Assisted Window Sizing and Positioning via Joint Dividers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional operating systems complicate the management of multiple application windows by requiring redundant tasks for sizing and positioning, often resulting in unintended occlusion and overlap, making it time-consuming and annoying for users.

Innovation Solution

The system enables assisted presentation of application windows by determining the size or position of one window based on another, using joint dividers or corner controls for simultaneous sizing and positioning, and identifying available regions for optimized layouts, allowing for efficient management of multiple windows.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional operating systems require users to manually move and size each window individually, then users can control window placement, but the process becomes time-consuming and complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewindow management operationVSAvoidtime to manage windows
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple window management operations into a single automated action. When a user drags a window to an edge or corner of the display, the system automatically sizes and positions multiple windows simultaneously based on the drag target, eliminating the need for separate manual adjustments of each window

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-defines multiple predetermined layouts (e.g., split screen, quadrant divisions, cascaded arrangements) that are automatically applied when a window is dragged to specific edges or corners. This preliminary preparation of layout options allows instant window arrangement without manual configuration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If users manually position multiple windows, then window placement flexibility is achieved, but unintended occlusion and overlap occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewindow layout flexibilityVSAvoidwindow placement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides visual feedback during window dragging to guide users to optimal placement zones. When a window is dragged near edges or corners, the system displays indicators showing which predetermined layout will be applied, allowing users to see the anticipated result before finalizing the arrangement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically calculates and adjusts window positions and sizes to prevent overlap and occlusion. When windows are arranged using predetermined layouts, the system self-corrects their placement to ensure proper spacing and visibility, eliminating the need for users to manually resolve conflicts

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If multiple windows are managed individually, then each window can be customized, but the management process becomes overly complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewindow sizing and positioningVSAvoidwindow management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal window management system where a single drag operation can trigger multiple different layout configurations depending on the target edge or corner. This multi-functional approach handles various window arrangement needs (side-by-side, stacked, quadrant) through one unified interaction mechanism rather than separate controls for each scenario

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

Data Source

PatentEP3175340B1Assisted presentation of application windows
Publication Date: 2021.02.24 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC
  • EP3175340B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3175340B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3175340B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

This document describes techniques and apparatuses enabling assisted presentation of application windows. In some embodiments, these techniques and apparatuses enable sizing and positioning of application windows to provide an optimized layout of application windows.