Tilt-Based Window Manipulation on Portable Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing portable computing devices lack an efficient method for moving windows on their screens, making it cumbersome to reorganize multiple open windows, especially when using devices like tablet PCs that are designed for hand interaction.

Innovation Solution

A system that allows windows on portable computing devices to be manipulated through motion by detecting the tilt of the device and moving them in the direction of tilt when in a 'window manipulation mode', with the speed of movement increasing with the angle of tilt, using tilt detectors and a processor to execute the window repositioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional keyboard or stylus methods are used to move windows on portable computing devices, then window manipulation is possible, but the operation becomes cumbersome and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of window manipulationVSAvoidtime required to move windows

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical input methods (keyboard, stylus) with motion-based control using tilt detectors. The system detects the physical tilting motion of the device and translates it into window manipulation commands, substituting mechanical keyboard/stylus operations with inertial sensor-based motion detection. This allows users to move windows simply by tilting the device, significantly improving ease of operation and reducing the time required to reorganize windows.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If the device responds to small tilts with fast window movement, then window reorganization is efficient, but precise control becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeed of window movementVSAvoidprecision of tilt detection

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic response characteristics where the window movement speed is proportional to the tilt angle magnitude. Small tilts produce slow, precise window movements allowing for accurate positioning, while larger tilts produce faster movements for quick reorganization. This dynamic mapping between tilt angle and movement speed enables both precision control and high productivity depending on the user's needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors tilt detector output and provides real-time feedback by moving windows in response to detected tilt motions. The feedback loop allows users to see the immediate effect of their tilting actions and adjust their input accordingly, enabling precise control even when making small adjustments to window positions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If the system continuously monitors tilt for window manipulation, then window control is responsive, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresponsiveness of window controlVSAvoidenergy consumption of tilt detection

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic sampling of tilt detector data rather than continuous monitoring. The system checks for tilt motions at regular intervals and processes window manipulation commands based on detected motions within those periods. This periodic approach maintains responsive window control while significantly reducing the energy consumption associated with constant sensor polling and processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables easy and efficient reorganization of windows on portable devices by allowing users to tilt the device to move windows, improving usability and reducing clutter on the screen, while maintaining the ability to select specific windows for stationary placement.

Implementation Method 1

when windows are displayed on a screen of a computing device and the device is tilted, a determination is made as to which direction the device is tilted

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS8106881B2System, computer program product and method of manipulating windows on portable computing devices through motion

Publication Date: 2012.01.31 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION

AI summary

A method by which a user may move windows from one location to another on a screen of a portable computing device is provided. In accordance with the method, when the device is in window manipulation mode, the user needs only tilt the device toward a destination location and the windows are moved toward that location. Tilt detectors in the device sense an angle of tilt and provide the tilt angle as feedback to a processor. The processor, under proper software instructions, moves the windows toward the destination location on the screen based on the tilt angle. The greater the tilt angle, the faster the windows are moved toward the destination location.