Operating system program launch menu search
US7340686B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 22, 2005 |
| Grant date | Mar 4, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 13, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F16/248
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An operating system program launch menu, such as a Start menu, provides various mechanisms for a user to quickly and efficiently locate and launch desired data items such as programs, data files, storage locations, and the like. A search box within the program launch menu may be used to quickly locate programs, documents, communications, and other data items. An auto-complete feature may be used, e.g., when the user restricts the locations searched for the user-entered search text. A most commonly used program list may include programs based on various criteria including both frequency of use and recent use, thereby always including a most recently used item. An all programs view may display programs and documents in a hosted-tree view within the original confines of the program launch menu, thereby negating the need to open sub-menus on top of a large portion of the desktop displayed on the display device.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.