Edge Docking for Window Management Without Task Bar
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current windowing systems restrict users from docking windows without using a task bar, prevent interaction with multiple windows simultaneously, and limit window adjustments to specific predetermined functions and areas.
Innovation Solution
A graphical user interface system that allows users to dock windows at predefined docking points without using a task bar, interact with multiple windows simultaneously, and adjust windows using objects or areas with functions other than their predetermined purposes, by processing user inputs to hide or show window portions and enable simultaneous docking and interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a window is docked using a task bar, then the window can be minimized and monitored, but the user cannot select any edge of the display area to dock the window and must use a predetermined location
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the docking functionality from the task bar and implements it directly on the display area edges. The system allows windows to be docked by detecting user input near the edges of the display area, eliminating the requirement for a task bar while preserving the minimize/monitor functionality through icons displayed along the edge.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the display area edges universal docking points that can serve multiple purposes: docking windows, displaying icons for minimized windows, and providing contextual menus. This multi-functional approach replaces the specialized task bar structure with a more versatile edge-based system.
2Ease of operation
If all window contents are removed from the display area to dock the window, then the window can be minimized, but the user loses visibility of window contents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by allowing the window to remain partially visible when docked. Instead of completely removing all content, the system displays a portion of the window content along the edge while keeping the rest accessible, enabling users to see and interact with docked windows without fully minimizing them.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nesting by placing the docked window content within the edge region of the display area. The window content is nested along the edge, with the ability to expand back into the full display area when selected, creating a nested structure that preserves both docking functionality and content visibility.
3Productivity
If only one window is configured to receive user input at any given time, then focus management is simplified, but the user cannot interact with multiple windows simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the input reception capability across multiple windows docked at different edges. Each docked window can independently receive user input based on its position and the user's interaction with it, allowing simultaneous interaction with multiple windows without complex focus management protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the display area edges as intermediaries between the user and multiple windows. The edges serve as docking points and input targets, mediating user interaction with docked windows and enabling the system to distinguish which window the user intends to interact with based on the edge location and input context.
4Adaptability or versatility
If objects within a window have predetermined purposes, then their functions are well-defined, but the user cannot use them for other purposes such as adjusting the window
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes window objects universal by allowing them to serve their predetermined function while also responding to input that indicates a desire to adjust the window. When the system detects that a user is interacting with an object in a manner inconsistent with its predetermined function, it interprets this as a window adjustment command, enabling the object to serve multiple purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic functionality to window objects, where their response to user input changes based on the context of interaction. Objects maintain their predetermined functions for normal operation but dynamically adapt to allow window adjustment when the user's input pattern suggests this intent, making the system flexible while preserving reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A graphical user interface system is provided. The system includes a display and a processor, coupled to the display, configured to display a window, in an initial position. Upon receiving a window docking input by a user indicating a request to dock the window at a predefined docking point, the processor is configured to dock the window at the predefined docking point. The docking of the window at the predefined docking point includes hiding a portion of the window. Upon receiving a window docking input by a user indicating a request to simultaneously dock each of a plurality of windows at a predefined docking point, the processor is configured to dock each of the plurality of windows at a corresponding position on the predefined docking point, including hiding a portion of each of the plurality of windows. Methods and computer-readable mediums are also provided.