Display Window Edge Minimization for Small-Screen Multitasking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Portable information terminals face challenges in efficiently managing multiple display windows due to screen size limitations, making it difficult for users to switch between them effectively.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus with a display controller that allows display windows to be moved and minimized to the edges of the screen based on user input, maintaining or reducing their size, and changing their state to a minimized position based on movement direction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple display windows are displayed in a superposed manner in a small display screen, then parallel execution of multiple applications is improved, but ease of operation for switching between windows deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparallel execution of multiple applicationsVSAvoidswitching between display windows

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The display screen is segmented into multiple regions where different windows can be positioned. When a window is moved toward the edge of the screen, it is segmented and repositioned to a specific edge region, allowing users to access different windows by dragging them to different edges, thus improving operability while maintaining multi-application execution

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a new dimension for window management by utilizing the edge regions of the display screen. Instead of only managing windows in the central display area, the system extends window positioning to the peripheral edges, creating an additional spatial dimension for window organization and access

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If display windows are minimized to edge regions, then ease of operation for accessing other windows is improved, but display area for individual windows deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessing other display windowsVSAvoiddisplay area of display window

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The window display state is made dynamic rather than static. Windows can be freely transitioned between full display mode in the center and minimized mode at the edges. This dynamic switching allows the display area to adapt based on user needs, providing large display area when needed while enabling easy access to other windows when minimized

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12487723B2Information processing apparatus

Publication Date: 2025.12.02 SONY GROUP CORP

AI summary

An information processing apparatus includes a display controller for displaying a first display window which is displayable with a second display window in a display screen in a superposed manner, and an input obtaining unit for obtaining a user's input for moving the first display window in the display screen. The display controller changes, when a user's input for moving the first display window toward an outside of the display screen is obtained in a first display state in which the first display window is displayed in the display screen, a state of the first display window to a second display state in which the first display window is displayed in a region at an end of the display screen in accordance with a direction of the movement of the first display window.