Application Bar Tab Browsing via Pop-up List Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In tabbed browsing environments, identifying and accessing multiple open tabs within an application instance is cumbersome, as only the active tab is displayed in the application bar's pop-up window, requiring users to activate the host application instance to view other tabs.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for application bar browsing of tabbed-view applications that includes populating a pop-up list with entries for each instance of a tabbed browsing application, and associating these entries with a tabbed browser view, such as a cascading menu or tab iterator, allowing users to view and iterate through inactive tabs without activating the host application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple instances of a tabbed browsing application are opened, then users can access multiple different content pages, but identifying and accessing specific tabs becomes cumbersome as only the active tab is displayed in the application bar
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the tabbed browsing interface by displaying individual tab entries within the application bar popup list. Each tab is separated and identifiable as a distinct entry, allowing users to access specific tabs without activating the entire application instance. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by maintaining multiple content page access while improving tab identification and accessibility.
2Device complexity
If the application bar displays only the active tab, then the interface remains simple, but users must activate the host application instance to view other tabs, increasing operational steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-displaying all tab entries in the application bar popup list before the user requests them. The tabs are organized and visible in advance, allowing users to directly select and access any tab without first activating the application instance. This eliminates unnecessary operational steps and time loss while maintaining interface simplicity.
3Ease of operation
If multiple application instances are used to access different content, then each instance can be independently controlled, but the computing desktop becomes cluttered with multiple windows
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple tabbed browsing instances into a single consolidated application bar entry. Instead of creating separate desktop windows for each instance, the system combines them and displays all tabs within one application's popup list. This merging approach maintains independent control of each tab while eliminating desktop clutter from multiple application windows.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention address deficiencies of the art in respect to tabbed browsing and provide a method, system and computer program product for application bar browsing of tabbed-view applications. In one embodiment of the invention a method for application bar browsing of tabbed-view applications can be provided. The method can include populating a pop-up list for a consolidated application bar entry for multiple different instances of a single application with corresponding entries each for a different one of the multiple different instances of the single application. The method further can include associating at least one of the entries in the pop-up list with an instance of the single application configured for tabbed browsing. The method yet further can include configuring the associated at least one of the entries with a tabbed browser view.