GB2580529A

GB2580529A - Method for automatically aligning a window within a user interface

Info

Publication number: GB2580529A
Application number: GB1917787.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Barl Tobias; Reichelt Jorg; Sturm Robert; Wanner David
Original assignee: Fujitsu Client Computing Ltd
Current assignee: Fujitsu Client Computing Ltd
Priority date: 2018-12-13
Filing date: 2019-12-05
Publication date: 2020-07-22
Also published as: GB201917787D0

Abstract

The invention concerns a method for automatically aligning a window (1) within a user interface (2) displayed on a screen, wherein within the user interface (2) one or more areas (3a, 3b, 3c) are predetermined for automatically aligning a window (1), displayed on said screen within said one or within one of said plurality of areas (3a, 3b, 3c), and wherein by or during actuation of a predetermined key the possibility of automatically aligning said window (1) within said one or within one of said plurality of areas (3a, 3b, 3c) is activated. If the pre-determined key is not actuated the possibility of aligning a window within one of said areas may be de-activated. The window may be aligned based on position of the window by or during actuation of the pre-determined key. During actuation of the pre-determined key and by dragging the window to a changed position within the user interface, in combination with dropping the window at the changed position, the alignment of the window takes place automatically within the area.

Description

Method for automatically aligning a window within a user interface The invention concerns a method for automatically aligning a window within a user interface that is displayed on a screen. Furthermore, the invention concerns a screen, an arrangement with a computer system and a screen connected thereto, and a computer program product.

There are already various solutions for aligning a window (indicated by an application or operating system software) within a user interface that is displayed on a screen. Such applications are particularly found in screens, displays, monitors, or in arrangements of such devices connected to a computer system.

Such solutions often implement automatic alignment of a window within the user interface based on predefined user actions, such as selecting, dragging and dropping (Drag&Drop) via a mouse or a trackpad or other pointing device, etc. However, such solutions have the disadvantage that an automatic alignment of a window that is triggered automatically can be annoying, distracting or confusing for the user. This is not desired.

So far there is (only) the possibility to manually activate or deactivate an implemented functionality/option of an automatic alignment, e.g. software controlled. However, this has the disadvantage that this functionality/option is then either generally available or generally not available. -2 -

It is an object of the invention to describe a method, a screen, an arrangement with a computer system and a screen connected thereto, as well as a computer program product which ensure a more flexible functionality/possibility of an automatic alignment of a window within a user interface displayed on a screen.

This object is solved by the independent patent claims.

Further implementations, developments, and embodiments are described in the dependent claims as well as in the description of figures and the attached drawings.

According to a first aspect, the object is solved by a method of automatically aligning a window within a user interface that is displayed on a screen. Within the user interface, one or more areas, such as one, two, or more than two, are specified for automatically aligning a window displayed on the screen within the one or within one of the plurality of areas. By or during actuation of a predetermined key, a possibility for the automatic alignment of the window within the one or within one of the plurality of areas is activated.

Such a method has the advantage that a possibility for automatic alignment of the window (or the automatic alignment of the window as such) is activated, deactivated or generally controlled via an appropriately implemented predefined key and its actuation (so-called hotkey functionality). This is a very simple way for the user to control the possibility to automatically align the window (or the automatic alignment of the window as such) without having to activate or deactivate this possibility or the automatic alignment itself in general -3 - (e.g. via an operating system or application software) every time.

In various implementations, the method described here is carried out by or within software or application software that is set up separately from an operating system. The application software, for example, is installed on a computer system and is managed/controlled via the separate operating system of the computer system. The application software can be implemented specifically for the method described herein.

In addition, automatic alignment with the disadvantages mentioned above is avoided as long as the user does not actively control it by actuating the predetermined key. The user can therefore work with windows in the user interface on the screen, change them, move them back and forth, etc., without such user actions causing an automatic and possibly unwanted alignment of one or more windows.

The method can be implemented in such a way that the possibility of automatically aligning the window within the one or within one of the plurality of areas is deactivated if or as long as the predetermined key is not actuated.

In particular, the method may be configured in such a way that the possibility of automatically aligning the window (or automatically aligning the window as such) is only activated while and as long as the predetermined key is actuated/pressed, and is automatically deactivated if the predetermined key is not actuated/pressed. The method can alternatively or additionally be configured in such a way that the possibility for automatically aligning the window (or automatically aligning the window as such) is activated -4 -when the predetermined key is actuated/pressed and is automatically deactivated again when the predetermined key is actuated/pressed again.

The method described herein is generally applicable to several windows simultaneously or sequentially if several windows are displayed on the screen.

In various implementations of the method, the alignment of the window is performed automatically within the area assigned to the window by the position of the window within the user interface by or during actuation of the predetermined key. This allows very easy control of automatic alignment of the window triggered by actuating the predetermined key.

In various implementations of the method, by or during actuation of the predetermined key and by selecting the window, in particular by releasing a pressed mouse or trackpad key, the window is automatically aligned within the area assigned to the window by the position of the window within the user interface. This allows very easy control of automatic alignment of the window triggered by actuating the predetermined key in conjunction with choice, picking, selecting the window and/or releasing a pressed mouse or trackpad key.

In various implementations of the method, by or during actuation of the predetermined key and by dragging the window to a changed position within the user interface, in particular in combination with dropping the window at the changed position, in particular by releasing a pressed mouse or trackpad key, the window is automatically aligned within -5 -the area assigned to the window on the basis of the changed position of the window. This allows a very simple control of an automatic alignment of the window triggered by actuating the predetermined key in connection with a drag & drop action of the user regarding the desired window.

In various implementations of the method, a partitioning of the user interface into the one or the plurality of areas is graphically presented on the screen by pressing the specified key. A presentation can be represented e.g. by grid lines or other graphical separation of the areas, e.g. milky/fuzzy colorings/contrasts. In this way, the user is given a representation of how the user interface is partitioned when the predetermined key is actuated, which facilitates the alignment of the desired window.

In various implementations of the method, a linkage (shortcut) of the possibility to automatically align the window with actuation of the predetermined key and/or selection of the predetermined key via a menu can be set within a software, in particular within an application software separate from an operating system, in particular within the software or application software of the above type. In this way, the functionality can be flexibly selected or deselected in the software.

In various implementations of the method, the automatic alignment of the window within the one or within one of the several areas means the alignment of the window to at least one edge of the area. The area can be rectangular or square with horizontal or vertical edges. Alternatively, the area has a different shape. -6 -

In various implementations of the method, the automatic alignment of the window within the one or within one of the several areas means the complete areal filling of the area by the window. This "casts" the window completely into the selected area and fills it completely.

In various implementations of the method, various options are provided for presetting the one or the several areas within the user interface. These options can include different layouts, patterns, area proportions, ratios, divisions, area shapes, etc. of the areas, i.e. different partitions of the user interface. In this way, the procedure can be flexibly adapted to different user requirements or operating situations.

In various implementations of the method, operating data and/or parameters and/or settings, in particular a resolution and/or serial or manufacturer number, of the screen are interrogated and the presetting of the one or the several areas within the user interface is controlled on the basis of the interrogated operating data and/or parameters and/or settings, in particular the resolution and/or serial or manufacturer number, of the screen. This has the advantage that the method can be flexibly adapted to different screens with different operating data, parameters or settings, such as different resolution.

In various implementations of the method, the presetting of the one or the several areas within the user interface can be set via a menu within a software, in particular within an application software separate from an operating system, in particular within the software or application software of the -7 -above type. This makes it easy for the user to set up and adapt the method.

In various implementations of the method, the predetermined key is a key of a keyboard that is connected to a computer system together with the screen. This makes it easy to control the method using a predefined key on the keyboard. Alternatively or additionally, the predetermined key is a key directly on the screen or on a computer system connected to the screen.

According to a second aspect, the object is solved by a screen. The screen is configured to perform a method of the type described above.

According to a third aspect, the object is solved by an arrangement with a computer system and a screen connected thereto. The arrangement is configured to perform a method of the kind described above. The arrangement may also include a keyboard connected to the computer system.

According to a fourth aspect, the object is solved by a computer program product. The computer program product is configured to be executed on a computer system and, when executed on the computer system, to perform a method of the kind described above. The computer program product may include application software that is separate from an operating system.

The invention is explained in more detail below using several drawings. -8 -

Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a settings window according to an embodiment of software for performing an implementation of an inventive method, Figure 2 shows a schematic view of a user interface with a window displayed therein in an first configuration, as well as Figure 3 shows a schematic view of the user interface as shown in Figure 2 with the window displayed therein in a second configuration.

Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a settings window according to an embodiment of software for performing or setting an implementation of a method for automatically aligning a window within a user interface of the type described herein. The software settings window shows, as shown in Figure 1, a menu 6 in which various settings can be made for a screen connected to a computer system. In particular, the software is an application software for configuring the screen, whereby the application software runs separately from an operating system on the computer system.

In particular, menu 6 can be used to call a menu (submenu) 7 for partitioning a user interface and/or automatic alignment of the type described here. Figure 1 shows in particular the submenu 7 that has been called up. Here a specific screen 10 can be selected which is configured via the software. Furthermore, various options 6 are available for setting a partitioning of the user interface on the screen into different areas, which will be explained in more detail below. In Figure 1, for example, an option 8a is selected where the entire user interface is partitioned into a single -9 -area, or partitioning is disabled or not performed. For example, another option 8b can be selected where the user interface is partitioned into three vertical areas, as explained below.

Optionally, the software queries operating data and/or parameters and/or settings, in particular a resolution and/or serial or manufacturer number, of the screen, whereby the options 6 can be controlled or adapted on the basis of the queried operating data and/or parameters and/or settings, in particular the resolution and/or serial or manufacturer number, of the screen. This has the advantage that the method can be flexibly adapted to different screens with different operating data, parameters or settings, such as different resolution and/or serial or manufacturer number.

Via an option 9 in the settings window of the software as shown in Figure 1, the linking of a possibility to automatically align a window within the user interface with an actuation of a predetermined key can be selected. In Figure 1, linkage/option 9 is selected or activated, as illustrated by a check mark in a setting field. The default key for controlling an automatic window alignment is, for example, as shown in Figure 1, a control key (Ctrl) of a keyboard that is also connected to the computer system.

In this way, the software makes it possible to link a possibility of automatically aligning the window within the user interface displayed on a screen with the actuation of a preset key (Ctrl). This is explained in more detail below.

Figure 2 shows a schematic view of a user interface 2 with a window 1 displayed therein in a first configuration.

-10 -The user interface 2 is partitioned into three vertical areas 3a, 3b and Sc according to option 8b of figure 1. At the bottom of user interface 2 there is a task bar 4 for displaying shortcuts, applications, window information, time and date, system status, etc. Task bar 4 is not affected by the partitioning of user interface 2 in the implementation shown in Figure 2.

Window 1 is arranged according to Figure 2 within area 3b of user interface 2. Window 1 can be clicked or activated via a mouse pointer 5 and can also be moved within user interface 2.

Due to a linkage of the possibility of automatic alignment of window 1 with the pressing of the preset key (Ctrl), as activated according to Figure 1, option 9, an automatic alignment according to the implementation of Figures 1 and 2 only occurs when or while the preset key (Ctrl) is actuated/pressed. As long as the key (Ctrl) is not actuated, the possibility of automatically aligning window 1 within user interface 2 is deactivated. In this case, window 1 can be flexibly selected, moved or resized using the mouse pointer 5 without automatic alignment of window 1 within user interface 2.

If the user now wants to align window 1 automatically within user interface 2 according to figure 2, he presses the default key (Ctrl). By pressing the default key (Ctrl), markers 11a and lib are automatically displayed or represented within the user interface 2 according to Figure 2 which illustrate to the user a partitioning of user interface 2 according to the set option 8b (see Figure 1). In this way, the user can see into which areas the user interface 2 is partitioned, in which area window 1 is currently located, and in which area the user wants to automatically align window 1.

Alternatively or in addition to markings 11a and 11b, partitioning may be represented by grid lines or other graphical separation of areas 3a, 3b and 3c, e.g. milky/fuzzy colouring/contrast.

By clicking or activating or moving the window 1 with the mouse pointer 5, an automatic alignment of the window 1 is carried out with the specified key (Ctrl) being pressed, which is illustrated in Figure 3. Figure 3 shows window 1 after automatic alignment. Window 1 is completely "cast" into area 3b of user interface 2, so that window 1 fills area 3b completely. The automatic alignment of window 1 was done because window 1 was positioned within area 3b.

In alternative options, the user can also drag the window 1 according to figure 2 via the mouse pointer 5 (with the mouse button pressed) for example from area 3b according to figure 2 into area 3a, so that the current position of window 1 is then within area 3a. If the user releases the mouse button in this state while still holding the specified key (Ctrl) pressed for automatic alignment of window 1, window 1 in contrast to figure 3 is then automatically aligned in area 3a. Automatic alignment can also be carried out in such a way that window 1 completely fills area 3a.

Alternatively or in addition, window 1 can be aligned with one or more edges of a respective area 3a, 3b or 3c.

-12 -Through the method described herein for the automatic alignment of window 1 within the user interface 2 with or during actuation of a predetermined key (Ctrl), an automatic alignment of window 1 can be easily controlled. If or as long as the default key (Ctrl) is not actuated, the automatic alignment functionality is deactivated. In this case it is prevented that by moving or changing a window 1 within the user interface 2 an automatic alignment of the window 1 is carried out (for example controlled by the operating system of the computer system), which can disturb, distract or confuse the user. An automatic alignment of window 1 is carried out according to the method only when or while the user actuates the specified key (Ctrl). By recognizing the current position of window 1 within user interface 2, window 1 can be automatically aligned within the area 3a, 3b or 3c assigned to window 1 based on the current position of window 1 within user interface 2. The software, as explained to Figure 1, can be used to specify various options 8 for partitioning user interface 2.

The illustrated implementations are only selected as examples.

-13 -List of reference numerals 1 3b, Window 2 3a, user interface 3c areas 4 task bar mouse pointer 6 menu 7 Submenu for partitioning 8 options 8a selected option 8P alternative option 9 Option for linking with a given selected screen ha, fib markers for partitioning key

Claims

-14 -Claims 1. A method for automatically aligning a window (1) within a user interface (2) displayed on a screen, wherein within the user interface (2) one or more areas (3a, 3h, 3c) are predetermined for automatically aligning a window (1) displayed on the screen within the one or within one of the plurality of areas (3a, 3b, 3c), wherein a possibility for automatically aligning of the window (1) within the one or within one of the plurality of areas (3a, 3b, 3c) is activated by or during actuation of a predetermined key.
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the possibility of automatically aligning of the window (1) within the one or within one of the plurality of areas (3a, 3b, 3c) is deactivated when or as long as the predetermined key is not actuated.
3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the window (1) is automatically aligned within the area (3b) which is assigned to the window (1) on the basis of the position of the window (1) within the user interface (2) by or during actuation of the predetermined key.
4. The method according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein by or during actuation of the predetermined key and by selection of the window (1), in particular by releasing a pressed mouse or trackpad key, the alignment of the window (1) takes place automatically within the area (3b) associated with the window (1) on the basis of the position of the window (1) within the user interface (2).
-15 - 5. The method according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein by or during actuation of the predetermined key and by dragging the window (1) to a changed position within the user interface (2), in particular in combination with dropping the window (1) at the changed position, in particular by releasing a pressed mouse or trackpad key, the alignment of the window (1) takes place automatically within the area (3b) associated with the window (1) on the basis of the changed position of the window (1).
6. The method according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein by actuation of the predetermined key a partitioning (11a, 11b) of the user interface (2) into the one or the plurality of areas (3a, 3b, 3c) is graphically displayed on the screen.
7. The method according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein linking (9) of the possibility of automatically aligning the window (1) with the actuation of the predetermined key and/or the selection of the predetermined key can be set via a menu (6) within a software, in particular within an application software separate from an operating system.
8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the automatic aligning of the window (1) within the one or within one of the plurality of areas (3a, 3b, 3c) means aligning the window (1) at at least one edge of the area (3b).
9. The method according to one of the claims 1 to 8, wherein the automatic aligning of the window (1) within the one or within one of the plurality of areas (3a, 3b, 3c) means the complete areal filling of the area (3b) by the window (1).
-16 - 10. The method according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein different options (8) are provided for the presetting of the one or the plurality of areas (3a, 3b, 3c) within the user interface (2).
11. The method according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein operating data and/or parameters and/or settings, in particular a resolution and/or serial or manufacturer number, of the screen are interrogated and the presetting of the one or the plurality of areas (3a, 3b, 3c) within the user interface (2) is controlled on the basis of the interrogated operating data and/or parameters and/or settings, in particular the resolution, of the screen.
12. The method according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the specification of the one or the plurality of areas (3a, 3b, 3c) within the user interface (2) can be set via a menu (6) within a software, in particular within an application software separate from an operating system, in particular within the software or application software according to claim 6.
13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the predetermined key is a key of a keyboard which is connected to a computer system together with the screen.
14. A screen arranged to perform a method in accordance with any of claims 1 to 13.
15. An arrangement comprising a computer system and a screen connected thereto, the arrangement being configured to perform a method in accordance with any of claims 1 to 13.
-17 - 16. The arrangement according to claim 15, with a keyboard additionally connected to the computer system.
17. A computer program product which is configured to be executed on a computer system and which, when executed on the computer system, performs a method in accordance with any of Claims 1 to 13.
18. The computer program product according to claim 17 that includes application software separate from an operating system.