Method and apparatus for handles to components in graphical windows user interface
US6002400A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 19, 1997 |
| Grant date | Dec 14, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 19, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F3/0481
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method and apparatus for use with a computer having a graphical user interface, including a desktop, displayed on a computer screen. The system is designed for controlling the execution of a computer application program, and the relative position of a window associated with said application along a z-axis defined as extending perpendicular to the surface of the computer screen. The invention includes a new graphical user interface element in the form of a handle positioned along a peripheral edge of a desktop. The handle is configured so that it is always visible on the desktop, and the position of the handle is user defined or programmable according to a convention. A link is provided between the handle and an associated application so that when handle is activated by means of a pointing device, a window associated with the application will be displayed as a foreground window on the desktop. The system permits the application to be efficiently and quickly accessed by activation of the handle.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.