Window-Specific Toolbar for Hidden Application Interaction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The 'desktop' paradigm in modern computing devices often results in a cluttered interface due to the simultaneous execution of multiple application programs and processes, overwhelming users with information and requiring counter-intuitive actions to access or interact with specific tasks, especially when users need to perform intermittent interactions with minimized windows.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of window-specific toolbars that are displayed only when a user indicates a desire to interact with an associated application program, providing context for controls and notifications, and can be hidden when no longer needed, allowing users to perform tasks without bringing the window to the forefront, thereby maintaining an uncluttered interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple application programs and processes are executed simultaneously with central display paradigm, then users can access multiple tasks, but the display becomes cluttered and overwhelming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the interface by separating task representations into distinct peripheral zones around the central work area. Each running application is represented by a separate task button or icon in the periphery, allowing multiple tasks to be accessed without cluttering the central display area where the user's primary work occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent moves task access from the two-dimensional central display plane to a peripheral arrangement that utilizes the outer boundaries of the display. This dimensional reorganization places task controls in the periphery rather than competing for space in the center, effectively adding a spatial dimension for task management separate from the main work area.
2Loss of information
If thumbnails of windows are displayed to provide context, then users can identify specific windows, but the desktop becomes cluttered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic thumbnail display where thumbnail images of windows are only presented when the user hovers the cursor over a task button or indicates interest in that task. When not needed, thumbnails remain hidden or are not displayed at all, thus providing window context information on-demand without permanently cluttering the desktop interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces task buttons as intermediary elements between the user and the actual window content. These task buttons serve as mediators that can display thumbnails or provide access to window-specific toolbars, allowing users to identify and access specific windows without displaying all window thumbnails simultaneously on the desktop.
3Ease of operation
If users bring windows to the forefront to interact with them, then full functionality is accessible, but the current work focus is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent prepares window-specific toolbars in advance and makes them available in the periphery when users hover over task buttons. This preliminary preparation allows users to access window-specific functions without needing to bring the full window to the forefront, as the necessary controls are already positioned and ready for immediate interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts essential window-specific controls and notifications from the full window content and places them in peripheral toolbars. This extraction allows users to access critical functions and information without needing to restore or activate the complete window, thereby maintaining focus on the current work while providing access to needed functionality.
4Loss of information
If peripheral information is displayed to show device status and notifications, then users have comprehensive information, but the display becomes overwhelming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing customized peripheral information specific to each task or application in the periphery. Each task button can have its own associated toolbar displaying only the notifications, status indicators, and controls relevant to that specific application, rather than displaying all system information uniformly across the entire periphery.
Data Source
AI summary
The functionality traditionally provided by an application program through a window presented as part of a window-based user interface can be accessed while the window remains hidden. A toolbar, or similar collection of user interface elements, can be presented when a user indicates an intention to interact with an application program whose window is hidden. The toolbar can comprise elements associated with functions specific to the hidden window. The user's selection can be communicated to the application program so that it can perform the requested function. If the user no longer indicates an intention to interact with the application program, the toolbar can be removed. In one embodiment, the toolbar can be presented together with a thumbnail of the relevant window in a floating display element.