Workplace Schema for Application Window Layout Persistence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face challenges in preserving and efficiently re-establishing their work environments across different computing settings, as current solutions either rely on hardware-based methods that may fail due to online connectivity requirements or are limited in capturing and recreating complex arrangements of application windows and their content, especially across multiple devices and environments.
Innovation Solution
A workplace management system that captures and stores the layout of application windows and their content as a workplace schema, allowing users to easily restore these arrangements across different devices and environments, including hidden or occluded windows, and enabling sharing and collaboration among users.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If hardware-based methods are used to preserve work environments, then portability is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to online connectivity requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a software-based copy of the work environment schema (window arrangements, application states, content) and stores it in the cloud. This allows the work environment to be preserved and restored across different devices without relying on hardware-specific solutions, while maintaining reliability through server-based storage that doesn't require continuous online connectivity for preservation.
2Loss of information
If complex arrangements of application windows and content are captured, then completeness of work environment restoration is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The work environment is segmented into distinct components: application window positions, application states, and content. Each component is captured and stored separately in the schema, allowing for complete restoration without requiring complex interdependencies between components. This segmentation simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
A server acts as an intermediary between the client device and the work environment data. The server stores and manages the complex schema information, freeing the client device from handling complexity directly. The device only needs to send requests and receive restored states, significantly reducing device complexity while maintaining complete restoration capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If workplace schemas are stored on a server, then accessibility across devices is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The server-based schema storage system provides universal access to work environments across multiple devices and platforms. The same schema can be restored on any device connected to the server, eliminating device-specific limitations. This multi-functionality is achieved through standardized data formats and protocols that work across different operating systems and hardware configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure involves systems, software, and computer implemented methods for managing and persisting application interfaces and windows into reusable arrangements. In one example, a method may include identifying a work area of a first user, the work area including a presentation of a plurality of windows, each window associated with an application and receiving a selection of at least one of the plurality of windows in the work area. In response to receiving a request to associate the selected windows with a workplace schema, locations of the selected windows in the work area are determined. The determined locations of the selected windows are stored in a first workplace schema, where the first workplace schema stores the layout of the work area based on the determined locations of the selected windows.