Linked Window Spatial Management for Efficient UI Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current user interfaces for managing multiple windows on electronic devices operate independently, requiring users to provide multiple inputs for moving or resizing each window, which can be cumbersome and inefficient, leading to increased cognitive burden and energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method that allows multiple windows to be linked and managed collectively through spatial relationships, where windows can be moved or resized together based on specific criteria such as movement speed or distance, enabling unified control and efficient interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple windows are operated independently with separate inputs for each window, then each window can be precisely controlled, but the user interaction becomes cumbersome and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control of multiple windows by detecting when a user drags one window into another, automatically linking them as a group. Subsequent drag operations on either window move both windows together, reducing the number of separate input operations needed and improving window management efficiency.
2Ease of operation
If windows are moved independently, then each window can be positioned precisely, but the cognitive burden on the user increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic window linking based on user actions. When a user drags one window into another, the system automatically detects this action and links the windows without requiring additional user commands or cognitive decisions about whether to link them, reducing cognitive load.
3Use of energy by moving object
If each window is resized independently, then each window can be optimized for its content, but energy consumption increases due to multiple processing operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the resizing operations of linked windows. When one window in a linked group is resized, the system automatically applies the same resize operation to all linked windows, reducing the number of separate processing operations and thereby decreasing energy consumption while maintaining interface responsiveness.
Data Source
AI summary
A first window generated by a first application is displayed concurrently with a second window generated by a second application. A first window-movement request associated with the second window is received. In response, the second window is displayed adjacent to and touching the first window and a spatial relationship is established between the first window and the second window. While the first window is linked to the second window, a second window-movement request associated with the first window is received. The first window and second window are moved in accordance with the second window-movement request such that the spatial relationship is maintained. A third window-movement request is received. In accordance with a determination that the third window-movement request is associated with the second window, the first window and second window are unlinked and the second window is moved away from the first window such that the spatial relationship changes.