Screen Image Reproduction for Seamless Environment Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current computing environments that switch between primary and secondary environments often cause sudden changes in desktop layout and image resolution, leading to increased energy usage and user disruption.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that allows seamless switching between primary and secondary computing environments by capturing and switching screen items, including application windows and backgrounds, while permitting one environment to enter a sleep state, maintaining a consistent user interface and reducing energy consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If switching between computing environments is implemented to curtail energy usage, then energy consumption is reduced, but sudden changes in desktop layout and image resolution occur causing user disruption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoiduser experience continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent captures the desktop image and application window information from the primary computing environment and reproduces it in the secondary computing environment. This copying approach allows the system to switch to a low-power secondary environment while maintaining the visual appearance and layout of the desktop, thereby reducing energy consumption without causing user disruption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary capture of screen image information and application window data before switching environments. By preparing these visual elements in advance, the system can quickly reproduce them in the secondary environment without causing noticeable transitions or disruptions to the user experience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If application windows are kept running in heavy computing environments, then user functionality is maintained, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplication functionalityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the computing environment into two segments: a primary environment that maintains full application functionality and a secondary environment that consumes less power. By segmenting the system this way, applications can remain functional in the primary environment while the system switches to the secondary environment for energy-saving operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically switches between primary and secondary computing environments based on power management needs. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt its operational state, maintaining application functionality when needed while reducing energy consumption during idle or low-demand periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS8914623B2Utilization of the screen image information of a primary environment for reproduction and user-interaction in a secondary environment

Publication Date: 2014.12.16 LENOVO SWITZERLAND INTERNATIONAL GMBH

AI summary

A method and apparatus is provided for switching between a primary computing environment and a secondary computing environment without changing the layout of a graphical user interface and a background display of the apparatus. A switching system switches operation between the primary computing environment and the secondary computing environment, switches a screen item between the primary computing environment and the secondary computing environment, and permits one of the primary and the secondary computing environments to go into a sleep state.