Multi-display Window Control via Touch Panel Tab Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing window control techniques fail to efficiently manage multiple windows across different display areas, requiring complex operations and limiting usability when switching or displaying windows between screens.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus with a storing means, display means, and detecting means that allows for the display of multiple windows on one screen and corresponding selection areas on another, enabling one-click or two-click inputs to switch or display windows between screens, improving operability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple windows are displayed in overlapping manner on one screen with icons, then window selection is simplified, but window control between multiple display areas becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a second display area dimension to complement the first display area. While the first display area shows overlapping windows and icons for selection, the second display area provides additional control capabilities. This dimensional expansion allows windows to be controlled across multiple display areas without compromising the simplified selection mechanism on the first screen.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces selection areas as intermediary elements that mediate between the icon-based selection system and the multi-display window control. These selection areas, displayed on the second display area, serve as a bridge that enables window control across display areas while maintaining the original icon-based selection simplicity on the first display area.
2Illumination intensity
If a selected window is displayed on another display, then visibility is improved, but operational complexity increases due to multiple mice required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the first display area's mouse universally functional for controlling windows on both the first and second display areas. Instead of requiring separate mice for each display, the first mouse can select windows on the first display and also control windows displayed on the second display through the selection area mechanism, reducing input device requirements while maintaining improved visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the control functions of multiple input devices into a single mouse interface. By allowing the first mouse to control windows across both display areas through the selection area intermediary, the system combines what would otherwise require separate input devices into one unified control mechanism, simplifying the operational complexity.
3Reliability
If window control requires separate mice for each display, then display independence is maintained, but user operability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The selection areas serve as an intermediary layer that maintains display independence while improving operability. The first display area continues to function independently for window display and icon selection, while the second display area provides independent selection areas. The intermediary selection areas enable cross-display control without requiring physical connection or shared input devices, preserving display independence while enhancing user operability.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus (10) includes an LCD (12) as a first display area and an LCD (14) as a second display area, and on the second display area, a touch panel (22) as an input means is set, for example. On the first display area, a plurality of windows are displayed in an overlapping manner or only the top window is displayed, and on the second display area, a plurality of tabs which are respectively corresponded to a plurality of windows are displayed. When it is determined that a predetermined input is present on a tab on the basis of the coordinates data detected according to an operation via the touch panel, a window corresponding to the tab which was displayed on the top on the first display area is displayed on the second display area. Or, an inactive window corresponding to the tab is displayed on the second display area.