Surfacing and management of window-specific controls
US8499254B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 27, 2008 |
| Grant date | Jul 30, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 11, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F9/451
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
The functionality traditionally provided by an application program through a window presented as part of a window-based user interface can be accessed while the window remains hidden. A toolbar, or similar collection of user interface elements, can be presented when a user indicates an intention to interact with an application program whose window is hidden. The toolbar can comprise elements associated with functions specific to the hidden window. The user's selection can be communicated to the application program so that it can perform the requested function. If the user no longer indicates an intention to interact with the application program, the toolbar can be removed. In one embodiment, the toolbar can be presented together with a thumbnail of the relevant window in a floating display element.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.