Dynamic Address Bar and Tabs Scaling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing web browsers do not effectively enhance user experience by dynamically resizing the address bar and tabs based on task context, leading to inconsistent and distracting user interfaces.

Innovation Solution

A web browser with a task-based address bar/tabs scaling module that dynamically resizes the address bar and tabs based on user interactions, such as focusing on tabs or the address bar, to optimize the user experience by adjusting their size and layout accordingly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the address bar and tabs are fixed in size, then the user interface structure is simple and stable, but the user experience is inconsistent and distracting when task context changes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to task contextVSAvoidinterface dynamics

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic resizing of the address bar and tabs based on task context detection. When a tab is selected, the address bar expands to show more URL text; when tabs are selected, they expand to show more title text. This dynamic behavior allows the interface to adapt to different user interactions and task contexts, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the size parameter (width/height) of UI elements (address bar and tabs) based on detected task context. The system monitors user interactions such as clicking on tabs or the address bar and adjusts the dimensional parameters accordingly, enabling the interface to provide more information when needed while maintaining a compact form when not in use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of information

If the address bar is enlarged to show more URL text, then address bar visibility is improved, but tab space is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveURL text visibilityVSAvoidtab area

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the size of the address bar and tabs based on which element is currently selected or active. When the address bar is selected, it expands to display more URL text while tabs temporarily reduce in size. Conversely, when tabs are selected, they expand to show more title text while the address bar adjusts accordingly. This dynamic allocation resolves the space conflict between address bar and tabs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different visual properties and sizes to different parts of the interface based on their current functional state. The selected element (address bar or tabs) receives enhanced size and visibility properties, while non-selected elements adopt a more compact form. This local differentiation allows optimal visibility of the active element without permanently reducing the space available for other elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Loss of information

If tabs are enlarged to show more tab title text, then tab visibility is improved, but address bar space is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetab title text visibilityVSAvoidaddress bar length

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements dynamic size adjustment where tabs expand to show more title text when selected, and the address bar simultaneously adjusts its size to accommodate the changed layout. This dynamic coordination ensures that when tabs need more visibility, the address bar adapts its dimensions, and vice versa, resolving the spatial conflict between these two UI elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of operation

If the interface elements are dynamically resized, then user experience is enhanced by aligning with user intent, but interface complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser experienceVSAvoidresizing logic

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system monitors user interactions (clicking on tabs, clicking on the address bar) and uses this feedback to automatically adjust the size of interface elements. This closed-loop approach enhances user experience by making the interface responsive to user intent while encapsulating the resizing logic within event-driven handlers, which manages complexity through modular event processing rather than continuous complex calculations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2684114B1Task-based address bar and tabs scaling

Publication Date: 2019.06.26 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC

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AI summary

Various embodiments provide a Web browser that includes an address bar and functionality that distributes one or more tabs along a line that is common to both the tabs and address bar. In at least some embodiments, one or more of the address bar or the tabs are dynamically resized based on a task context associated with a user's interaction with the Web browser. For example, when the task context is associated with a tab interaction, the address bar and/or tabs can be dynamically resized to enhance the user's tab experience. Likewise, when the task context is associated with an address bar interaction, the address bar and/or tabs can be dynamically resized to enhance a user's address bar experience.