Browser Tab Management with Automatic Backward Navigation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current browser applications lack automated management of tabs, leading to limitations in how new browser content is opened and navigated, particularly in scenarios involving user-created and application-created tabs, which can result in fragmented browsing experiences and restricted backward navigation.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a system where links can include properties to automatically open new tabs and populate them with historical entries that link back to the originating tab, enabling seamless backward navigation and improved tab management without user intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If tabs are manually managed by users, then user control over browsing is maintained, but browsing efficiency and automation are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebrowsing efficiencyVSAvoidautomated tab management

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service automation by automatically detecting when a user navigates backward in browser history and autonomously closing the originating tab that is no longer needed, eliminating the need for manual tab management while maintaining browsing efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms by monitoring user navigation actions (backward clicks) and using this information to trigger automated tab closing decisions, creating a responsive system that adapts to user behavior patterns

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If backward navigation is enabled in new tabs, then navigation flexibility is improved, but tab clutter and memory usage increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenavigation flexibilityVSAvoidnumber of open tabs

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies dynamic tab management where the state of tabs changes based on user navigation behavior - tabs are automatically closed when no longer needed (after backward navigation), making the number of open tabs dynamic rather than static, thus balancing navigation flexibility with resource management

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple tabs are opened simultaneously, then browsing capability is enhanced, but user confusion and tab management complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebrowsing capabilityVSAvoidtab management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system extracts and removes tabs that are no longer needed based on navigation patterns, automatically closing originating tabs when users navigate backward, thereby reducing tab management complexity while preserving essential browsing capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS7673233B2Browser tab management

Publication Date: 2010.03.02 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC

AI summary

The management of tabs in browser applications may be at least partially automated. In a described implementation, a link present in browser content information may include a link property indicating that the new browser content information targeted by the link is to be opened in a new tab. A browser application can therefore automatically launch a new tab without a user request. In another described implementation, a new travelogue created for a new tab may be initially populated with an historical entry that points to spawning browser content information and identifies the originating tab. When a user attempts to move backward from an initial page of the new tab, a browser application can therefore automatically redisplay the spawning browser content information at the originating tab.