Window Exchange Mechanism for Multitasking Efficiency
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional window systems require cumbersome operations for users to switch and resize windows, lacking efficiency in exchanging window positions and sizes during multitasking.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus with a control portion that allows easy window exchange by detecting touch or mouse operations within a predefined window exchange area, maintaining original size and position of moved windows when superimposed, and adjusting display to ensure seamless window switching without resizing or losing content.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If windows are moved individually by drag and drop operation, then window position can be changed, but the operation becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the movement of two windows into a single atomic operation. When a user drags one window onto another, the system automatically exchanges their positions in one action, rather than requiring separate drag-and-drop operations for each window. This combining of operations directly resolves the technical contradiction by making window exchange faster and less cumbersome.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection to identify when a window exchange operation is intended (when a window is dragged onto another). Based on this detection, the system automatically executes the exchange action without requiring the user to complete separate movement and resizing operations. This preliminary detection and automatic execution reduces the time and effort required for window exchange.
2Ease of operation
If window sizes are adjusted after movement, then appropriate display size can be achieved, but the operation becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by automatically setting the window size during the exchange operation. When windows are exchanged, the system proactively adjusts their sizes to appropriate dimensions as part of the same atomic operation, rather than requiring the user to manually resize after movement. This eliminates the need for separate resizing operations and reduces overall operation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The windows perform self-service by automatically adjusting their own sizes during the exchange operation. The system enables windows to self-adjust their dimensions to appropriate values without requiring external user intervention for resizing. This self-service mechanism simplifies the overall operation by combining position exchange and size adjustment into one automatic process.
3Productivity
If multiple operations are required for window exchange, then precise control is achieved, but user efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple window exchange operations (movement, positioning, and sizing) into a single atomic operation. When a user initiates a window exchange by dragging one window onto another, the system combines all necessary actions into one unified operation that completes simultaneously, thereby improving productivity while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the window exchange process into distinct phases: detection phase (identifying the exchange intent), execution phase (swapping positions), and adjustment phase (resizing windows). By segmenting and automatically managing these phases, the system improves efficiency while keeping the user interface simple and intuitive.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus is provided with a control portion that controls display of a predetermined display portion and an operation input portion (touch operation portion, mouse operation portion) that receives operation input by a user. The control portion displays a plurality of windows on the display portion and performs display control of the windows according to the operation input for the operation input portion. The control portion moves a specific window displayed on the display portion according to the operation input for the operation input portion, and when the window which is moved is superimposed on a different window and a predetermined condition is satisfied, displays the different window at a position of the window which is moved occupied before start of movement and displays the window which is being moved at a position of the different window to exchange the windows.