Partially Off-Screen Window Adjustment via Edge Cursor Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for adjusting partially off-screen windows on electronic devices are cumbersome and inefficient, requiring users to move the window entirely on-screen before making adjustments, which wastes time and energy, especially in battery-operated devices.
Innovation Solution
A method that allows users to activate a window adjustment mode by positioning a cursor over the displayed portion of the window within a predefined distance of the edge of the screen, enabling adjustments such as resizing or repositioning without fully moving the window on-screen, using touch-sensitive devices like touch pads or screens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the window is moved completely on-screen before adjustment, then the window can be adjusted properly, but the operation becomes tedious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by allowing window adjustment operations to be performed on only the visible portion of the window rather than requiring the entire window to be on-screen. When a user positions the cursor over the visible portion within a predefined distance of the edge, the system activates adjustment mode and allows resizing or repositioning operations to affect the full window including the off-screen portion, eliminating the need to move the complete window on-screen first.
2Ease of operation
If the window is moved completely on-screen before adjustment, then the window can be adjusted properly, but the cognitive burden on the user increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides self-service by automatically detecting when the cursor is positioned over the visible window portion within the predefined distance threshold and automatically activating adjustment mode. The system also automatically calculates and applies the appropriate transformation to bring the off-screen portion on-screen based on the adjustment operation, without requiring the user to manually move the window first or understand complex coordination between cursor position and window state.
3Ease of operation
If existing methods are used to adjust partially off-screen windows, then the window can be adjusted, but energy is wasted and battery life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces energy consumption by performing partial adjustment operations only on the visible portion of the window rather than requiring movement and adjustment of the entire window including off-screen portions. The system detects cursor position over the visible area and applies transformations selectively, reducing the computational and display refresh operations needed compared to moving the complete window on-screen first.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device with a display bounded by a plurality of edges: displays a first portion of a first window on the display while not displaying a remaining portion of the first window on the display, wherein: the remaining portion of the first window extends in a virtual sense beyond at least one edge of the display; detects a first input that positions a cursor at a location on the display, the location being: over the displayed first portion of the first window, and within a predefined distance of an edge of the display; in response to detecting the first input that positions the cursor at the location on the display, activates a window adjustment mode; while the window adjustment mode is active, detects a second input; and, in response to detecting the second input, adjusts the first window in accordance with the second input.