Virtual Workspace Clustering for Window Organization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern computing devices face challenges in managing multiple open windows and applications efficiently, leading to desktop clutter and difficulty in identifying and organizing related application windows.
Innovation Solution
A method is presented where virtual workspaces are managed by displaying multiple workspace images, allowing users to select and group application windows based on shared characteristics, such as application type or functionality, with visual indicators and non-overlapping clusters to enhance organization and accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple application windows are displayed on the desktop at the same time, then users can access and work with multiple applications simultaneously, but the desktop becomes cluttered and difficult to overview
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the desktop into multiple virtual workspaces, each serving as a separate organizational unit for application windows. Users can switch between workspaces to access different groups of applications, reducing clutter on any single desktop while maintaining the ability to run multiple applications simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension to window management by displaying workspace thumbnails in a vertical arrangement on the left side of the screen. This adds a spatial dimension for organizing and accessing applications, allowing users to navigate through multiple workspaces without overwhelming the main desktop area.
2Productivity
If numerous windows are displayed on the desktop, then users can work with multiple applications, but it becomes difficult to quickly identify related application windows
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges related application windows into clusters within virtual workspaces. Windows belonging to the same application or related functions are grouped together in the same workspace, making it easier to identify and access related windows as a unit rather than scattered across the desktop.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses visual indicators and color coding to distinguish different workspaces and application clusters. Each workspace can have distinct visual characteristics, and windows within the same cluster share common visual attributes, enabling users to quickly identify related windows through visual patterns.
3Adaptability or versatility
If users have multiple workspaces with different configurations, then users can organize applications differently, but it becomes difficult to quickly move between workspaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-organizes workspaces with different application configurations ready for immediate activation. Users can quickly switch between pre-configured workspaces without having to reorganize applications each time, as the workspace configurations are prepared in advance and stored as templates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows users to create copies of existing workspace configurations. Instead of manually recreating workspace arrangements, users can copy proven workspace templates to quickly establish new workspaces with identical or modified configurations, saving time and effort.
Data Source
AI summary
Providing a bridge interface for managing virtual workspaces is disclosed. A plurality of workspace images is presented in a user interface, each workspace image corresponding to a different virtual workspace available to a user of a computer system. A user input is received indicating a selection of a presented workspace image. The user interface is updated to display a plurality of application windows associated with the selected virtual workspace. The displayed application windows are visually grouped into one or more clusters, each cluster corresponding to one or more application windows sharing a common characteristic.