view to the first portion 102a of the screen 102. The method 600 allows the 15 controller unit 202 to add the inflated view to the first portion 102a of the screen 102. At step 614, the method 600 includes switching to the application on the first portion 102a of the screen 102 and again looped back to step 604. The method 600 allows the controller unit 202 to switch to the application window on the first portion 102a of the screen 102. 20
[0093] If it is determined, at step 606, that the application for the activity to be launched is not available then, at step 618, the method 600 includes performing the activity corresponding to the application by launching the full application.
[0094] The various actions, acts, blocks, steps, or the like in the 25 method 600 may be performed in the order presented, in a different order or simultaneously. Further, in some embodiments, some of the actions, acts, blocks, steps, or the like may be omitted, added, modified, skipped, or the like without departing from the scope of the invention.
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[0095] FIG. 7 shows an example system 700 for displaying the message application and the call application on the first portion 102a of the screen 102 of the electronic device 100, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. The system 700 includes the electronic device 100. As shown in the FIG. 7, the display screen 102 of the electronic device 100 is 5 divided into the first portion 102a and the second portion 102b. The first portion 102a displays time and weather in the idle condition and the second portion 102b displays the activity corresponding to multiple applications such as the message application, the call application, the music application, and received notifications as shown in the FIG. 7. 10
[0096] Further, consider a scenario where the user received the message which is displayed as one of the activity imprint on the second portion 102b as shown in the FIG. 7. Further, the user selects the activity corresponding to the message application to launch the activity from the activity list on the second portion 102b. Further, the activity associated with 15 the message application is launched as the mini application and displayed on the first portion 102a of the screen 102 where the user can type a reply message and directly send the message or save as draft for future.
[0097] Further, consider a scenario where the user received the call which is displayed as one of the activity imprint on the second portion 102b 20 as shown in the FIG. 7. Further, the user selects the activity imprint corresponding to the call application to initiate an outgoing call from the activity list on the second portion 102b. Further, the activity associated with the call application is launched as the mini application and displayed on the first portion 102a of the screen 102 from where the user can perform basic 25 intended actions.
[0098] FIGS. 8a - 8c illustrates an example for launching an outgoing call activity corresponding to the call application on the first portion 102a of the screen 102 of the electronic device 100, according to
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embodiments as disclosed herein. The first portion 102a displays time and weather in the idle condition and the second portion 102b displays the activity imprints corresponding to multiple applications such as the message application, the call application, the play store application, and received notifications, as shown in the FIG. 8a. 5
[0099] Further, consider a scenario where the user recently received the call from “Anshu Prasad” which is displayed as one of the activity imprint on the second portion 102b as shown in the FIG. 8a. If the user needs to initiate the outgoing call to “Anshu Prasad” then, the user selects “Anshu Prasad” by performing the gesture on the activity imprint. After 10 receiving the gesture, the outgoing call activity to “Anshu Prasad” is launched as the mini application and displayed on the first portion 102a of the screen 102 from where the user can perform basic intended actions as shown in the FIG. 8b. After completing the outgoing call activity, the outgoing call activity associated with the call application is dynamically 15 switched to the activity list which is displayed as the activity imprint on the second portion 102b of the screen 102 as shown in the FIG. 8c.
[00100] FIGS. 9a - 9d illustrates an example for dynamically switching the music application displayed on the first portion 102a to the activity list in the second portion 102b of the screen 102 of the electronic 20 device 100 when an incoming call activity is displayed on the first portion 102a, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. The first portion 102a displays the music application which is ongoing activity where the user is listening to a song. The second portion 102b displays the activity imprints corresponding to multiple applications such as the message application, the 25 call application, the play store application, the note pad, the camera application, and received notifications as shown in the FIG. 9a.
[00101] Further, consider a scenario where the user receives an incoming call from “Samuels” as shown in the FIG. 9b. After accepting the
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incoming call by the user, the incoming call activity corresponding to the call application is displayed on the first portion 102a of the screen 102. The music application which is currently ongoing activity is dynamically switched to the activity list displayed on the second portion 102b when the call application is displayed on the first portion 102a as shown in the FIG. 5 9c.
[00102] Further, the music application is re-launched on the first portion 102a when the incoming call activity received from “Samuels” associated with the call application is completed. The call application is dynamically switched back to the activity list when the music application is 10 displayed on the first portion 102a of the screen 102 as shown in the FIG. 9d.
[00103] FIGS. 10a - 10c illustrates another example for dynamically switching the camera application displayed on the first portion 102a to the activity list in the second portion 102b when the note pad 15 application is displayed on the first portion 102a, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. The first portion 102a displays the camera application which is ongoing activity where the user has captured a photo. The second portion 102b displays the activity imprints corresponding to multiple applications such as the note pad, the call 20 application, and received notifications as shown in the FIG. 10a.
[00104] Further, consider a scenario where the user needs to access the note pad application in the activity list. The user selects the activity imprint corresponding to the note pad application to launch the activity from the activity list on the second portion 102b as shown in the FIG. 10a. 25 The camera application and the note pad application are dynamically switched as represented by arrows in the FIG. 10b.
[00105] Further, the activity (i.e., edit notes) associated with the note pad application is launched as the mini application and displayed on
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the first portion 102a of the screen 102 where the user can access the note pad. The camera application which is currently ongoing is dynamically switched to the activity list displayed on the second portion 102b when the note pad application is displayed on the first portion 102a as shown in the FIG. 10c. 5
[00106] FIG. 11 illustrates an example for deleting the application from the activity list displayed on the second portion 102b of the screen 102 of the electronic device 100, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. The user selects the outgoing call activity of “Samuels” to delete the activity from the activity list by performing the gesture as shown in the 10 FIG. 11.
[00107] FIG. 12 illustrates an example to schedule the outgoing call activity corresponding to the call application from the activity list displayed on the second portion 102b of the screen 102 of the electronic device 100, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. The user selects the 15 outgoing call activity of “Samuels” to schedule the outgoing call activity for later retrieval from the activity list by performing the gesture as shown in the FIG. 12.
[00108] FIG. 13a and FIG. 13b illustrates an example for controlling a smart Television (TV) by launching a smart TV application on 20 the first portion 102a of the screen 102, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. The user selects the smart TV application by performing the gesture on the smart TV application as shown in the FIG. 13a. The user selects the smart TV application to invoke the action on the smart TV such as changing the channel and increasing or decreasing the volume of the 25 smart TV by launching the mini application of the smart TV on the first portion 102a of the screen 102 as shown in the FIG. 13b.
[00109] FIG. 14a and FIG. 14b illustrates an example for controlling an Air condition (AC) by launching an AC application on the
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first portion 102a of the screen 102, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. The user selects the AC application by performing the gesture on the AC application as shown in the FIG. 14a. The user selects the AC application to invoke the action on the AC such as to set the room temperature for the AC by launching the mini application window of the 5 AC on the first portion 102a of the screen 102 as shown in the FIG. 14b.
[00110] FIG. 15 shows another example illustration for managing a smart classroom application in the electronic device 100, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. The activity list on the second portion 102b can include the smart classroom application to invoke the action in 10 the smart classroom application. The user can respond to questions by launching the smart classroom application on the first portion 102a of the screen 102 as shown in the FIG 15.
[00111] FIG. 16 illustrates an example for dynamically synchronizing the first portion 102a of the screen 102 of the electronic 15 device 100 with the watch, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. The first portion 102a displays the ongoing outgoing call activity with “Anshu Prasad” as shown in the FIG. 16. The first portion 102a of the screen 102 is dynamically synchronized with the watch, where the watch displays the same ongoing outgoing call activity with “Anshu Prasad” as 20 shown in the FIG. 16.
[00112] FIG. 17 illustrates notifications displayed on the first portion 102a of the screen 102 of the electronic device 100, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. The notifications can be related to the battery low condition, missed call, message, earphones connected or 25 disconnected, downloading file status, Wi-Fi, and brightness control as shown in the FIG. 17. The notifications are displayed for the time period on the first portion 102a of the screen 102 and get dynamically switched to the second portion 102b after the time period.
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[00113] FIGS. 18a – 18c illustrate an example for launching the mini notepad application on the first portion 102a and the full notepad application on the screen 102 of the electronic device 100, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. The first portion 102a displays the camera application which is ongoing activity where, the user has captured a 5 photo. The second portion 102b displays the activity imprints corresponding to multiple applications such as the note pad, the call application, and received notifications as shown in the FIG. 18a.
[00114] Further, consider a scenario where the user needs to access the note pad application in the activity list. The user selects the activity 10 imprint corresponding to the note pad application to launch the activity from the activity list on the second portion 102b as shown in the FIG. 18a. The camera application and the note pad application are dynamically switched, where the activity (i.e., edit notes) associated with the note pad application is launched as the mini application and displayed on the first 15 portion 102a of the screen 102 where the user can access the note pad. The camera application which is currently ongoing is dynamically switched to the activity list displayed on the second portion 102b when the note pad application is displayed on the first portion 102a as shown in the FIG. 18b.
[00115] Further, if the user selects the icon corresponding to the 20 note pad application to launch the activity (i.e., edit notes) from the activity list on the second portion 102b (as shown in the FIG. 18a) the activity associated with the note pad application is launched as the full application and displayed on the screen 102 of the electronic device 100 where the user can access the note pad as shown in the FIG. 18c. 25
[00116] FIG. 19 illustrates a computing environment implementing the method for dynamically switching and managing applications of the electronic device 100, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. As depicted in the figure, the computing environment 1901 comprises at least
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one processing unit 1904 that is equipped with a control unit 1902 and an Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) 1903, a memory 1905, a storage unit 1906, plurality of networking devices 1908 and a plurality Input output (I/O) devices 1907. The processing unit 1904 is responsible for processing the instructions of the algorithm. The processing unit 1904 receives commands 5 from the control unit in order to perform its processing. Further, any logical and arithmetic operations involved in the execution of the instructions are computed with the help of the ALU 1903.
[00117] The overall computing environment 1901 can be composed of multiple homogeneous and/or heterogeneous cores, multiple CPUs of 10 different kinds, special media and other accelerators. The processing unit 1904 is responsible for processing the instructions of the algorithm. Further, the plurality of processing units 1904 may be located on a single chip or over multiple chips.
[00118] The algorithm comprising of instructions and codes 15 required for the implementation are stored in either the memory unit 1905 or the storage 1906 or both. At the time of execution, the instructions may be fetched from the corresponding memory 1905 or storage 1906, and executed by the processing unit 1904.
[00119] In case of any hardware implementations various 20 networking devices 1908 or external I/O devices 1907 may be connected to the computing environment to support the implementation through the networking unit and the I/O device unit.
[00120] The embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented through at least one software program running on at least one hardware 25 device and performing network management functions to control the elements. The elements shown in the FIGS. 1 through 19 include blocks which can be at least one of a hardware device, or a combination of hardware device and software module.
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[00121] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are 5 intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that 10 the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
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STATEMENT OF CLAIMS
We claim:
1. A method for managing applications in an electronic device, the method comprising:
displaying, by a controller unit, a first application on a first portion of a screen of an electronic device and an activity list on a second portion of said screen of said electronic device;
receiving, by said controller unit, an input to launch an activity; and
displaying, by said controller unit, a second application corresponding to said activity in said first portion of said screen of said electronic device, wherein said first application is dynamically switched to said activity list displayed on said second portion when said second application is displayed on said first portion of said screen.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein said method further comprises re-launching, by said electronic device, said first application on said first portion when said activity associated with said second application is completed, wherein said second application is dynamically switched to said activity list when said first application is displayed on said first portion of said screen.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein said activity is a part of said activity list.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein said activity is an incoming notification.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein said first application is a mini application having basic actionable user controls of a full application.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein said second application is a mini application having basic actionable user controls of a full application.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein said activity list comprises at least one of recently used application, favorite applications, and notifications.
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8. The method of claim 7, wherein said notifications are displayed for a time period in said first portion of said screen and dynamically switched to said second portion after said time period.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein said first portion of said screen of said electronic device is dynamically synchronized with at least one wearable device.
10. An electronic device for managing applications, the electronic device comprising a controller unit configured to:
display a first application on a first portion of a screen of an electronic device and an activity list on a second portion of said screen of said electronic device;
receive an input to launch an activity; and
display a second application corresponding to said activity in said first portion of said screen of said electronic device, wherein said first application is dynamically switched to said activity list displayed on said second portion when said second application is displayed on said first portion of said screen.
11. The electronic device of claim 10, wherein said controller unit is further configured to re-launch said first application on said first portion when said activity associated with said second application is completed, wherein said second application is dynamically switched to said activity list when said first application is displayed on said first portion of said screen.
12. The electronic device of claim 10, wherein said activity is a part of said activity list.
13. The electronic device of claim 10, wherein said activity is an incoming notification.
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14. The electronic device of claim 10, wherein said first application is a mini application having basic actionable user controls of a full application.
15. The electronic device of claim 10, wherein said second application is a mini application having basic actionable user controls of a full application.
16. The electronic device of claim 10, wherein said activity list comprises at least one of recently used application, favorite applications, and notifications.
17. The electronic device of claim 16, wherein said notifications are displayed for a time period in said first portion of said screen and dynamically switched to said second portion after said time period.
18. The electronic device of claim 10, wherein said first portion of said screen of said electronic device is dynamically synchronized with at least one wearable device.
19. A computer program product comprising a computer executable program code recorded on a computer readable non-transitory storage medium, said computer executable program code when executed causing the actions including:
displaying, by a controller unit, a first application on a first portion of a screen of an electronic device and an activity list on a second portion of said screen of an electronic device;
receiving, by said controller unit, an input to launch an activity; and
displaying, by said controller unit, a second application
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corresponding to said activity in said first portion of said screen of said electronic device, wherein said first application is dynamically switched to said activity list displayed on said second portion when said second application is displayed on said first portion of said screen.