Taskbar Control Tile Groups for Software Window Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users face difficulties in managing and organizing multiple software application windows in a graphical user environment, especially across multiple monitors or large displays, as existing methods either require constant rearrangement or limit accessibility to a single predefined set of window layouts.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for grouping software application windows into control tiles on a taskbar, allowing users to organize and manage multiple applications as groups, with features like drag-and-drop functionality, previewing, and snapshotting to preserve and restore layouts efficiently.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If users manually arrange graphical windows on the display area, then window locations can be customized, but the process becomes difficult and time-consuming as the number of open windows increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewindow arrangementVSAvoidtime spent on arrangement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically manages window arrangements by detecting which windows are frequently used together and automatically grouping them into control tile groups on the taskbar, eliminating the need for users to manually arrange each window

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the organizational parameter from individual window positioning to grouped control tile representation, where multiple windows are managed as a single unit on the taskbar, fundamentally altering how window arrangements are handled

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If virtual desktops are used to organize windows, then window layouts can be stored and recalled, but windows must be strictly partitioned into single pre-defined sets

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelayout flexibilityVSAvoidorganization structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control tile groups are dynamic and can be automatically created, modified, or dissolved based on user behavior patterns, allowing the organizational structure to adapt flexibly without rigid pre-defined partitions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The taskbar control tile groups serve multiple functions: they act as window launchers, minimizers, and organizational units simultaneously, providing a universal interface that replaces the need for separate virtual desktop management

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS7913183B2System and method for managing software applications in a graphical user interface

Publication Date: 2011.03.22 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC

AI summary

A system and method for managing software application windows in a graphical user interface having a desktop and taskbar display area are provided. Each instantiated program is represented as one or more graphical windows in the desktop and as a control tile in the taskbar. Control tiles are grouped into control tile groups that facilitate organization and single access control. Project control tile groups allow the grouping of multiple software applications. Additionally, minimized control tile group layout and state may be preserved and previewed prior to being restored.