Dynamically displaying current status of tasks

US7877686B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Microsoft Corporation · US

Inventors

• Kenneth H. Abbott · Kirkland, US
• Dan Newell · Bellevue, US
• James O. Robarts · Redmond, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 11, 2006
• Grant date: Jan 25, 2011
• Expiry date: Feb 21, 2028

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G06Q10/109
• WIPO field: IT methods for management
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

The current status of a list of tasks to be performed is dynamically displayed. The tasks may be performed by a user (e.g., data entered by the user, words spoken by the user, actions taken by the user, and so forth) or alternatively by a computer (e.g., the steps it follows in carrying out a programmed task). At least a portion of the list is displayed at any given time along with an indication of which task is the next task to be performed. As the tasks are completed, the current status of the progression through the items on the list is dynamically updated so as to readily inform the user (or someone else) as to what the current task is that needs to be performed, as well as what tasks have already been performed and/or what tasks remain to be performed.