Buoy icon notification of object interface accessibility in multitasking computer environment
US6489974B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 11, 1996 |
| Grant date | Dec 3, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 11, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F3/04817
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Notification of an executing object becoming idle is provided in a multitasking environment. As the object executes, a user can interface with a second object. When the executing object becomes accessible, a buoy icon object is displayed on the computer screen. The buoy icon has the name of the accessible object as well as a pointer line extending from the buoy icon to the accessible object. The buoy icon provides notification that the accessible object execution is complete or is ready to receive a user input. The user can either remove the buoy icon from the screen or select the buoy icon object to focused the accessible object. The newly focused accessible object can then be used. The buoy icon notification can be enabled or disabled on an object-by-object basis.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.