WO2021249069A1 - System and method for combing applications running on a user device - Google Patents

System and method for combing applications running on a user device Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2021249069A1
WO2021249069A1 PCT/CN2021/092055 CN2021092055W WO2021249069A1 WO 2021249069 A1 WO2021249069 A1 WO 2021249069A1 CN 2021092055 W CN2021092055 W CN 2021092055W WO 2021249069 A1 WO2021249069 A1 WO 2021249069A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
applications
user device
application
display
operational state
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/CN2021/092055
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Jyothirmayi K
Rahul Kumar TRIPATHI
Manoj Kumar
Tiwary SUMIT KUMAR
Original Assignee
Guangdong Oppo Mobile Telecommunications Corp., Ltd.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Guangdong Oppo Mobile Telecommunications Corp., Ltd. filed Critical Guangdong Oppo Mobile Telecommunications Corp., Ltd.
Publication of WO2021249069A1 publication Critical patent/WO2021249069A1/en

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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F9/00—Arrangements for program control, e.g. control units
    • G06F9/06—Arrangements for program control, e.g. control units using stored programs, i.e. using an internal store of processing equipment to receive or retain programs
    • G06F9/44—Arrangements for executing specific programs
    • G06F9/451—Execution arrangements for user interfaces
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/048—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI]
    • G06F3/0481—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] based on specific properties of the displayed interaction object or a metaphor-based environment, e.g. interaction with desktop elements like windows or icons, or assisted by a cursor's changing behaviour or appearance

Definitions

  • the present invention generally relates to the field of computational devices and more particularly to a system and a method for combining one or more applications simultaneously running on a display of a user device.
  • the user devices are capable of providing multi-tasking features to a user.
  • the user devices In order to ensure effective multi-tasking, the user devices must continuously improve managing the applications operations.
  • a user device may exit a currently running application owing to other high priority activities or applications, like attending a call, taking a photo, processing a payment gateway, fingerprint detection screens etc., whereby it is very likely that the user might lose some application information.
  • a first aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for combining one or more applications simultaneously running on a display of a user device.
  • the method begins with simultaneously running, by a processor, one or more applications on one or more portions of a display of a user device.
  • an applications engine dynamically stores an operational state of the one or more applications.
  • an application combining module automatically creates an application combination stamp comprising the one or more applications and the operational state of the one or more applications.
  • the system comprises a memory unit, a processor, an applications engine and an application combining module, all the components connected to each other.
  • the processor is configured to simultaneously run one or more applications on one or more portions of a display of a user device.
  • the processor is also configured to receive a system command for exiting the one or more applications.
  • the applications engine is configured to dynamically store an operational state of the one or more applications.
  • the application combining module is configured to automatically create an application combination stamp comprising the one or more applications and the operational state of the one or more applications.
  • the user device comprises a memory unit, a processor, an applications engine and an application combining module, all the components connected to each other.
  • the processor is configured to simultaneously run one or more applications on one or more portions of a display of a user device.
  • the processor is also configured to receive a system command for exiting the one or more applications.
  • the applications engine is configured to dynamically store an operational state of the one or more applications.
  • the application combining module is configured to automatically create an application combination stamp comprising the one or more applications and the operational state of the one or more applications.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates an architecture of a system [100] for combining one or more applications simultaneously running on a display of a user device, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary method flow diagram depicting a method [200] for combining one or more applications simultaneously running on a display of a user device, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates exemplary implementation of a method [300] for combining one or more applications simultaneously running on a display of a user device, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary implementation of a method [400] for combining one or more applications simultaneously running on a user device based on an application usage history of the user device, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary user interface [500] for combining one or more applications simultaneously running on a display of the user device, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.
  • circuits, systems, networks, processes, and other components may be shown as components in block diagram form in order not to obscure the embodiments in unnecessary detail.
  • well-known circuits, processes, algorithms, structures, and techniques may be shown without unnecessary detail in order to avoid obscuring the embodiments.
  • individual embodiments may be described as a process which is depicted as a flowchart, a flow diagram, a data flow diagram, a structure diagram, or a block diagram. Although a flowchart may describe the operations as a sequential process, many of the operations can be performed in parallel or concurrently. In addition, the order of the operations may be re-arranged.
  • a process is terminated when its operations are completed but could have additional steps not included in a figure.
  • a process may correspond to a method, a function, a procedure, a subroutine, a subprogram, etc. When a process corresponds to a function, its termination can correspond to a return of the function to the calling function or the main function.
  • exemplary and/or “demonstrative” is used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. For the avoidance of doubt, the subject matter disclosed herein is not limited by such examples.
  • any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” and/or “demonstrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs, nor is it meant to preclude equivalent exemplary structures and techniques known to those of ordinary skill in the art.
  • the terms “includes, ” “has, ” “contains, ” and other similar words are used in either the detailed description or the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive-in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as an open transition word-without precluding any additional or other elements.
  • the disclosed subject matter may be implemented as a method, apparatus, or article of manufacture using standard programming and/or engineering techniques to produce software, firmware, hardware, or any combination thereof to control a computer to implement the disclosed subject matter.
  • the present invention provides a method and system for combining one or more applications simultaneously running on a display of a user device.
  • the present invention is implemented using for multitasking behavior in the user device.
  • a user may simultaneously operation one or more applications on a split screen of a user device, wherein the split screen comprises one or more portions, and each of the one or more applications running in the one or more portions. It may so happen that the system exit the one or more applications owing to other high priority applications, like attending a call.
  • the present invention provides generating an application combination stamp, such that invoking the application combination stamp restores the one or more application on the display to their last operational states.
  • a ” processor or ” processing unit includes one or more processors, wherein processor refers to any logic circuitry for processing instructions.
  • a processor may be a general-purpose processor, a special purpose processor, a conventional processor, a digital signal processor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in association with a DSP core, a controller, a microcontroller, Application Specific Integrated Circuits, Field Programmable Gate Array circuits, any other type of integrated circuits, etc.
  • the processor may perform signal coding data processing, input/output processing, and/or any other functionality that enables the working of the system according to the present disclosure. More specifically, the processor or image processing unit is a hardware processor.
  • the user device is capable of receiving and/or transmitting one or parameters, performing function/s, communicating with other user devices and transmitting data to the other user devices.
  • the user device may have a processor, a display, a memory unit, a battery and an input-means such as a hard keypad and/or a soft keypad.
  • the user device may be capable of operating on any radio access technology including but not limited to IP-enabled communication, Zig Bee, Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy, Near Field Communication, Z-Wave, etc.
  • the user device may operate at all the seven levels of ISO reference model, and also works on the application layer along with the network, session and presentation layer with any additional features of a touch screen, apps ecosystem, physical and biometric security, etc.
  • the user devices may include, but not limited to, a mobile phone, smartphone, virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, pager, laptop, a general-purpose computer, desktop, personal digital assistant, tablet computer, mainframe computer, or any other device as may be obvious to a per-son skilled in the art.
  • the user device may also have an interface which typically includes a display with or without keypad including a set of alpha-numeric (ITU-T type) keys that may be real keys or virtual keys.
  • ITU-T type alpha-numeric
  • the input interface also comprises touch/acoustic/video components for touch/sound/video input and output.
  • the output interface may comprise a microphone, a speaker, camera and additionally audio/video I/O ports in an accessories interface, wherein the speaker normally serves to provide acoustic output in the form of human speech, ring signals, music, etc.
  • media refers to images, videos, animations, etc. and any other type of media that can be captured using a camera, as may be obvious to a person skilled in the art.
  • the “application” refers to a program, or a group of programs or a list of instructions designed to run (execute) on a user equipment so as to serve a specific function for a user.
  • the user device may comprise of one or more applications.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates an architecture of a system [100] for combining one or more applications simultaneously running on a display of a user device, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.
  • the system [100] comprises a memory unit [114] , a processor [102] , an applications engine [104] and an application combining module [106] , a display [108] , an input interface [112] and a display manager [110] , all components connected to each other and work in conjunction to achieve the objectives of the present invention.
  • the processor [102] is connected to the memory unit [114] , the applications engine [104] , the application combining module [106] , the display [108] , the input interface [112] and the display manager [110] .
  • the processor is configured to simultaneously run one or more applications on one or more portions of a display [108] of a user device.
  • the processor [102] is configured to multitask between the one or more applications running on the user device.
  • the processor [102] is, thus, responsible for implementing multitasking behavior in the user device.
  • the system further comprises the display [108] connected to the memory unit [114] , the processor [102] , the applications engine [104] , the application combining module [106] , the input interface [112] and the display manager [110] .
  • the display [108] may be a split screen, wherein the split screen comprises one or more portions such that each of the one or more applications are configured to run in the one or more portions of the spilt screen.
  • the applications engine [104] is connected to the memory unit [114] , the processor [102] , the application combining module [106] , the display [108] , the input interface [112] and the display manager [110] .
  • the applications engine [104] is configured to store an operational state of the one or more applications.
  • the applications engine [104] in operation, dynamically updates the operational state of the one or more applications. For instance, for a video playing application comprising of one or more videos, for a user playing the one or more videos, the applications engine [104] stores an operational state of the video playing application, being the information about the video being played and the current playing duration of the video being played.
  • the application engine [104] stores an operational state of the shopping application, being the information regarding products added in the shopping cart.
  • the applications engine [104] stores an operational state of the music application, being the information about the song being played and the current playing duration of the song being played.
  • the applications engine [104] is also configured to retrieve the operational state of the one or more applications, wherein the operational state refers to the last updated operational state of the one or more applications. Furthering the above instance, for continuously played video, when the processor exits the video playing application upon a system command, the applications engine [104] saves the last operational state of the video being played and the last playing duration of the video being played just before the video playing application is exited. Accordingly, when the video playing application is to be restored, the applications engine [104] retrieves the last operational state of the video being played and the last playing duration of the video being played for the system.
  • the processor [102] is also configured to receive a system command for exiting the one or more applications.
  • the system command to exit the one or more applications is based on at least one of a first input for switching between the one or more applications, a second input for powering OFF the user device, and a third input to exit the one or more applications.
  • the first input for switching between the one or more applications may be received from the user or the system. For instance, while one or more applications are simultaneously running on the display [108] of the user device, it may so happen that the user receives a call on the user device, thus, forcing the one or more applications to exit such that only a caller screen is displayed on the display of the user device.
  • the present invention encompasses that the system [100] exits the one or more applications owing to other high priority applications, like attending a call.
  • the processor [102] receives a command to exit the one or more applications running on the user device upon invoking of a high priority application.
  • the second input for powering OFF the user device may be provided by the user or by the system itself, for example, when the battery of the user device becomes is discharged.
  • the third input to exit the one or more applications may be received from the user when the user wishes to close the application running on the user device, or from the system.
  • the application combining module [106] is connected to the memory unit [114] , the processor [102] , the applications engine [104] , the display [108] , the input interface [112] and the display manager [110] .
  • the application combining module [106] is configured to automatically create an application combination stamp comprising the one or more applications and the operational state of the one or more applications.
  • the application combination stamp is so created that invoking the application combination stamp restores the one or more application on the display to their last operational states.
  • the present further encompasses that the displaying the application combination stamp feature by an application combination icon on the display [108] of the user device.
  • the present invention encompasses that the application combination icon may have all functionalities like other application icons on a home screen of the user. For instance, a user may delete the application combination icon if they are no longer useful. For another instance, when a user may click on the application combination icon, the system will launch split mode for multi-tasking.
  • the application combination icon is associated with the application combination stamp, such that when a user provides an input, via an input interface [112] , for selection of the application combination icon, the system invokes the application combination stamp to restore the one or more application on the display to their last operational states.
  • the applications engine [104] retrieves the operational state, i.e., the last operational state, of the one or more applications associated with the application combination stamp. Based on the retrieved operational state of the one or more applications, the application combining module [106] restores the one or more applications on the one or more portions of the display [108] .
  • the input interface [112] is connected to the memory unit [114] , the processor [102] , the applications engine [104] , the application combining module [106] , the display [108] and the display manager [110] .
  • an ” input/output (I/O) interface includes one or more data input device and one or more data output device.
  • An I/O unit may process commands and data to control I/O devices.
  • a data input device may comprise of input means for inputting character data, for example, a keyboard with a plurality of keys, tactile display, etc.
  • a data output device may comprise of output means for representing characters in response to the inputted data, for example, a display unit for displaying characters in response to the inputted data.
  • the input device and the output device may also be combined into a single unit, for example, a display unit with a virtual keyboard.
  • the display manager [110] is connected to the memory unit [114] , the processor [102] , the applications engine [104] , the application combining module [106] , the display [108] and the input interface [112] .
  • the present invention encompasses that the display manager [110] is configured to capture a screenshot of the one or more applications simultaneously running on the one or more portions of the display [108] of the user device.
  • the display manager [110] is also configured to display the screenshot in a recent activity list of the user device on the display [108] of the user device.
  • the display manager [110] display the screenshot in the recent activity list of the user device on the display [108] of the user device.
  • the applications engine [104] retrieves the operational state, i.e., the last operational state, of the one or more applications associated with the screenshot. Accordingly, the application combining module [106] restores the one or more applications on the one or more portions of the display based on the retrieved operational state of the one or more applications
  • the present invention further encompasses that the application combining module [106] is also configured to process an application usage history of a user device. Accordingly, the application combining module [106] is also configured to automatically create a personalized application combination stamp comprising one or more applications and an operational state of the one or more applications based on the application usage history. For instance, based on a user’s application usage pattern data in split-window, the application combining module [106] may select the most used applications, sorting the combination of the most used applications and, thereafter, the application combining module [106] may automatically generate application combination stamps.
  • the present invention further encompasses that when a user launches an application in a sorted list, the system launches a pop-up window displaying about the application combination generated with the other applications on the user device. Based on user’s acceptance, the the application combining module [106] would launch the applications on the split window.
  • the memory unit [114] is connected to the display manager [110] , the processor [102] , the applications engine [104] , the application combining module [106] , the display [108] and the input interface [112] .
  • ”memory unit” or ” memory refers to a machine or computer readable medium including any mechanism for storing information in a form readable by a computer or similar machine.
  • a computer-readable medium includes read-only memory (” ROM” ) , random access memory (” RAM” ) , magnetic-disk storage media, optical storage media, flash memory devices or other types of machine-accessible storage media.
  • the memory unit [114] may be configured to store one or more applications on the user device.
  • the memory unit [114] may be configured to store the operational state of the one or more applications running on the user device.
  • the present invention encompasses that the system [100] may reside inside a user equipment.
  • the user equipment comprises a memory unit [114] , a processor [102] , an applications engine [104] and an application combining module [106] , a display [108] , an input interface [112] and a display manager [110] , all components connected to each other and work in conjunction to achieve the objectives of the present invention.
  • the processor [102] of the user device is connected to the memory unit [114] , the applications engine [104] , the application combining module [106] , the display [108] , the input interface [112] and the display manager[110] .
  • the processor [102] of the user device is configured to simultaneously run one or more applications on one or more portions of a display [108] of a user device.
  • the processor [102] of the user device is configured to multitask between the one or more applications running on the user device.
  • the processor [102] is, thus, responsible for implementing multitasking behavior in the user device.
  • the system further comprises the display [108] of the user device is connected to the memory unit [114] , the processor [102] , the applications engine [104] , the application combining module [106] , the input interface [112] and the display manager [110] .
  • the present invention encompasses that the display [108] of the user device may be a split screen, wherein the split screen comprises one or more portions such that each of the one or more applications are configured to run in the one or more portions of the spilt screen.
  • the applications engine [104] of the user device is connected to the memory unit [114] , the processor [102] , the application combining module [106] , the display [108] , the input interface [112] and the display manager [110] .
  • the applications engine [104] of the user device is configured to store an operational state of the one or more applications.
  • the applications engine [104] in operation, dynamically updates the operational state of the one or more applications. For instance, for a video playing application comprising of one or more videos, for a user playing the one or more videos, the applications engine [104] stores an operational state of the video playing application, being the information about the video being played and the current playing duration of the video being played.
  • the applications engine [104] of the user device is also configured to retrieve the operational state of the one or more applications, wherein the operational state refers to the last updated operational state of the one or more applications. Furthering the above instance, for continuously played video, when the processor exits the video playing application upon a system command, the applications engine [104] saves the last operational state of the video being played and the last playing duration of the video being played just before the video playing application is exited. Accordingly, when the video playing application is to be restored, the applications engine [104] retrieves the last operational state of the video being played and the last playing duration of the video being played for the system.
  • the application engine [104] stores an operational state of the shopping application, being the information regarding products added in the shopping cart.
  • the applications engine [104] stores an operational state of the music application, being the information about the song being played and the current playing duration of the song being played.
  • the processor [102] of the user device is also configured to receive a system command for exiting the one or more applications. For instance, while one or more applications are simultaneously running on the display [108] of the user device, it may so happen that the user receives a call on the user device, thus, forcing the one or more applications to exit such that only a caller screen is displayed on the display of the user device. Thus, in one instance, the present invention encompasses that the system [100] exits the one or more applications owing to other high priority applications, like attending a call. Accordingly, the processor [102] of the user device receives a command to exit the one or more applications running on the user device upon invoking of a high priority application.
  • the application combining module [106] of the user device is connected to the memory unit [114] , the processor [102] , the applications engine [104] , the display [108] , the input interface [112] and the display manager [110] .
  • the application combining module [106] of the user device is configured to automatically create an application combination stamp comprising the one or more applications and the operational state of the one or more applications.
  • the application combination stamp is so created that invoking the application combination stamp restores the one or more application on the display to their last operational states.
  • the present further encompasses that the displaying the application combination stamp feature by an application combination icon on the display [108] of the user device.
  • the present invention encompasses that the application combination icon may have all functionalities like other application icons on a home screen of the user. For instance, a user may delete the application combination icon if they are no longer useful. For another instance, when a user may click on the application combination icon, the system will launch split mode for multi-tasking.
  • the application combination icon is associated with the application combination stamp, such that when a user provides an input, via an input interface [112] , for selection of the application combination icon, the system invokes the application combination stamp to restore the one or more application on the display to their last operational states.
  • the applications engine [104] retrieves the operational state, i.e., the last operational state, of the one or more applications associated with the application combination stamp. Based on the retrieved operational state of the one or more applications, the application combining module [106] restores the one or more applications on the one or more portions of the display [108] .
  • the input interface [112] of the user device is connected to the memory unit [114] , the processor [102] , the applications engine [104] , the application combining module [106] , the display [108] and the display manager [110] .
  • the display manager [110] of the user device is connected to the memory unit [114] , the processor [102] , the applications engine [104] , the application combining module [106] , the display [108] and the input interface [112] .
  • the present invention encompasses that the display manager [110] of the user device is configured to capture a screenshot of the one or more applications simultaneously running on the one or more portions of the display [108] of the user device.
  • the display manager [110] is also configured to display the screenshot in a recent activity list of the user device on the display [108] of the user device.
  • the display manager [110] display the screenshot in the recent activity list of the user device on the display [108] of the user device.
  • the applications engine [104] of the user device retrieves the operational state, i.e., the last operational state, of the one or more applications associated with the screenshot. Accordingly, the application combining module [106] of the user device restores the one or more applications on the one or more portions of the display based on the retrieved operational state of the one or more applications
  • the present invention further encompasses that the application combining module [106] of the user device is also configured to process an application usage history of a user device. Accordingly, the application combining module [106] is also configured to automatically create a personalized application combination stamp comprising one or more applications and an operational state of the one or more applications based on the application usage history. For instance, based on a user’s application usage pattern data in split-window, the application combining module [106] of the user device may select the most used applications, sorting the combination of the most used applications and, thereafter, the application combining module [106] of the user device may automatically generate application combination stamps.
  • the present invention further encompasses that when a user launches an application in a sorted list, the system launches a pop-up window displaying about the application combination generated with the other applications on the user device. Based on user’s acceptance, the application combining module [106] would launch the applications on the split window.
  • the memory unit [114] of the user device is connected to the display manager [110] , the processor [102] , the applications engine [104] , the application combining module [106] , the display [108] and the input interface [112] .
  • FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary method flow diagram depicting a method [200] for combining one or more applications simultaneously running on a display of a user device, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.
  • the method begins, at step [202] , when a user starts operating a user device.
  • the method comprises simultaneously running, by a processor [102] , one or more applications on one or more portions of a display [108] of a user device.
  • the processor [102] multitasks between the one or more applications running on the user device and is, thus, responsible for implementing multitasking behavior in the user device.
  • the method at step [204] further comprises displaying the one or more applications on a split screen display [108] , wherein the split screen comprises one or more portions such that each of the one or more applications are configured to run in the one or more portions of the spilt screen.
  • the applications engine [104] dynamically stores an operational state of the one or more applications.
  • the method at step [306] further encompasses that the applications engine [104] dynamically updates the operational state of the one or more applications.
  • the applications engine [104] stores an operational state of the video playing application, being the information about the video being played and the current playing duration of the video being played.
  • the application engine [104] stores an operational state of the shopping application, being the information regarding products added in the shopping cart.
  • the applications engine [104] stores an operational state of the music application, being the information about the song being played and the current playing duration of the song being played.
  • the processor [102] may receive a system command for exiting the one or more applications.
  • the system command to exit the one or more applications is based on at least one of a first input for switching between the one or more applications, a second input for powering OFF the user device, and a third input to exit the one or more applications.
  • the first input for switching between the one or more applications may be received from the user or the system. For instance, while one or more applications are simultaneously running on the display [108] of the user device, it may so happen that the user receives a call on the user device, thus, forcing the one or more applications to exit such that only a caller screen is displayed on the display of the user device.
  • the method at step [208] further encompasses that the processor [102] exits the one or more applications owing to other high priority applications, like attending a call.
  • the second input for powering OFF the user device may be provided by the user or by the system itself, for example, when the battery of the user device becomes is discharged.
  • the third input to exit the one or more applications may be received from the user when the user wishes to close the application running on the user device, or from the system.
  • the application combining module [106] automatically creates an application combination stamp comprising the one or more applications and the operational state of the one or more applications.
  • the application combination stamp is so created that invoking the application combination stamp restores the one or more application on the display to their last operational states.
  • the method of the present invention further encompasses displaying the application combination stamp feature by an application combination icon on the display [108] of the user device.
  • the application combination icon may have all functionalities like other application icons on a home screen of the user. For instance, a user may delete the application combination icon if they are no longer useful. For another instance, when a user may click on the application combination icon, the system will launch split mode for multi-tasking.
  • the application combination icon is associated with the application combination stamp, such that when a user provides an input, via an input interface [112] , for selection of the application combination icon, the system invokes the application combination stamp to restore the one or more application on the display to their last operational states.
  • the method of the present invention encompasses retrieving the operational state, i.e., the last operational state, by the applications engine [104] , of the one or more applications associated with the application combination stamp. For instance, for a continuously played video, when the processor exits the video playing application upon a system command, the applications engine [104] saves the last operational state of the video being played and the last playing duration of the video being played just before the video playing application is exited. Accordingly, when the video playing application is to be restored, the applications engine [104] retrieves the last operational state of the video being played and the last playing duration of the video being played for the system.
  • the method of the present invention encompasses that based on the retrieved operational state of the one or more applications, the application combining module [106] restores the one or more applications on the one or more portions of the display [108] .
  • the present invention encompasses capturing a screenshot, by a display manager [110] , of the one or more applications simultaneously running on the one or more portions of the display [108] of the user device.
  • the display manager [110] displays the screenshot in a recent activity list of the user device on the display [108] of the user device.
  • the display manager [110] displays the screenshot in the recent activity list of the user device on the display [108] of the user device.
  • the applications engine [104] retrieves the operational state, i.e., the last operational state, of the one or more applications associated with the screenshot. Accordingly, the application combining module [106] restores the one or more applications on the one or more portions of the display based on the retrieved operational state of the one or more applications.
  • the method encompasses that the application combining module [106] processes the application usage history of a user device, and automatically creates a personalized application combination stamp comprising one or more applications and an operational state of the one or more applications based on the application usage history. For instance, based on a user’s application usage pattern data in split-window, the application combining module [106] may select the most used applications, sorting the combination of the most used applications and, thereafter, the application combining module [106] may automatically generate application combination stamps.
  • the method of the present invention further encompasses that when a user launches an application in a sorted list, the system launches a pop-up window displaying about the application combination generated with the other applications on the user device. Based on user’s acceptance, the the application combining module [106] launches the applications on the split window. The method finally completes at step [212] .
  • FIG. 3 illustrates exemplary implementation of a method [300] for combining one or more applications simultaneously running on a display of a user device, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.
  • the method [300] encompasses that at step [302] one or more applications are simultaneously running on a split screen of the user device.
  • the method further encompasses that in the background, the applications engine [104] is dynamically storing, and updating, an operational state of the one or more running applications.
  • the system detects invocation of a high priority application, and provides a system command to the processor [102] for exiting the one or more applications, for instance, when a user might intend to answer phone call, take a photo, process a payment gateway, fingerprint detection screens etc. Accordingly, at step [306] , the processor [102] may exit the split window mode for the one or more applications and launches full screen display for the high priority application.
  • the present invention encompasses that the system may provide combine applications via one of an application combination stamp and a screenshot.
  • the system may either display application combination icon [312] on the home screen of the user device or may display personalized application combination stamp [314] created based on the application usage history of a user.
  • the system may display the screenshot in a recent activity list of the user device on the display [108] of the user device using a picture in picture (PIP) mode of display.
  • PIP picture in picture
  • FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary implementation of a method [400] for combining one or more applications simultaneously running on a user device based on an application usage history of the user device, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.
  • the method [400] encompasses that the application combining module [106] processes an application usage history of a user device at step [402] . For instance, based on a user’s application usage pattern data in split-window, the application combining module [106] may select the most used applications, sorting, at step [404] , the combination of the most used applications and, thereafter, the application combining module [106] may automatically generate application combination stamps at step [406] .
  • the present invention further encompasses that when a user launches an application in a sorted list, the system launches a pop-up window, at step [408] , displaying about the application combination generated with the other applications on the user device. Based on user’s acceptance, the application combining module [106] would launch the applications on the split window at step [410] .
  • FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary user interface [500] for combining one or more applications simultaneously running on a display of the user device, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.
  • Fig. 5A represents a user interface of a user device simultaneously running two application in a spilt screen mode along with an icon to allow the user to combine the two running applications, and to allow the user to create an application combination stamp.
  • Fig. 5A represents a user interface of a user device with the application combination icon associated with the two applications that were running in a spilt screen mode just before the applications were exited by the system.
  • Fig. 5A represents a user interface of a user device sselling the application combination icon associated with the two applications in the recent list of activity of the user device.
  • the application combination icon may be placed at multiple levels within the user interface of a user device, and similarly, that the screenshot may also be displayed at other location in the user device, for instance, a media gallery of the user device, or any other location in the user device that a person skilled in the art may deem fir, all of which are encompasses by the present invention.
  • the solution provided by present invention effectively solves the problem of manually restoring the applications in the spilt screen mode, by a user, that were running on the user device just before the applications were stopped.
  • the solution of the present invention provides technical advancement over exiting solution such that the user does not have to manually restore the applications rather the solution of the present invention automatically restores the applications in the spilt screen mode that were running on the user device just before the applications were stopped to their last operational mode using an application combination stamp.
  • the invention is particularly advantageous as the application combination stamp operates in the manner that invoking the application combination stamp restores the one or more application on the display to their last operational states, and may be represented an icon on the home screen, as an activity in the list of activity, as a screenshot, etc. thus, providing the user with ease to restore the applications to their last operational states.

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Abstract

The present invention relates to a method and a system for for combining one or more applications simultaneously running on a display of a user device. The method comprises simultaneously running, by a processor [102], one or more applications on one or more portions of a display [108] of a user device. Next, an applications engine [104] dynamically stores an operational state of the one or more applications. Upon the processor [102] receiving a system command for exiting the one or more applications, an application combining module [106] automatically creates an application combination stamp comprising the one or more applications and the operational state of the one or more applications.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR COMBING APPLICATIONS RUNNING ON A USER DEVICE FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to the field of computational devices and more particularly to a system and a method for combining one or more applications simultaneously running on a display of a user device.
BACKGROUND
The following description of related art is intended to provide background information pertaining to the field of the disclosure. This section may include certain aspects of the art that may be related to various features of the present disclosure. However, it should be appreciated that this section be used only to enhance the understanding of the reader with respect to the present disclosure, and not as admissions of prior art.
In today's era, with the advancement of technology, the user devices are capable of providing multi-tasking features to a user. In order to ensure effective multi-tasking, the user devices must continuously improve managing the applications operations.
For instance, a user device may exit a currently running application owing to other high priority activities or applications, like attending a call, taking a photo, processing a payment gateway, fingerprint detection screens etc., whereby it is very likely that the user might lose some application information.
While it may not always be possible for a user to restore manually the applications that were run just before the applications were stopped, and to manually restore the applications to their last working state, thus, there exists a need for a system and a method for combining one or more applications simultaneously running on a display of a user device, in order to overcome the aforementioned limitations inherent in the existing solutions.
SUMMARY
This section is intended to introduce certain objects and aspects of the disclosed method and system in a simplified form and is not intended to identify the key advantages or features of the present disclosure. In order to overcome the existing limitations of the known solutions, it is an object of the present invention to provide a system and method for combining one or more applications simultaneously running on a display of a user device. Particularly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a system and method for automatically restoring the applications in the spilt screen mode that were running just before the applications were stopped.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a system and method for determining for automatically restoring the applications in the spilt screen mode to their last operational state. In this regard, it is yet another object of the present invention to provide a system and method for generating an application combination stamp such that invoking the application combination stamp restores the one or more application on the display to their last operational states.
In order to achieve the afore-mentioned objectives, the present disclosure provides a method and system for combining one or more applications simultaneously running on a display of a user device. A first aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for combining one or more applications simultaneously running on a display of a user device. The method begins with simultaneously running, by a processor, one or more applications on one or more portions of a display of a user device. Next, an applications engine dynamically stores an operational state of the one or more applications. Upon the processor receiving a system command for exiting the one or more applications, an application combining module automatically creates an application combination stamp comprising the one or more applications and the operational state of the one or more applications.
Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a system for combining one or more applications simultaneously running on a display of a user device. The system comprises a memory unit, a processor, an applications engine and an application combining module, all the components connected to each other. The processor is configured to simultaneously run one or more applications on one or more portions of a display of a user device. The processor is also configured to receive a system command for exiting the one or more applications. The applications engine is configured to dynamically store an operational state of the one or more applications. The application combining module is configured to automatically create an application combination stamp comprising the one or more applications and the operational state of the one or more applications.
Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a user device. The user device comprises a memory unit, a processor, an applications engine and an application combining module, all the components connected to each other. The processor is configured to simultaneously run one or more applications on one or more portions of a display of a user device. The processor is also configured to receive a system command for exiting the one or more applications. The applications engine is configured to dynamically store an operational state of the one or more applications. The application combining module is configured to automatically create an application  combination stamp comprising the one or more applications and the operational state of the one or more applications.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein, and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the disclosed methods and systems in which like reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout the different drawings. Components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present disclosure. Some drawings may indicate the components using block diagrams and may not represent the internal circuitry of each component. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that disclosure of such drawings includes disclosure of electrical components, electronic components or circuitry commonly used to implement such components.
FIG. 1 illustrates an architecture of a system [100] for combining one or more applications simultaneously running on a display of a user device, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary method flow diagram depicting a method [200] for combining one or more applications simultaneously running on a display of a user device, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 3 illustrates exemplary implementation of a method [300] for combining one or more applications simultaneously running on a display of a user device, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary implementation of a method [400] for combining one or more applications simultaneously running on a user device based on an application usage history of the user device, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary user interface [500] for combining one or more applications simultaneously running on a display of the user device, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.
The foregoing shall be more apparent from the following more detailed description of the disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, various specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. Several features described hereafter can each be used independently of one another or with any combination of other features. An individual feature may not address any of the problems discussed above or might address only some of the problems discussed above. Some of the problems discussed above might not be fully addressed by any of the features described herein. Example embodiments of the present invention are described below, as illustrated in various drawings in which like reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout the different drawings.
The ensuing description provides exemplary embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the disclosure. Rather, the ensuing description of the exemplary embodiments will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing an exemplary embodiment. It should be understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth.
Specific details are given in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. For example, circuits, systems, networks, processes, and other components may be shown as components in block diagram form in order not to obscure the embodiments in unnecessary detail. In other instances, well-known circuits, processes, algorithms, structures, and techniques may be shown without unnecessary detail in order to avoid obscuring the embodiments.
Also, it is noted that individual embodiments may be described as a process which is depicted as a flowchart, a flow diagram, a data flow diagram, a structure diagram, or a block diagram. Although a flowchart may describe the operations as a sequential process, many of the operations can be performed in parallel or concurrently. In addition, the order of the operations may be re-arranged. A process is terminated when its operations are completed but could have additional steps not included in a figure. A process may correspond to a method, a function, a procedure, a subroutine, a subprogram, etc. When a process corresponds to a function, its termination can correspond to a return of the function to the calling function or the main function.
The word “exemplary” and/or “demonstrative” is used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. For the avoidance of doubt, the subject matter disclosed herein is not limited by such examples. In addition, any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” and/or “demonstrative” is not necessarily to be  construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs, nor is it meant to preclude equivalent exemplary structures and techniques known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms “includes, ” “has, ” “contains, ” and other similar words are used in either the detailed description or the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive-in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as an open transition word-without precluding any additional or other elements. In addition, the disclosed subject matter may be implemented as a method, apparatus, or article of manufacture using standard programming and/or engineering techniques to produce software, firmware, hardware, or any combination thereof to control a computer to implement the disclosed subject matter.
The present invention provides a method and system for combining one or more applications simultaneously running on a display of a user device. The present invention is implemented using for multitasking behavior in the user device. A user may simultaneously operation one or more applications on a split screen of a user device, wherein the split screen comprises one or more portions, and each of the one or more applications running in the one or more portions. It may so happen that the system exit the one or more applications owing to other high priority applications, like attending a call. As a solution, the present invention provides generating an application combination stamp, such that invoking the application combination stamp restores the one or more application on the display to their last operational states.
As used herein, a ” processor” or ” processing unit” includes one or more processors, wherein processor refers to any logic circuitry for processing instructions. A processor may be a general-purpose processor, a special purpose processor, a conventional processor, a digital signal processor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in association with a DSP core, a controller, a microcontroller, Application Specific Integrated Circuits, Field Programmable Gate Array circuits, any other type of integrated circuits, etc. The processor may perform signal coding data processing, input/output processing, and/or any other functionality that enables the working of the system according to the present disclosure. More specifically, the processor or image processing unit is a hardware processor.
As used herein, a “user device” or "user equipment “, refer to any electrical, electronic, electromechanical and computing device. The user device is capable of receiving and/or transmitting one or parameters, performing function/s, communicating with other user devices and transmitting data to the other user devices. The user device may have a processor, a display, a memory unit, a battery and an input-means such as a hard keypad and/or a soft keypad. The user device may be capable of operating on any radio access technology including  but not limited to IP-enabled communication, Zig Bee, Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy, Near Field Communication, Z-Wave, etc. The user device may operate at all the seven levels of ISO reference model, and also works on the application layer along with the network, session and presentation layer with any additional features of a touch screen, apps ecosystem, physical and biometric security, etc. For instance, the user devices may include, but not limited to, a mobile phone, smartphone, virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, pager, laptop, a general-purpose computer, desktop, personal digital assistant, tablet computer, mainframe computer, or any other device as may be obvious to a per-son skilled in the art. The user device may also have an interface which typically includes a display with or without keypad including a set of alpha-numeric (ITU-T type) keys that may be real keys or virtual keys. The input interface also comprises touch/acoustic/video components for touch/sound/video input and output. The output interface may comprise a microphone, a speaker, camera and additionally audio/video I/O ports in an accessories interface, wherein the speaker normally serves to provide acoustic output in the form of human speech, ring signals, music, etc.
As used herein, ” media” refers to images, videos, animations, etc. and any other type of media that can be captured using a camera, as may be obvious to a person skilled in the art.
As used herein, the “application” refers to a program, or a group of programs or a list of instructions designed to run (execute) on a user equipment so as to serve a specific function for a user. The user device may comprise of one or more applications.
Referring to FIG. 1 illustrates an architecture of a system [100] for combining one or more applications simultaneously running on a display of a user device, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. The system [100] comprises a memory unit [114] , a processor [102] , an applications engine [104] and an application combining module [106] , a display [108] , an input interface [112] and a display manager [110] , all components connected to each other and work in conjunction to achieve the objectives of the present invention.
The processor [102] is connected to the memory unit [114] , the applications engine [104] , the application combining module [106] , the display [108] , the input interface [112] and the display manager [110] . The processor is configured to simultaneously run one or more applications on one or more portions of a display [108] of a user device. The processor [102] is configured to multitask between the one or more applications running on the user device. The processor [102] is, thus, responsible for implementing multitasking behavior in the user device.
In this regard, the system further comprises the display [108] connected to the memory unit [114] , the processor [102] , the applications engine [104] , the application combining module [106] , the input interface [112] and the display manager [110] . The present invention encompasses that the display [108] may be a split screen, wherein the split screen comprises one or more portions such that each of the one or more applications are configured to run in the one or more portions of the spilt screen.
The applications engine [104] is connected to the memory unit [114] , the processor [102] , the application combining module [106] , the display [108] , the input interface [112] and the display manager [110] . The applications engine [104] is configured to store an operational state of the one or more applications. The applications engine [104] , in operation, dynamically updates the operational state of the one or more applications. For instance, for a video playing application comprising of one or more videos, for a user playing the one or more videos, the applications engine [104] stores an operational state of the video playing application, being the information about the video being played and the current playing duration of the video being played. In another instance, for a shopping application, where a user has already added products in the shopping cart, the application engine [104] stores an operational state of the shopping application, being the information regarding products added in the shopping cart. In yet another instance, for a music playing application comprising of one or more songs, for a user playing the one or more songs, the applications engine [104] stores an operational state of the music application, being the information about the song being played and the current playing duration of the song being played.
The applications engine [104] is also configured to retrieve the operational state of the one or more applications, wherein the operational state refers to the last updated operational state of the one or more applications. Furthering the above instance, for continuously played video, when the processor exits the video playing application upon a system command, the applications engine [104] saves the last operational state of the video being played and the last playing duration of the video being played just before the video playing application is exited. Accordingly, when the video playing application is to be restored, the applications engine [104] retrieves the last operational state of the video being played and the last playing duration of the video being played for the system.
The processor [102] is also configured to receive a system command for exiting the one or more applications. The system command to exit the one or more applications is based on at least one of a first input for switching between the one or more applications, a second input for powering OFF the user device, and a third input to  exit the one or more applications. The first input for switching between the one or more applications may be received from the user or the system. For instance, while one or more applications are simultaneously running on the display [108] of the user device, it may so happen that the user receives a call on the user device, thus, forcing the one or more applications to exit such that only a caller screen is displayed on the display of the user device. Thus, in one instance, the present invention encompasses that the system [100] exits the one or more applications owing to other high priority applications, like attending a call. Accordingly, the processor [102] receives a command to exit the one or more applications running on the user device upon invoking of a high priority application. The second input for powering OFF the user device may be provided by the user or by the system itself, for example, when the battery of the user device becomes is discharged. The third input to exit the one or more applications may be received from the user when the user wishes to close the application running on the user device, or from the system.
The application combining module [106] is connected to the memory unit [114] , the processor [102] , the applications engine [104] , the display [108] , the input interface [112] and the display manager [110] . The application combining module [106] is configured to automatically create an application combination stamp comprising the one or more applications and the operational state of the one or more applications. The application combination stamp is so created that invoking the application combination stamp restores the one or more application on the display to their last operational states.
The present further encompasses that the displaying the application combination stamp feature by an application combination icon on the display [108] of the user device. The present invention encompasses that the application combination icon may have all functionalities like other application icons on a home screen of the user. For instance, a user may delete the application combination icon if they are no longer useful. For another instance, when a user may click on the application combination icon, the system will launch split mode for multi-tasking.
Thus, the application combination icon is associated with the application combination stamp, such that when a user provides an input, via an input interface [112] , for selection of the application combination icon, the system invokes the application combination stamp to restore the one or more application on the display to their last operational states. In this regard, the applications engine [104] retrieves the operational state, i.e., the last operational state, of the one or more applications associated with the application combination stamp. Based on  the retrieved operational state of the one or more applications, the application combining module [106] restores the one or more applications on the one or more portions of the display [108] .
The input interface [112] is connected to the memory unit [114] , the processor [102] , the applications engine [104] , the application combining module [106] , the display [108] and the display manager [110] . As used herein, an ” input/output (I/O) interface” includes one or more data input device and one or more data output device. An I/O unit may process commands and data to control I/O devices. A data input device may comprise of input means for inputting character data, for example, a keyboard with a plurality of keys, tactile display, etc. A data output device may comprise of output means for representing characters in response to the inputted data, for example, a display unit for displaying characters in response to the inputted data. The input device and the output device may also be combined into a single unit, for example, a display unit with a virtual keyboard.
The display manager [110] is connected to the memory unit [114] , the processor [102] , the applications engine [104] , the application combining module [106] , the display [108] and the input interface [112] . The present invention encompasses that the display manager [110] is configured to capture a screenshot of the one or more applications simultaneously running on the one or more portions of the display [108] of the user device. The display manager [110] is also configured to display the screenshot in a recent activity list of the user device on the display [108] of the user device.
Thereafter, when the processor [102] exits the one or more simultaneously running applications based on a system command, the display manager [110] display the screenshot in the recent activity list of the user device on the display [108] of the user device. When a user views the recent activity list of the user device and provides an input for selection of the screenshot via the input interface [112] , the applications engine [104] retrieves the operational state, i.e., the last operational state, of the one or more applications associated with the screenshot. Accordingly, the application combining module [106] restores the one or more applications on the one or more portions of the display based on the retrieved operational state of the one or more applications
The present invention further encompasses that the application combining module [106] is also configured to process an application usage history of a user device. Accordingly, the application combining module [106] is also configured to automatically create a personalized application combination stamp comprising one or more applications and an operational state of the one or more applications based on the application usage history. For instance, based on a user’s application usage pattern data in split-window, the application combining  module [106] may select the most used applications, sorting the combination of the most used applications and, thereafter, the application combining module [106] may automatically generate application combination stamps. Thus, the present invention further encompasses that when a user launches an application in a sorted list, the system launches a pop-up window displaying about the application combination generated with the other applications on the user device. Based on user’s acceptance, the the application combining module [106] would launch the applications on the split window.
The memory unit [114] is connected to the display manager [110] , the processor [102] , the applications engine [104] , the application combining module [106] , the display [108] and the input interface [112] . As used herein, ”memory unit” or ” memory” refers to a machine or computer readable medium including any mechanism for storing information in a form readable by a computer or similar machine. For example, a computer-readable medium includes read-only memory (” ROM” ) , random access memory (” RAM” ) , magnetic-disk storage media, optical storage media, flash memory devices or other types of machine-accessible storage media. For instance, the memory unit [114] may be configured to store one or more applications on the user device. In another instance, the memory unit [114] may be configured to store the operational state of the one or more applications running on the user device. Although a limited number of components are shown in Fig. 1, however, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention encompasses use of multiple such components.
The present invention encompasses that the system [100] may reside inside a user equipment. Accordingly, the user equipment comprises a memory unit [114] , a processor [102] , an applications engine [104] and an application combining module [106] , a display [108] , an input interface [112] and a display manager [110] , all components connected to each other and work in conjunction to achieve the objectives of the present invention.
The processor [102] of the user device is connected to the memory unit [114] , the applications engine [104] , the application combining module [106] , the display [108] , the input interface [112] and the display manager[110] . The processor [102] of the user device is configured to simultaneously run one or more applications on one or more portions of a display [108] of a user device. The processor [102] of the user device is configured to multitask between the one or more applications running on the user device. The processor [102] is, thus, responsible for implementing multitasking behavior in the user device.
In this regard, the system further comprises the display [108] of the user device is connected to the memory unit [114] , the processor [102] , the applications engine [104] , the application combining module [106] , the input interface [112] and the display manager [110] . The present invention encompasses that the display [108] of the user device may be a split screen, wherein the split screen comprises one or more portions such that each of the one or more applications are configured to run in the one or more portions of the spilt screen.
The applications engine [104] of the user device is connected to the memory unit [114] , the processor [102] , the application combining module [106] , the display [108] , the input interface [112] and the display manager [110] . The applications engine [104] of the user device is configured to store an operational state of the one or more applications. The applications engine [104] , in operation, dynamically updates the operational state of the one or more applications. For instance, for a video playing application comprising of one or more videos, for a user playing the one or more videos, the applications engine [104] stores an operational state of the video playing application, being the information about the video being played and the current playing duration of the video being played.
The applications engine [104] of the user device is also configured to retrieve the operational state of the one or more applications, wherein the operational state refers to the last updated operational state of the one or more applications. Furthering the above instance, for continuously played video, when the processor exits the video playing application upon a system command, the applications engine [104] saves the last operational state of the video being played and the last playing duration of the video being played just before the video playing application is exited. Accordingly, when the video playing application is to be restored, the applications engine [104] retrieves the last operational state of the video being played and the last playing duration of the video being played for the system. In another instance, for a shopping application, where a user has already added products in the shopping cart, the application engine [104] stores an operational state of the shopping application, being the information regarding products added in the shopping cart. In yet another instance, for a music playing application comprising of one or more songs, for a user playing the one or more songs, the applications engine [104] stores an operational state of the music application, being the information about the song being played and the current playing duration of the song being played.
The processor [102] of the user device is also configured to receive a system command for exiting the one or more applications. For instance, while one or more applications are simultaneously running on the display [108] of the user device, it may so happen that the user receives a call on the user device, thus, forcing the one  or more applications to exit such that only a caller screen is displayed on the display of the user device. Thus, in one instance, the present invention encompasses that the system [100] exits the one or more applications owing to other high priority applications, like attending a call. Accordingly, the processor [102] of the user device receives a command to exit the one or more applications running on the user device upon invoking of a high priority application.
The application combining module [106] of the user device is connected to the memory unit [114] , the processor [102] , the applications engine [104] , the display [108] , the input interface [112] and the display manager [110] . The application combining module [106] of the user device is configured to automatically create an application combination stamp comprising the one or more applications and the operational state of the one or more applications. The application combination stamp is so created that invoking the application combination stamp restores the one or more application on the display to their last operational states.
The present further encompasses that the displaying the application combination stamp feature by an application combination icon on the display [108] of the user device. The present invention encompasses that the application combination icon may have all functionalities like other application icons on a home screen of the user. For instance, a user may delete the application combination icon if they are no longer useful. For another instance, when a user may click on the application combination icon, the system will launch split mode for multi-tasking.
Thus, the application combination icon is associated with the application combination stamp, such that when a user provides an input, via an input interface [112] , for selection of the application combination icon, the system invokes the application combination stamp to restore the one or more application on the display to their last operational states. In this regard, the applications engine [104] retrieves the operational state, i.e., the last operational state, of the one or more applications associated with the application combination stamp. Based on the retrieved operational state of the one or more applications, the application combining module [106] restores the one or more applications on the one or more portions of the display [108] . The input interface [112] of the user device is connected to the memory unit [114] , the processor [102] , the applications engine [104] , the application combining module [106] , the display [108] and the display manager [110] .
The display manager [110] of the user device is connected to the memory unit [114] , the processor [102] , the applications engine [104] , the application combining module [106] , the display [108] and the input interface [112] . The present invention encompasses that the display manager [110] of the user device is configured to  capture a screenshot of the one or more applications simultaneously running on the one or more portions of the display [108] of the user device. The display manager [110] is also configured to display the screenshot in a recent activity list of the user device on the display [108] of the user device.
Thereafter, when the processor [102] of the user device exits the one or more simultaneously running applications based on a system command, the display manager [110] display the screenshot in the recent activity list of the user device on the display [108] of the user device. When a user views the recent activity list of the user device and provides an input for selection of the screenshot via the input interface [112] , the applications engine [104] of the user device retrieves the operational state, i.e., the last operational state, of the one or more applications associated with the screenshot. Accordingly, the application combining module [106] of the user device restores the one or more applications on the one or more portions of the display based on the retrieved operational state of the one or more applications
The present invention further encompasses that the application combining module [106] of the user device is also configured to process an application usage history of a user device. Accordingly, the application combining module [106] is also configured to automatically create a personalized application combination stamp comprising one or more applications and an operational state of the one or more applications based on the application usage history. For instance, based on a user’s application usage pattern data in split-window, the application combining module [106] of the user device may select the most used applications, sorting the combination of the most used applications and, thereafter, the application combining module [106] of the user device may automatically generate application combination stamps. Thus, the present invention further encompasses that when a user launches an application in a sorted list, the system launches a pop-up window displaying about the application combination generated with the other applications on the user device. Based on user’s acceptance, the the application combining module [106] would launch the applications on the split window.
The memory unit [114] of the user device is connected to the display manager [110] , the processor [102] , the applications engine [104] , the application combining module [106] , the display [108] and the input interface [112] .
Referring to Fig. 2 illustrates an exemplary method flow diagram depicting a method [200] for combining one or more applications simultaneously running on a display of a user device, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. The method begins, at step [202] , when a user starts operating a user  device. At step [204] , the method comprises simultaneously running, by a processor [102] , one or more applications on one or more portions of a display [108] of a user device. In this regard, the processor [102] multitasks between the one or more applications running on the user device and is, thus, responsible for implementing multitasking behavior in the user device.
The method at step [204] further comprises displaying the one or more applications on a split screen display [108] , wherein the split screen comprises one or more portions such that each of the one or more applications are configured to run in the one or more portions of the spilt screen.
Subsequently, at step [206] , the applications engine [104] dynamically stores an operational state of the one or more applications. The method at step [306] further encompasses that the applications engine [104] dynamically updates the operational state of the one or more applications. For instance, for a video playing application comprising of one or more videos, for a user playing the one or more videos, the applications engine [104] stores an operational state of the video playing application, being the information about the video being played and the current playing duration of the video being played. In another instance, for a shopping application, where a user has already added products in the shopping cart, the application engine [104] stores an operational state of the shopping application, being the information regarding products added in the shopping cart. In yet another instance, for a music playing application comprising of one or more songs, for a user playing the one or more songs, the applications engine [104] stores an operational state of the music application, being the information about the song being played and the current playing duration of the song being played.
Further, at step [208] , the processor [102] may receive a system command for exiting the one or more applications. The system command to exit the one or more applications is based on at least one of a first input for switching between the one or more applications, a second input for powering OFF the user device, and a third input to exit the one or more applications. The first input for switching between the one or more applications may be received from the user or the system. For instance, while one or more applications are simultaneously running on the display [108] of the user device, it may so happen that the user receives a call on the user device, thus, forcing the one or more applications to exit such that only a caller screen is displayed on the display of the user device. Thus, in one instance, the method at step [208] further encompasses that the processor [102] exits the one or more applications owing to other high priority applications, like attending a call. The second input for powering OFF the user device may be provided by the user or by the system itself,  for example, when the battery of the user device becomes is discharged. The third input to exit the one or more applications may be received from the user when the user wishes to close the application running on the user device, or from the system.
Next, at step [210] , the application combining module [106] automatically creates an application combination stamp comprising the one or more applications and the operational state of the one or more applications. The application combination stamp is so created that invoking the application combination stamp restores the one or more application on the display to their last operational states.
The method of the present invention further encompasses displaying the application combination stamp feature by an application combination icon on the display [108] of the user device. The application combination icon may have all functionalities like other application icons on a home screen of the user. For instance, a user may delete the application combination icon if they are no longer useful. For another instance, when a user may click on the application combination icon, the system will launch split mode for multi-tasking. Thus, the application combination icon is associated with the application combination stamp, such that when a user provides an input, via an input interface [112] , for selection of the application combination icon, the system invokes the application combination stamp to restore the one or more application on the display to their last operational states.
In this regard, the method of the present invention encompasses retrieving the operational state, i.e., the last operational state, by the applications engine [104] , of the one or more applications associated with the application combination stamp. For instance, for a continuously played video, when the processor exits the video playing application upon a system command, the applications engine [104] saves the last operational state of the video being played and the last playing duration of the video being played just before the video playing application is exited. Accordingly, when the video playing application is to be restored, the applications engine [104] retrieves the last operational state of the video being played and the last playing duration of the video being played for the system.
The method of the present invention encompasses that based on the retrieved operational state of the one or more applications, the application combining module [106] restores the one or more applications on the one or more portions of the display [108] .
In another instance, the present invention encompasses capturing a screenshot, by a display manager [110] , of the one or more applications simultaneously running on the one or more portions of the display [108] of the user device. The display manager [110] , then, displays the screenshot in a recent activity list of the user device on the display [108] of the user device. Thereafter, when the processor [102] exits the one or more simultaneously running applications based on a system command, the display manager [110] displays the screenshot in the recent activity list of the user device on the display [108] of the user device. In operation, when a user views the recent activity list of the user device and provides an input for selection of the screenshot via the input interface [112] , the applications engine [104] retrieves the operational state, i.e., the last operational state, of the one or more applications associated with the screenshot. Accordingly, the application combining module [106] restores the one or more applications on the one or more portions of the display based on the retrieved operational state of the one or more applications.
In yet another instance of the present invention, the method encompasses that the application combining module [106] processes the application usage history of a user device, and automatically creates a personalized application combination stamp comprising one or more applications and an operational state of the one or more applications based on the application usage history. For instance, based on a user’s application usage pattern data in split-window, the application combining module [106] may select the most used applications, sorting the combination of the most used applications and, thereafter, the application combining module [106] may automatically generate application combination stamps. Thus, the method of the present invention further encompasses that when a user launches an application in a sorted list, the system launches a pop-up window displaying about the application combination generated with the other applications on the user device. Based on user’s acceptance, the the application combining module [106] launches the applications on the split window. The method finally completes at step [212] .
Referring to FIG. 3 illustrates exemplary implementation of a method [300] for combining one or more applications simultaneously running on a display of a user device, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. The method [300] encompasses that at step [302] one or more applications are simultaneously running on a split screen of the user device. The method further encompasses that in the background, the applications engine [104] is dynamically storing, and updating, an operational state of the one or more running applications.
At step [304] , the system detects invocation of a high priority application, and provides a system command to the processor [102] for exiting the one or more applications, for instance, when a user might intend to answer phone call, take a photo, process a payment gateway, fingerprint detection screens etc. Accordingly, at step [306] , the processor [102] may exit the split window mode for the one or more applications and launches full screen display for the high priority application.
At step [308] , when a user wishes to get back the split window mode, the present invention encompasses that the system may provide combine applications via one of an application combination stamp and a screenshot. In an event the system is configured to combine applications by generating an application combination stamp, at step [310] , the system may either display application combination icon [312] on the home screen of the user device or may display personalized application combination stamp [314] created based on the application usage history of a user. In an event the system is configured to combine applications by capturing a screenshot, at step [316] , the system may display the screenshot in a recent activity list of the user device on the display [108] of the user device using a picture in picture (PIP) mode of display.
Referring to FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary implementation of a method [400] for combining one or more applications simultaneously running on a user device based on an application usage history of the user device, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.
The method [400] encompasses that the application combining module [106] processes an application usage history of a user device at step [402] . For instance, based on a user’s application usage pattern data in split-window, the application combining module [106] may select the most used applications, sorting, at step [404] , the combination of the most used applications and, thereafter, the application combining module [106] may automatically generate application combination stamps at step [406] .
Thus, the present invention further encompasses that when a user launches an application in a sorted list, the system launches a pop-up window, at step [408] , displaying about the application combination generated with the other applications on the user device. Based on user’s acceptance, the the application combining module [106] would launch the applications on the split window at step [410] .
Referring to FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary user interface [500] for combining one or more applications simultaneously running on a display of the user device, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. 5A represents a user interface of a user device simultaneously running two application  in a spilt screen mode along with an icon to allow the user to combine the two running applications, and to allow the user to create an application combination stamp.
In another instance of the present invention, Fig. 5A represents a user interface of a user device with the application combination icon associated with the two applications that were running in a spilt screen mode just before the applications were exited by the system. In yet another instance of the present invention, Fig. 5A represents a user interface of a user device showcasing the application combination icon associated with the two applications in the recent list of activity of the user device. It may be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the application combination icon may be placed at multiple levels within the user interface of a user device, and similarly, that the screenshot may also be displayed at other location in the user device, for instance, a media gallery of the user device, or any other location in the user device that a person skilled in the art may deem fir, all of which are encompasses by the present invention.
Thus, the solution provided by present invention effectively solves the problem of manually restoring the applications in the spilt screen mode, by a user, that were running on the user device just before the applications were stopped. The solution of the present invention provides technical advancement over exiting solution such that the user does not have to manually restore the applications rather the solution of the present invention automatically restores the applications in the spilt screen mode that were running on the user device just before the applications were stopped to their last operational mode using an application combination stamp. The invention is particularly advantageous as the application combination stamp operates in the manner that invoking the application combination stamp restores the one or more application on the display to their last operational states, and may be represented an icon on the home screen, as an activity in the list of activity, as a screenshot, etc. thus, providing the user with ease to restore the applications to their last operational states.
While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the disclosed embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made to the embodiments without departing from the principles of the present invention. These and other changes in the embodiments of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art, whereby it is to be understood that the foregoing descriptive matter to be implemented is illustrative and non-limiting.

Claims (19)

  1. A method for combining one or more applications simultaneously running on a display of a user device, the method comprising:
    - simultaneously running, by a processor [102] , one or more applications on one or more portions of a display [108] of a user device;
    - dynamically storing, by an applications engine [104] , an operational state of the one or more applications;
    - receiving a system command, at the processor [102] , for exiting the one or more applications; and
    - automatically creating, by an application combining module [106] , an application combination stamp comprising the one or more applications and the operational state of the one or more applications.
  2. The method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising:
    - displaying an application combination icon on the display [108] of the user device, wherein the application combination icon is associated with the application combination stamp;
    - receiving, at an input interface [112] , an input from a user of the user device for selection of the application combination icon;
    - retrieving, by the applications engine [104] , the operational state of the one or more applications associated with the application combination stamp; and
    - restoring, by the application combining module [106] , the one or more applications on the one or more portions of the display [108] based on the retrieved operational state of the one or more applications.
  3. The method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising:
    - capturing a screenshot, by a display manager [110] , of the one or more applications simultaneously running on the one or more portions of the display [108] of the user device;
    - displaying, by the display manager [110] , the screenshot in a recent activity list of the user device on the display [108] of the user device;
    - receiving, at an input interface [112] , an input from a user of the user device for selection of the screenshot;
    - retrieving, by the applications engine [104] , the operational state of the one or more applications associated with the screenshot; and
    - restoring, by the application combining module [106] , the one or more applications on the one or more portions of the display based on the retrieved operational state of the one or more applications.
  4. The method as claimed in claim 1, the method further comprising:
    - processing, by the application combining module [106] , an application usage history of a user device; and
    - automatically creating, by the application combining module [106] , a personalized application combination stamp comprising one or more applications and an operational state of the one or more applications based on the application usage history.
  5. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system command to exit the one or more applications is based on at least one of a first input for switching between the one or more applications, a second input for powering OFF the user device, and a third input to exit the one or more applications.
  6. A system for combining one or more applications simultaneously running on a display of a user device, the system comprising:
    - a memory unit [114] ;
    - a processor [102] connected to the memory unit [116] , said processor [102] configured to:
    - simultaneously run one or more applications on one or more portions of a display [108] of a user device, and
    - receive a system command for exiting the one or more applications;
    - an applications engine [104] connected to the memory unit [116] and the processor [102] , said applications engine [104] configured to dynamically store an operational state of the one or more applications;
    - an application combining module [106] connected to the memory unit [116] , the processor [102] and the applications engine [104] , said application combining module [106] configured to automatically create an application combination stamp comprising the one or more applications and the operational state of the one or more applications.
  7. The system as claimed in claim 6, further comprising:
    - the display [108] configured to display an application combination icon on the display [108] of the user device, wherein the application combination icon is associated with the application combination stamp; and
    - an input interface [112] configured to receive an input from a user of the user device for selection of the application combination icon.
  8. The system as claimed in claim 7, wherein:
    - the applications engine [104] is further configured to retrieve the operational state of the one or more applications associated with the application combination stamp; and
    - the application combining module [106] is further configured to restore the one or more applications on the one or more portions of the display [108] based on the retrieved operational state of the one or more applications.
  9. The system as claimed in claim 6, further comprising:
    - a display manager [110] configured to:
    - capture a screenshot of the one or more applications simultaneously running on the one or more portions of the display [108] of the user device, and
    - display the screenshot in a recent activity list of the user device on the display [108] of the user device;
    - an input interface [112] configured to receive an input from a user of the user device for selection of the screenshot.
  10. The system as claimed in claim 7, wherein:
    - the applications engine [104] is further configured to retrieve the operational state of the one or more applications associated with the screenshot; and
    - the application combining module [106] is further configured to restore the one or more applications on the one or more portions of the display based on the retrieved operational state of the one or more applications.
  11. The system as claimed in claim 6, wherein the application combining module [106] is further configured to:
    - process an application usage history of a user device; and
    - automatically creating, by the application combining module [106] , a personalized application combination stamp comprising one or more applications and an operational state of the one or more applications based on the application usage history.
  12. The system as claimed in claim 6, wherein the system command to exit the one or more applications is based on at least one of a first input for switching between the one or more applications, a second input for powering OFF the user device, and a third input to exit the one or more applications.
  13. A user device comprising:
    - a memory unit [116] ;
    - a processor [102] connected to the memory unit [116] , said processor [102] configured to:
    - simultaneously run one or more applications on one or more portions of a display [108] of the user device, and
    - receive a system command for exiting the one or more applications;
    - an applications engine [104] connected to the memory unit [116] and the processor [102] , said applications engine [104] configured to dynamically store an operational state of the one or more applications;
    - an application combining module [106] connected to the memory unit [116] , the processor [102] and the applications engine [104] , said application combining module [106] configured to automatically  create an application combination stamp comprising the one or more applications and the operational state of the one or more applications.
  14. The user device as claimed in claim 13, further comprising:
    - the display [108] configured to display an application combination icon on the display [108] of the user device, wherein the application combination icon is associated with the application combination stamp; and
    - an input interface [112] configured to receive an input from a user of the user device for selection of the application combination icon.
  15. The user device as claimed in claim 14, wherein:
    - the applications engine [104] is further configured to retrieve the operational state of the one or more applications associated with the application combination stamp; and
    - the application combining module [106] is further configured to restore the one or more applications on the one or more portions of the display [108] based on the retrieved operational state of the one or more applications.
  16. The user device as claimed in claim 13, further comprising:
    - a display manager [110] configured to:
    - capture a screenshot of the one or more applications simultaneously running on the one or more portions of the display [108] of the user device, and
    - display the screenshot in a recent activity list of the user device on the display [108] of the user device;
    - an input interface [112] configured to receive an input from a user of the user device for selection of the screenshot.
  17. The user device as claimed in claim 16, wherein:
    - the applications engine [104] is further configured to retrieve the operational state of the one or more applications associated with the screenshot; and
    - the application combining module [106] is further configured to restore the one or more applications on the one or more portions of the display based on the retrieved operational state of the one or more applications.
  18. The user device as claimed in claim 13, wherein the application combining module [106] is further configured to:
    - process an application usage history of a user device; and
    - automatically creating, by the application combining module [106] , a personalized application combination stamp comprising one or more applications and an operational state of the one or more applications based on the application usage history.
  19. The user device as claimed in claim 13, wherein the system command to exit the one or more applications is based on at least one of a first input for switching between the one or more applications, a second input for powering OFF the user device, and a third input to exit the one or more applications.
PCT/CN2021/092055 2020-06-11 2021-05-07 System and method for combing applications running on a user device WO2021249069A1 (en)

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CN106406675A (en) * 2016-09-29 2017-02-15 广东欧珀移动通信有限公司 Fast method for running application programs and terminal equipment
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CN110795189A (en) * 2019-10-25 2020-02-14 维沃移动通信（杭州）有限公司 Application starting method and electronic equipment

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
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CN101344848A (en) * 2007-07-12 2009-01-14 辉达公司 Management of icons in a display interface
CN103605464A (en) * 2013-11-29 2014-02-26 深圳市朗司科技有限公司 Desktop application icon across-screen combination method
US20170187868A1 (en) * 2015-12-28 2017-06-29 Verizon Patent And Licensing Inc. Methods and Systems for Managing Multiple Communication Sessions from a Single On-Screen User Interface
CN106406675A (en) * 2016-09-29 2017-02-15 广东欧珀移动通信有限公司 Fast method for running application programs and terminal equipment
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