Application Thumbnail Execution State Image Display Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulty in understanding the functions of numerous software applications installed on a PC without reading individual descriptions, making it hard to find and utilize the intended software effectively.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus with a display control unit that shows a list screen of thumbnails, an execution unit that executes associated applications, and an image generation unit that generates an execution state image, allowing users to visualize the application's functionality in a pseudo manner by displaying the execution state image alongside the list screen.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If detailed descriptions of each software application are displayed, then users can understand the function of each application, but it becomes difficult for users to search for and select intended software quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a visual copy or representation of the software interface (execution state image) that mimics what the software looks like when running. This allows users to understand software functions through visual simulation rather than reading text descriptions, enabling quick identification and selection of desired applications without time-consuming reading.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from text-based description (one-dimensional information) to image-based representation (two-dimensional visual information). By displaying execution state images that visually represent software functionality, users can rapidly scan and understand application purposes at a glance, significantly reducing selection time while maintaining information completeness.
2Loss of information
If text descriptions of software functions are displayed, then users can understand application capabilities, but users cannot easily recognize details of applications or how to use them
Solution Approach 1:
The patent generates execution state images that are visual copies of the software interface when it operates. These images replicate the actual appearance and layout of the software, allowing users to recognize application details and usage methods intuitively through visual familiarity rather than interpreting text descriptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes visual elements including color variations in the execution state images to convey different software states, functions, and priorities. Color coding and visual highlighting in the displayed images enable users to quickly distinguish between different applications and their current states, enhancing ease of operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple software applications are installed on a PC, then users have more functionality available, but it becomes difficult to understand the function of each application without reading descriptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates visual representations (execution state images) of multiple installed applications simultaneously, allowing users to overview the functionality of numerous software programs at once. This visual summary approach maintains the versatility of having multiple applications installed while simplifying the management complexity by providing an intuitive visual catalog of all available software.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the software management interface into individual visual cards or thumbnails, each representing a specific application with its execution state image. This segmentation allows users to scan through multiple applications independently and selectively, making the system more manageable despite having numerous software options.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided an information processing apparatus including a display control unit that displays a list screen of thumbnails associated with content, an execution unit that executes any application using the content associated with the thumbnails, and an image generation unit that generates an execution state image showing an execution state of the application by the execution unit, wherein the display control unit displays the execution state image generated by the image generation unit in at least a portion of an area where the list screen is displayed.