Edge-Pinned Window Layout 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.

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 second display position at the screen's end.

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 enabled, but it becomes difficult for users to switch between the display windows

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, and display windows are moved to edge regions of the screen. This segmentation allows multiple windows to be displayed simultaneously without occupying the entire screen, making it easier for users to switch between them by interacting with edge regions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a new spatial dimension for window management by moving windows to the edges of the display screen rather than only managing them through vertical stacking or horizontal arrangement. This edge-based positioning creates additional spatial cues for users to identify and switch between windows.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Area of stationary object

If display windows are displayed in a superposed manner in a small display screen, then the screen space is utilized efficiently, but the user cannot easily perform switching operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay screen space utilizationVSAvoidswitching operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Different regions of the display screen are assigned different functions: edge regions are designated for display window positioning while the central region remains available for other interface elements. This local differentiation maintains efficient space utilization while creating distinct interaction zones for window switching.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS20260072558A1Information processing apparatus

Publication Date: 2026.03.12 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.