Gesture-Based Window Placement in Graphical User Interfaces

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing graphical user interface (GUI) management systems lack precise control over the positioning, dimensioning, and orientation of newly opened application windows, leading to potential overlap and disturbance in multi-user environments, and are limited in their ability to optimize the use of interactive space.

Innovation Solution

A method that allows users to draw the desired shape and dimensions of a graphic component on a GUI, determining its orientation and associating it with an application function, enabling precise control and efficient use of interaction space, while also providing a selection menu for choosing the appropriate application, adaptable to both single-user and multi-user interfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If application windows are opened using traditional menu selection or icon clicking, then applications can be launched, but precise control over window positioning, dimensioning, and orientation is lost, leading to potential overlap and disturbance in multi-user environments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewindow launch operationVSAvoidwindow positioning precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary analysis of the drawing gesture to predict the intended window parameters before the application is actually launched. By analyzing the drawing trajectory, duration, and area in advance, the system pre-determines the optimal window position, size, and orientation, avoiding the need for post-launch adjustments and preventing overlap with other windows.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides visual feedback during the drawing gesture by displaying a preview of the upcoming window at the predicted position and with predicted dimensions. This allows users to verify the predicted parameters and adjust their drawing gesture if needed, ensuring precise control while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If traditional window opening methods are used, then applications can be launched quickly, but the user must perform multiple manipulation operations to move, orient, and resize windows, reducing interaction speed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplication launch speedVSAvoidtime for window manipulation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges the window launch operation with the window positioning and sizing operations by interpreting the drawing gesture to simultaneously determine all window parameters. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate move, resize, and rotate operations, reducing the total number of user actions required while maintaining fast application launch.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically performs window positioning, sizing, and orientation based on the drawing gesture without requiring explicit user commands. The gesture itself serves as the complete instruction set, and the system self-determines the optimal window configuration, freeing the user from multiple manipulation steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If windows are opened without control in multi-user environments, then application launch is simple, but neighboring users are disturbed by sudden uncontrolled window appearances

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplication launch simplicityVSAvoiduser disturbance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary analysis of the drawing gesture to predict the intended window parameters before the application is actually launched. By analyzing the drawing trajectory, duration, and area in advance, the system pre-determines the optimal window position, size, and orientation, avoiding the need for post-launch adjustments and preventing overlap with other windows.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides visual feedback during the drawing gesture by displaying a preview of the upcoming window at the predicted position and with predicted dimensions. This allows users to verify the predicted parameters and adjust their drawing gesture if needed, ensuring precise control while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2325737B1Verfahren und Vorrichtung zur gestenbasierten Eingabe in eine graphische Benutzeroberfläche zur Anzeige von Anwendungsfenstern

Publication Date: 2019.05.08 ORANGE SA

Figure 1a~1f
Figure 1g~4b
Figure 5a~7

AI summary

The method involves tracing a graphical shape (31) on the interface, so as to create a graphical component (26). An application software function is combined with graphical component that is created for assigning the graphical component to the display of application software function. A direction of the graphical component is determined that is created to display the data of the associated application software functions according to determined direction. Independent claims are included for the following: (1) system for management of graphical user interface; and (2) computer program product for storing for management of graphical user interface program.