Switching Item Ordering Using Dual Access Time Attributes
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Solution Overview
Problem
The inconsistency in the ordering of frequently accessed items, such as windows or tabs, in switching mechanisms can be counter-intuitive to users and disrupt their spatial memory, as the order changes frequently based on last access time.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that orders windows or items for switching by using a first attribute like last accessed time for overall ordering and a second attribute like first accessed time for subset ordering, maintaining consistency in item positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If items are ordered based on last accessed time, then user can quickly access recently used items, but the order changes frequently making the list inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the item list into multiple subsets (e.g., first subset and second subset) based on different ordering criteria. The first subset is ordered by last accessed time for recent items, while the second subset is ordered by first accessed time for older items. This segmentation allows the system to maintain stability in the overall list structure while preserving the ability to quickly access recently used items through the first subset.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different ordering qualities to different parts of the list. The first subset (most recently accessed items) uses last accessed time ordering for local optimization of accessibility, while the second subset uses first accessed time ordering for stability. This local differentiation allows each portion of the list to serve its specific function optimally without compromising the overall consistency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the most recently used list is updated frequently, then it reflects current usage patterns, but it disrupts user spatial memory and intuition
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the list into subsets with different ordering behaviors, the patent allows the system to adapt to usage patterns through the first subset while maintaining a stable, predictable structure in the second subset. This segmentation protects user spatial memory by ensuring that the majority of the list maintains consistent positioning, even as usage patterns change.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent preliminarily organizes items into subsets based on access time thresholds before the user interacts with the list. This preliminary action establishes a stable framework that guides user expectations about item positioning, allowing the system to reflect usage patterns without disrupting the user's mental model of the list structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A device that orders items for switching may include a processor circuit. The processor circuit may be configured to identify items that are available for switching, wherein each of the items is associated with a first attribute and a second attribute. The processor circuit may be further configured to order the items based at least in part on the first attributes of the items. The processor circuit may be further configured to determine a subset of the items for display, wherein the subset includes a first number of the ordered items. The processor circuit may be further configured to order the subset of the items based at least on the second attributes of the items. The processor circuit may be further configured to display ordered representations corresponding to the ordered subset of the items for switching. The ordered representations may remain unchanged after switching to an item of the subset.