Method and system for switching between multiple computer applications
US7346855B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 21, 2001 |
| Grant date | Mar 18, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 12, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F3/0481
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Generally described, a method is provided for use in a computer system that allows users to navigate quickly through multiple applications. In accordance with the method, when the computer receives a signal from the user, it extracts a preview representing a screen shot for each window open within the operating system. It then displays the preview, a description, and an icon for the next window in the activation hierarchy and a description and an icon for the remaining open windows. In other embodiments, the previews for all open windows with corresponding descriptions and icons are displayed utilizing several different arrangements. The computer then receives a designation from the user of the next window he or she wants to make active and brings to the foreground the top level window corresponding to the selection.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.