Split-Screen Window Layout With Predictable Thumbnail Ordering
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulty in arranging windows and their thumbnail images in a logical order when a display area is split into multiple areas, leading to unintended arrangements.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus and method that control the arrangement of windows and thumbnail images by splitting the screen into multiple display areas, using a predetermined order such as clockwise or counterclockwise, to facilitate intended user placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the screen area is split into multiple display areas to arrange windows, then the productivity and functionality are improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates because the arrangement order of thumbnail images becomes unclear and unpredictable
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-determining the arrangement order of display areas based on the position of the first window. Before the user needs to arrange thumbnail images, the processor calculates which display area should contain thumbnails based on clockwise or counterclockwise ordering rules, making the arrangement predictable and intuitive.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback by displaying thumbnail images in a predetermined order based on the first window's position. This feedback mechanism shows users exactly where thumbnail images will appear, allowing them to understand the arrangement logic and predict the layout before interacting with the system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If thumbnail images are arranged in display areas without a predetermined rule, then the adaptability is improved, but the ease of operation worsens because users cannot predict the arrangement order
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculation to determine the arrangement order of display areas based on the first window's position. Using clockwise or counterclockwise ordering rules, the processor pre-determines which display areas should contain thumbnail images, making the flexible layout predictable and user-friendly.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies local quality by determining different arrangement rules based on the specific position of the first window. Depending on whether the first window is in the upper or lower display area, the system applies different clockwise or counterclockwise ordering rules to determine thumbnail image placement, creating localized optimization for each scenario.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus performs control of arranging and displaying the windows of a running application in a screen area of a display. For example, the information processing apparatus performs a display control process of arranging the windows by splitting the screen area of the display into a plurality of display areas, and in the display control process, when arranging a first window of the windows in one display area of the plurality of display areas, arranges thumbnail images corresponding to one or a plurality of second windows other than the first window in a display area other than the one display area of the plurality of display areas, and determines the display area in which the thumbnail images are to be arranged with respect to the one display area in which the first window is to be arranged, in a certain arrangement order.