Multi-Window Display Control via Segmentation and Z-Order
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile devices face limitations in display size and user interface due to their portable nature, making it inconvenient to execute multiple applications simultaneously, as users must repeatedly terminate and restart applications to switch between them.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for controlling a touch screen display to execute multiple applications in various sizes on a single screen, allowing users to easily switch between applications by determining the size and position of windows based on input commands and displaying them in regions with adjustable layouts and Z-order management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the screen is divided into multiple windows to execute multiple applications simultaneously, then the productivity and ease of operation are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The display screen is segmented into multiple independent window regions, each capable of displaying a different application. This allows simultaneous execution and visualization of multiple applications without requiring the user to switch between them, directly improving productivity while maintaining manageable complexity through clear spatial separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension for application management by displaying multiple applications in different spatial regions of the screen simultaneously, rather than sequentially switching between full-screen applications. This dimensional approach to application presentation enables intuitive multitasking.
2Ease of operation
If the screen size is increased to accommodate multiple applications, then the ease of operation improves, but the portability of mobile devices deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The display area is segmented into multiple functional regions that can be simultaneously utilized. By dividing the screen into distinct window areas rather than requiring a larger single display, the patent enables enhanced usability for multitasking while preserving the compact form factor necessary for portability.
3Productivity
If multiple applications are displayed in overlapping windows, then the productivity improves, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring the active region increases
Solution Approach 1:
The display is segmented into distinct non-overlapping window regions, each clearly demarcated and associated with a specific application. This spatial segmentation makes it straightforward to identify which region corresponds to which application, eliminating the ambiguity that would arise from overlapping windows while still enabling simultaneous display of multiple applications.
Solution Approach 2:
Each window region is assigned specific local qualities such as distinct positions, sizes, and potentially different visual characteristics that identify the active region. This local differentiation allows users to easily determine which application is currently active in which region without confusion from overlapping displays.
Data Source
AI summary
A display device with a touch screen, which executes at least one application and a method for controlling the display device are provided. The method includes receiving an application execution command to execute at least one application, determining at least one of a size and a position of a window that executes the at least one application according to a position at which the application execution command is input, and displaying the window according to the at least one of the size and position of the window.