US6069628A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and means for navigating user interfaces which support a plurality of executing applications
Assignee: RUETERS Ltd
•
Filing: 1997-05-14
•
Granted: 2000-05-30
•
Expires: 2017-05-14
Abstract
Abstract Navigation through application program operation, application window configuration, and application program symbol input is provided in a navigator function which executes in response to key strokes designating key representations of application programs and commands.
Inventors
- 👤 Mohsen Farry
- 👤 Teresa D. Huxford
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 23:19
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F3/00; G06F3/01; G06F3/048; G06F3/0487; G06F3/0489; G06F3/02; G06F3/023; G06F3/0238; G06F9/00; G06F9/06; G06F9/44; G06F9/451
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 21
Claim 1
Independent Claim
177 words
A method for application program navigation in an interactive computer system having a digital data processor, a keyboard, a display, and a user interface having: a) means for supporting execution of one or more application programs of a plurality of application programs, and b) output means for causing display of application program execution to a particular window on the display, the method comprising: a) displaying a navigation window for specifying application programs; b) displaying in the navigation window: a plurality of pictorial icons, each pictorial icon representing an application program; and one or more key representations adjacent each pictorial icon, each key representation having one or more keyboard characters and each key representation automatically displayed and corresponding to an application program represented by the adjacent pictorial icon; c) entering a first key representation by striking one or more keys on the keyboard; and d) initiating execution of a particular application program corresponding to the first key representation and activating a first application window for the particular application program in response to entry of the first key representation.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
177 words
A method for application program navigation in an interactive computer system having a digital data processor, a keyboard, a display, and a user interface having: a) means for supporting execution of one or more application programs of a plurality of application programs, and b) output means for causing display of application program execution to a particular window on the display, the method comprising: a) displaying a navigation window for specifying application programs; b) displaying in the navigation window: a plurality of pictorial icons, each pictorial icon representing an application program; and one or more key representations adjacent each pictorial icon, each key representation having one or more keyboard characters and each key representation automatically displayed and corresponding to an application program represented by the adjacent pictorial icon; c) entering a first key representation by striking one or more keys on the keyboard; and d) initiating execution of a particular application program corresponding to the first key representation and activating a first application window for the particular application program in response to entry of the first key representation.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
55 words
The method of claim 1, further comprising entering a second key representation by striking one or more keys of the keyboard; and initiating execution of a particular application program corresponding to the second key representation and activating a second application window for the particular application program in response to entry of the second key representation.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 1, further comprising indicating execution of the application program by highlighting the first key representation in the navigation window following the step of entering to indicate ongoing execution of the particular application program.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 1, wherein each key representation illustrates only a single respective keyboard character.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
51 words
The method of claim 1, wherein each key representation illustrates at least two respective keyboard characters, a first of the at least two respective keyboard characters being identical to the first keyboard character of other key representations, and a second of the two keyboard characters being unique to the key representation.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
107 words
The method of claim 1 further comprising: providing the computer with means for establishing and modifying window configuration, and means for opening and maintaining files, establishing characteristics of the first and second windows; saving the characteristics of the first and second windows in a system configuration file; displaying the first and second windows with characteristics identical to the characteristics in the system configuration file; changing characteristics of the first window; displaying the first window with characteristics identical to the changed characteristics; generating a REVERT command; and changing the characteristics of the first window to those stored in the system configuration file in response to the REVERT command.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
272 words
A method for application program navigation in an interactive computer system having a digital data processor, a keyboard, a display, and a user interface having: a) means for supporting execution of one or more application programs of a plurality of application programs, and b) output means for causing display of application program execution to a particular window on the display, the method comprising the steps of: displaying a navigation window for specifying application programs; displaying in the navigation window: a plurality of pictorial icons, each pictorial icon representing an application program; and one or more key representations adjacent each pictorial icon, each key representation having one or more keyboard characters and each key representation automatically displayed and corresponding to an application program represented by the adjacent pictorial icon; entering a first key representation by striking one or more keys on the keyboard; initiating execution of a particular application program corresponding to the first key representation and activating a first application window for the particular application program in response to entry of the first key representation; entering a second key representation by striking one or more keys of the keyboard; initiating execution of a particular application program corresponding to the second key representation and activating a second application window for the particular application program in response to entry of the second key representation; displaying a global symbol input window for specifying application program symbol inputs; entering an alphanumeric symbol into the global symbol input window; dispatching the symbol using the global symbol input window; and displaying in open application windows application program responses to the symbol in the first and second application windows.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
272 words
A method for application program navigation in an interactive computer system having a digital data processor, a keyboard, a display, and a user interface having: a) means for supporting execution of one or more application programs of a plurality of application programs, and b) output means for causing display of application program execution to a particular window on the display, the method comprising the steps of: displaying a navigation window for specifying application programs; displaying in the navigation window: a plurality of pictorial icons, each pictorial icon representing an application program; and one or more key representations adjacent each pictorial icon, each key representation having one or more keyboard characters and each key representation automatically displayed and corresponding to an application program represented by the adjacent pictorial icon; entering a first key representation by striking one or more keys on the keyboard; initiating execution of a particular application program corresponding to the first key representation and activating a first application window for the particular application program in response to entry of the first key representation; entering a second key representation by striking one or more keys of the keyboard; initiating execution of a particular application program corresponding to the second key representation and activating a second application window for the particular application program in response to entry of the second key representation; displaying a global symbol input window for specifying application program symbol inputs; entering an alphanumeric symbol into the global symbol input window; dispatching the symbol using the global symbol input window; and displaying in open application windows application program responses to the symbol in the first and second application windows.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
162 words
A method for application program navigation using an interactive computer system, a keyboard, a display, and a user interface having: a) means for supporting execution of one or more application programs of a plurality of application programs, and b) output means for causing the visual display of application program execution to a particular window on the display, the method comprising: a) displaying a navigation window for specifying application programs; b) displaying in the navigation window: a plurality of pictorial icons, each pictorial icon representing an executable application program, and one or more key representations adjacent each pictorial icon, each key representation including one or more keyboard characters and each key representation automatically displayed and corresponding to an application program represented by the adjacent pictorial icon; c) entering a first key representation by striking one or more keys on the keyboard; and d) activating a first application window for a particular executing application program in response to entry of the first key representation.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
162 words
A method for application program navigation using an interactive computer system, a keyboard, a display, and a user interface having: a) means for supporting execution of one or more application programs of a plurality of application programs, and b) output means for causing the visual display of application program execution to a particular window on the display, the method comprising: a) displaying a navigation window for specifying application programs; b) displaying in the navigation window: a plurality of pictorial icons, each pictorial icon representing an executable application program, and one or more key representations adjacent each pictorial icon, each key representation including one or more keyboard characters and each key representation automatically displayed and corresponding to an application program represented by the adjacent pictorial icon; c) entering a first key representation by striking one or more keys on the keyboard; and d) activating a first application window for a particular executing application program in response to entry of the first key representation.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
73 words
The method of claim 8, further comprising: entering a second key representation by striking one or more keys of the keyboard; activating a second application window for a particular application program corresponding to the second key representation if the particular application program is executing; otherwise, initiating execution of the particular application program corresponding to the second key representation and activating the second application window in response to entry of the second key representation.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 9, wherein each key representation illustrates only a single respective keyboard character.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
49 words
The method of claim 9, wherein each key representation illustrates at least two respective keyboard characters, a first of at least two respective keyboard characters being identical to the first keyboard character of other key representations, and a second of the keyboard characters being unique to the key representation.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
106 words
The method of claim 9 further comprising: providing the computer with means for establishing and modifying window configurations and means for opening and maintaining files; establishing characteristics of the first and second window; saving the characteristics of the first and second window in a system configuration file; displaying the first and second windows with characteristics identical to the characteristics in the system configuration file; changing characteristics of the first window; displaying the first window with characteristics identical to the changed characteristics; generating a REVERT command; and changing the characteristics of the first window to those stored in the configuration file in response to the REVERT command.
Claim 16
Independent Claim
276 words
A method for application program navigation using an interactive computer system, a keyboard, a display, and a user interface having: a) means for supporting execution of one or more application programs of a plurality of application programs, and b) output means for causing the visual display of application program execution to a particular window on the display, the method comprising the steps of: displaying a navigation window for specifying application programs; displaying in the navigation window: a plurality of pictorial icons, each pictorial icon representing an executable application program; and one or more key representations adjacent each pictorial icon, each key representation including one or more keyboard characters and each key representation automatically displayed and corresponding to an application program represented by the adjacent pictorial icon; entering a first key representation by striking one or more keys on the keyboard; activating a first application window for a particular executing application program in response to entry of the first key representation; entering a second key representation by striking one or more keys of the keyboard; activating a second application window for a particular application program corresponding to the second key representation if the particular application program is executing; otherwise, initiating execution of the particular application program corresponding to the second key representation and activating the second application window in response to entry of the second key representation; displaying a global symbol input window for specifying application program symbol inputs; entering an alphanumeric symbol into the global symbol input window; dispatching the symbol using the global symbol input window; and displaying in open application windows application program responses to the symbol in the first and second application windows.
Claim 17
Independent Claim
276 words
A method for application program navigation using an interactive computer system, a keyboard, a display, and a user interface having: a) means for supporting execution of one or more application programs of a plurality of application programs, and b) output means for causing the visual display of application program execution to a particular window on the display, the method comprising the steps of: displaying a navigation window for specifying application programs; displaying in the navigation window: a plurality of pictorial icons, each pictorial icon representing an executable application program; and one or more key representations adjacent each pictorial icon, each key representation including one or more keyboard characters and each key representation automatically displayed and corresponding to an application program represented by the adjacent pictorial icon; entering a first key representation by striking one or more keys on the keyboard; activating a first application window for a particular executing application program in response to entry of the first key representation; entering a second key representation by striking one or more keys of the keyboard; activating a second application window for a particular application program corresponding to the second key representation if the particular application program is executing; otherwise, initiating execution of the particular application program corresponding to the second key representation and activating the second application window in response to entry of the second key representation; displaying a global symbol input window for specifying application program symbol inputs; entering an alphanumeric symbol into the global symbol input window; dispatching the symbol using the global symbol input window; and displaying in open application windows application program responses to the symbol in the first and second application windows.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
142 words
An interactive computer system comprising: a keyboard; a display; a digital data processor coupled to the display and a user interface; means in the interface for initiating execution of one or more application programs of a plurality of application programs; and output means in the interface for causing visual display of application program execution to a particular window on the display, the output means having: a) a navigation window means provided on the display for activating application program windows by a navigation window; b) a plurality of application pictorial icons displayed in the navigation window, each application pictorial icon representing an executable application program; and c) one or more key representations adjacent each pictorial icon, each key representation including one or more keyboard characters and each key representation automatically displayed and corresponding to an application program represented by the adjacent pictorial icon.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
142 words
An interactive computer system comprising: a keyboard; a display; a digital data processor coupled to the display and a user interface; means in the interface for initiating execution of one or more application programs of a plurality of application programs; and output means in the interface for causing visual display of application program execution to a particular window on the display, the output means having: a) a navigation window means provided on the display for activating application program windows by a navigation window; b) a plurality of application pictorial icons displayed in the navigation window, each application pictorial icon representing an executable application program; and c) one or more key representations adjacent each pictorial icon, each key representation including one or more keyboard characters and each key representation automatically displayed and corresponding to an application program represented by the adjacent pictorial icon.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
163 words
An interactive computer system comprising: a keyboard; a display; a digital data processor coupled to the display, and a user interface having: means for supporting execution of one or more application programs of a plurality of application programs; output means for causing visual display on the display of: a) application program execution to a particular window on the display, b) a navigation window and c) a plurality of pictorial icons displayed in the navigation window, each pictorial icon representing an executable application program automatically associated with one or more key representations adjacent each pictorial icon, each key representation having one or more keyboard characters and each key representation corresponding to an application program represented by the adjacent pictorial icon; and means connected to the keyboard and responsive to keyboard operation for identifying a particular key representation in a keystroke sequence entered on the keyboard and for automatically displaying and activating an application window for an application program represented by the particular key representation.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
163 words
An interactive computer system comprising: a keyboard; a display; a digital data processor coupled to the display, and a user interface having: means for supporting execution of one or more application programs of a plurality of application programs; output means for causing visual display on the display of: a) application program execution to a particular window on the display, b) a navigation window and c) a plurality of pictorial icons displayed in the navigation window, each pictorial icon representing an executable application program automatically associated with one or more key representations adjacent each pictorial icon, each key representation having one or more keyboard characters and each key representation corresponding to an application program represented by the adjacent pictorial icon; and means connected to the keyboard and responsive to keyboard operation for identifying a particular key representation in a keystroke sequence entered on the keyboard and for automatically displaying and activating an application window for an application program represented by the particular key representation.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US4680729A
Cited
US4692858A
Cited
US4899136A
Cited
US4862389A
Cited
US4821211A
Cited
US4862390A
Cited
US5121477A
Cited
US4975690A
Cited
US5179700A
Cited
US5220675A
Cited
US5287514A
Cited
US5270947A
Cited
US5181029A
Cited
US5497455A
Cited
US5721850A
Cited
US5592605A
Cited
US5525978A
Cited
US5694562A
Cited
US5796404A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2003-05-30 | 2003-11-29 | 2004-05-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2007-05-30 | 2007-11-29 | 2008-05-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2011-05-30 | 2011-11-29 | 2012-05-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |