18054158. PLACING APPLICATION WINDOWS TO AVOID OBSCURING EXISTING DISPLAYED COMPONENTS simplified abstract (INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION)

From WikiPatents
Jump to navigation Jump to search

PLACING APPLICATION WINDOWS TO AVOID OBSCURING EXISTING DISPLAYED COMPONENTS

Organization Name

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION

Inventor(s)

Benjamin David Cox of Newbury (GB)

Joseph Sayer of Bury St Edmunds (GB)

Andrew David Lyell of Winchester (GB)

PLACING APPLICATION WINDOWS TO AVOID OBSCURING EXISTING DISPLAYED COMPONENTS - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18054158 titled 'PLACING APPLICATION WINDOWS TO AVOID OBSCURING EXISTING DISPLAYED COMPONENTS

Simplified Explanation

The abstract describes a method, computer system, and computer program product for placing an application window on a computing device screen based on the least active area.

  • The embodiment involves receiving a window opening event for the application window.
  • If the application window can be repositioned and resized, one or more active areas of the computing device screen are identified.
  • A least active area is determined using search algorithms, and the application window is displayed in that area.

Potential Applications

This technology could be applied in:

  • Multi-tasking environments where users work with multiple windows simultaneously.
  • User interface design for optimizing screen space and improving user experience.

Problems Solved

  • Efficient window management in crowded computing device screens.
  • Minimizing distractions and maximizing productivity by placing windows in less active areas.

Benefits

  • Improved organization and visual clarity on the screen.
  • Enhanced user experience by intelligently placing application windows.
  • Increased productivity through optimized window management.

Potential Commercial Applications

Optimized window placement technology could be utilized in:

  • Operating systems for desktop computers and laptops.
  • Productivity software for professionals who work with multiple applications at once.

Possible Prior Art

One possible prior art could be the use of window management software that allows users to manually resize and reposition windows on a screen. However, the specific approach of automatically identifying and placing windows in the least active area may be a novel innovation.

Unanswered Questions

How does the technology determine the least active area on the screen?

The abstract mentions the use of search algorithms, but it does not provide details on the specific algorithms or criteria used to identify the least active area.

Can users override the automatic placement of windows?

It is not clear from the abstract whether users have the option to manually place windows or if the technology operates solely based on automatic identification of least active areas.


Original Abstract Submitted

According to one embodiment, a method, computer system, and computer program product for placing an application window is provided. The embodiment may include receiving a window opening event for the application window. In response to determining that the application window can be repositioned and resized, the embodiment may include identifying one or more active areas of a computing device screen. An active area is an area of the computing device screen which is currently displaying one or more other windows and their respective interactive elements. The embodiment may include utilizing one or more search algorithms to identify a least active area of the one or more active areas of the computing device screen. The embodiment may include displaying the application window within the least active area.

Retrieved from "http://wikipatents.org/index.php?title=18054158._PLACING_APPLICATION_WINDOWS_TO_AVOID_OBSCURING_EXISTING_DISPLAYED_COMPONENTS_simplified_abstract_(INTERNATIONAL_BUSINESS_MACHINES_CORPORATION)&oldid=61040"