Dynamic Picture-in-Picture Positioning to Avoid Content Obscuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Picture-in-picture (PiP) windows in smartphones and other devices often obscure critical portions of primary windows, requiring users to manually reposition them, which is inconvenient and may lead to missed notifications due to the PiP window blocking important content.
Innovation Solution
The system automatically analyzes content and user interactions to determine priority items, adjusting the position, size, and transparency of the PiP window to avoid obscuring these items, allowing for dynamic repositioning and auto-hiding based on changing priorities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the PiP window is displayed in a standard size and position, then the user can view media content conveniently, but the PiP window may obscure critical portions of the primary window such as messages or navigation bars
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic positioning of the PiP window that automatically adjusts its position based on the location of critical content elements in the primary window. The system continuously monitors the primary window for important elements (messages, navigation bars, etc.) and repositions the PiP window in real-time to avoid obscuring these elements, transforming the static PiP display into a dynamic adaptive system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms by detecting the presence and position of critical content elements in the primary window and using this information to adjust the PiP window position. The system receives feedback about what content is important and uses this feedback to automatically reposition the PiP window, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes both media viewing and content visibility.
2Loss of information
If the user manually drags the PiP window to reposition it, then the PiP window can be moved to a less obstructive position, but this imposes additional steps on the user and may feel irksome
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting when critical content appears in the primary window and autonomously repositioning the PiP window without requiring user intervention. The system monitors its own display state, identifies when repositioning is needed, and executes the repositioning automatically, freeing the user from manual dragging operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical user action of manually dragging the PiP window with an automated computational system. Instead of requiring physical user interaction to move the window, the system uses software-based detection and automatic repositioning algorithms to achieve the same goal, substituting mechanical user effort with automated digital processing.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the PiP window remains in a fixed position after being dragged, then the user can easily locate it, but it may block important portions of the primary window as the user interacts with the application
Solution Approach 1:
The system transforms the static fixed position into a dynamic adaptive position. The PiP window position is no longer fixed but continuously adjusted based on the changing content of the primary window. The system maintains stability by frequently detecting critical elements and making smooth transitions to optimal positions, balancing position stability with adaptability to changing content.
Data Source
AI summary
A first window, for example, a picture-in-picture (PiP), is displayed on a user device to avoid obscuring displayed items of a second window, when the displayed items are determined to have priority relative to the first window contents, for example, newly received notifications. A PiP may be positioned at a top or bottom of the display to avoid obscuring the priority displayed item(s), or may be made smaller or made partially translucent to avoid obscuring the priority displayed item(s). Standard position and format PiP may be resumed if the displayed item is deemed to have lost priority.