Immersive Interface Layout Management via Single Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional techniques for managing multiple computing applications in a windows-based environment are time-consuming and result in a poor user experience due to the need for manual resizing and layout adjustments of windows.

Innovation Solution

The techniques enable users to manage immersive interfaces in a multi-application immersive environment by allowing resizing and layout adjustments with minimal user input, such as a single selection, using edge gestures and an application queue to switch between applications and adjust interface sizes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional window management techniques are used, then users can view multiple computing applications through multiple windows, but the process of moving, sizing, or managing window layouts becomes time-consuming and results in poor user experience

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplication management efficiencyVSAvoidtime for window management

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically manages window layouts and resizing operations without requiring manual user intervention. When a user selects an application, the system self-adjusts the window sizes and positions of multiple applications, eliminating the time-consuming manual dragging and resizing of window borders that characterizes conventional window management

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-establishes a multi-application immersive environment where applications are automatically arranged in a tiled or split-screen layout before the user needs to interact with them. This preliminary arrangement eliminates the need for users to spend time manually organizing windows after launching applications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If manual window controls are used for resizing and layout adjustment, then users have precise control over window positions, but the complexity of managing multiple windows increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewindow management simplicityVSAvoidinterface management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements a universal selection mechanism where a single selection action on any application window triggers a coordinated resizing and repositioning of all other windows in the multi-application environment. This multi-functional response to a single user action eliminates the need for separate controls for each window, significantly reducing interface complexity while maintaining ease of operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system merges the control of multiple independent windows into a single coordinated system. Instead of requiring separate drag-and-drop operations for each window, the user performs one selection action that simultaneously manages the layout of all applications, combining multiple control functions into a single unified operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS12175062B2Managing an immersive interface in a multi-application immersive environment

Publication Date: 2024.12.24 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC

AI summary

This document describes techniques and apparatuses for managing an immersive interface in a multi-application immersive environment. In some embodiments, these techniques and apparatuses enable a user to alter sizes and/or a layout of multiple immersive interfaces with as little as one selection.