Multi-Window Layout Management via User Templates

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for an effective method to manage and display multiple application windows in a multi-tasking environment on user terminal devices such as tablets and mobile phones, as existing technologies do not adequately address the arrangement and management of multiple application windows.

Innovation Solution

A user terminal apparatus and controlling method that allows for the arrangement and display of multiple application windows in a multi-window mode, enabling features like moving, resizing, and pinning of windows, with a controller managing the display based on user-selected templates and user commands, and providing modes such as mini, maximization, and split modes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple application windows are displayed simultaneously in multi-tasking environment, then user productivity and multi-tasking capability are improved, but window arrangement management becomes complex and difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-tasking capabilityVSAvoidwindow arrangement management
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The display screen is segmented into multiple independent window regions that can be individually managed. Each application window occupies a specific segmented area, allowing users to organize multiple applications simultaneously without confusion. The segmentation enables clear spatial separation of different tasks while maintaining overall system coordination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The window arrangement system provides dynamic flexibility through multiple display modes (split screen, picture-in-picture, free-floating windows) that can be changed on demand. Users can dynamically adjust window positions, sizes, and layering relationships, transforming the static display into an adaptable workspace that responds to changing task requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If flexible window arrangement options are provided, then user ease of operation is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewindow arrangement flexibilityVSAvoidsystem architecture
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The window management system implements universal control mechanisms that handle multiple window arrangement scenarios through unified interfaces. A single set of control commands and management protocols supports various display modes and configurations, reducing the need for separate specialized systems for each arrangement type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides automatic window arrangement features that self-adjust window positions and sizes based on predefined rules or user preferences without requiring manual intervention for every adjustment. The window management system serves itself by automatically resolving conflicts and optimizing layouts, reducing the operational burden on users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3702896B1Arranging and displaying application windows based on a user selected template
Publication Date: 2024.05.01 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3702896B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3702896B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3702896B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

A user terminal apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a display which displays a screen, a storage which stores at least one template for defining a layout according to which a plurality of application windows is arranged on the screen, a user interface which receives a user command, and a controller which controls the display to arrange and display the plurality of application windows based on a template selected by the user command from among the at least one template on the screen.