Multi-application Tabbing System for Heterogeneous Window Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current operating systems do not allow for the grouping and management of multiple independent and external windows, preventing heterogeneous windows from being associated and operated together.
Innovation Solution
A method to associate and combine multiple windows into a common window frame, enabling operations performed on one window to be automatically applied to associated windows, with visual indicators for user interaction and integration with the taskbar for switching between window contents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple independent windows are managed separately, then each window can be controlled individually, but heterogeneous windows cannot be managed together and operations cannot be performed automatically across multiple windows
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple independent and external windows into a single common window frame, allowing them to be managed together as a group while maintaining their individual contents. This merging enables operations performed on one window to be automatically applied to all associated windows, resolving the contradiction between individual control and collective management.
Solution Approach 2:
The common window frame serves multiple functions: it acts as a container for multiple independent windows, provides a unified interface for managing heterogeneous windows, and enables automatic propagation of operations across all associated windows. This multi-functionality allows the system to handle both individual and collective window operations through a single structure.
2Ease of operation
If multiple windows are displayed simultaneously, then users can access different contents, but visual clutter increases and management becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple windows into a single common window frame that occupies one area on the display screen, the system allows users to access different window contents without increasing the total screen space used. The windows are combined spatially while maintaining logical separation of contents.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where multiple independent windows are contained within a single common window frame. This nesting allows multiple window contents to be accessed through one unified interface, reducing visual clutter while maintaining ease of access to individual window contents.
3Adaptability or versatility
If windows are combined into a common frame, then heterogeneous windows can be managed together, but the windows must share the common window frame structure
Solution Approach 1:
The common window frame is designed as a universal structure that can accommodate multiple independent and external windows of different types. It provides a standardized interface for managing heterogeneous windows while maintaining their individual characteristics, resolving the contradiction between versatility and structural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for displaying a plurality of windows on a display screen is described. The method includes steps of associating a first window with at least one second window, the at least one second window being independent of and external to the first window, and combining the first window and the at least one second window into a common window on a display screen, the first window and the at least one second window being configured to share a common window frame. An indicator may appear on the display as a target region when a user desires to associate the first and second windows. Subsequent operations performed on the common window are performed automatically on any underlying window. For example, when a user chooses to save the contents of the common window, the contents of all of the windows of the common window may be saved.