Overlapping Screen Cursor Control for Multi-App Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing systems for digital TVs and personal computers lack the ability to simultaneously control multiple applications using a single or multiple input devices, requiring complex cursor management and assignment, which hinders intuitive multi-application control.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus and method that allows simultaneous control of multiple applications through one or more input devices by displaying overlapping screens and using multiple pointing cursors that change transparency, shape, and color based on their location and assigned applications, enabling intuitive control and recognition of active applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple applications are displayed as overlapping screens, then multi-application control capability is improved, but cursor management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cursor management system into multiple independent pointing cursors, each associated with a specific application. This segmentation allows each cursor to independently control its designated application without interfering with others, resolving the complexity of managing cursor assignments across multiple overlapping applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal cursor management mechanism where multiple pointing cursors can operate simultaneously on the same display space, each with its own control characteristics. This multi-functionality approach allows the system to handle multiple applications with different control requirements using a unified overlapping screen framework.
2Ease of operation
If a single input device controls multiple applications, then ease of operation is improved, but control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control function by assigning different pointing cursors to different applications, even when controlled through a single input device. This segmentation maintains control precision by ensuring that cursor movements are accurately routed to the intended application, while still providing ease of operation through unified input device control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces pointing cursors as intermediary elements between the input device and multiple applications. These cursors act as mediators that receive input signals and precisely deliver control actions to the appropriate application, maintaining both ease of operation and control precision.
3Loss of information
If multiple pointing cursors are displayed, then application identification is improved, but visual clutter increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by giving each pointing cursor distinct visual characteristics such as different colors, shapes, or transparency levels. This allows users to easily identify which cursor corresponds to which application, improving application identification while managing visual clutter through differentiated local properties rather than uniform design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes color changes as a key visual differentiation mechanism for multiple pointing cursors. By assigning different colors to different cursors, the system enables clear application identification without requiring complex visual elements, thus reducing overall visual clutter while maintaining distinguishability.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus and a controlling method of the same are provided. The method includes displaying a first screen corresponding to a first application; displaying a second screen corresponding to a second application above the first screen such that the second screen overlaps at least a portion of the first screen; and displaying at least a portion of the second screen that overlaps the portion of the first screen, while controlling the first application.