Window Content Reflow for Dynamic Layout Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

In windows-based computing systems, resizing windows without corresponding resizing of their contents can lead to content misalignment or truncation, causing user frustration, especially when aspect ratios change or content is added or removed.

Innovation Solution

A method for dynamically reflowing the contents of windows and subwindows to maintain their layout and aspect ratios, ensuring that all content is properly displayed and aligned within the window, regardless of changes in size or aspect ratio, by proportionally adjusting the size and position of panes within the client area.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the window is resized to accommodate different aspect ratios, then the window can occupy different areas on the display, but the contents of the window may not be centered or may extend beyond the boundaries

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewindow aspect ratio adaptationVSAvoidcontent alignment and positioning

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic relayout of window contents in response to window resizing events. The system continuously adjusts pane sizes and positions to maintain proper content alignment and prevent truncation, transforming a static layout into a dynamic adaptive system that responds to changing window dimensions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes layout parameters such as pane widths, heights, and positions based on the window's current aspect ratio and size. By calculating new pane dimensions as proportions of the total window area, the system maintains content centering and prevents overflow while adapting to different display configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Quantity of substance

If additional content is added to the existing content of the window, then the window can display more information, but the layout may be disrupted and content may not be properly aligned

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveamount of contentVSAvoidlayout structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the layout structure when content is added or removed. Panes automatically resize and reposition to accommodate changes in content quantity, maintaining the overall layout integrity and ensuring all content remains properly aligned and visible within the window boundaries.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Quantity of substance

If content is deleted from the window, then the window can display less information, but the remaining content may not be properly centered or aligned

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveamount of contentVSAvoidcontent alignment

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically relayouts remaining panes after content deletion. When content is removed, the system recalculates pane dimensions and positions to ensure remaining content is properly centered and aligned, preventing empty spaces or misalignment while maintaining layout stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS8527907B2Screen relayout

Publication Date: 2013.09.03 ADOBE INC

AI summary

Briefly, in accordance with one or more embodiments, the contents of a window may be reflowed to accommodate one or more of a change in the size or aspect ratio of the window, a change in size of one or more objects or subwindows within the window, and/or the addition or deletion of the contents of the window. The contents of the window may be reflowed proportionally with the event causing the relayout of the window contents such that the contents of the window may be fully displayed within the window area after the event, and/or the relationship of the window contents may be at least partially maintained.