Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system – Display driving control circuitry – Controlling the condition of display elements
Reexamination Certificate
1995-09-18
2001-10-23
Cabeca, John (Department: 2173)
Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system
Display driving control circuitry
Controlling the condition of display elements
C345S215000, C345S215000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06307547
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates generally to computer systems and, more particularly, to the use of enhanced folder racks in computer systems.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/204,529, entitled “Folder Rack Icons,” which was filed on Mar. 1, 1994, describes a method and system for implementing folder rack icons. This copending patent application describes folder rack icons that each represent a number of logically grouped icons in a fashion that occupies less of the screen of a video display than the logically grouped icons would occupy if displayed separately. The icons that are grouped into the folder rack icon may be icons for folders, icons for documents, or other icons that are associated with objects. Two alternative folder rack icons are described within the copending application.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides embellished folder racks that have additional capabilities (that will be described in more detail below) relative to the folder racks described within copending application Ser. No. 08/204,529. In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, a method is practiced in a computer system such that an unlocked folder rack is provided for holding objects. The folder rack has a number of slots, wherein each slot may be empty such that it holds no objects, or full such that it holds at least one object. The folder rack is locked so that the folder rack and any of the objects held therein are not accessible through the folder rack.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a method is practiced in a computer system that has a video display. Per the method, a folder rack with slots is provided. Each slot is adapted for holding one or more objects, and a selected slot holds multiple objects. Each object has an associated window. In a response to a request to open the selected slot, the associated windows for the objects held in the selected slot are opened on the video display.
In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, a method is practiced in a computer system that has a video display and a file system for managing file system objects. Per this method, a folder rack object is provided for logically grouping file system objects. The folder rack object has slots wherein each slot may hold one or more of the file system objects. Each slot has a label that identifies the slot. A folder rack icon is displayed for the folder rack object on the video display. A menu that lists the labels for each of the slots of the folder rack object is also displayed on the video display.
In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, a method involves providing a file rack with slots for holding one or more objects. A user provided name is assigned to a selected one of the slots of the folder rack, and the user provided name is used to identify the selected slot.
In accordance with an additional aspect of the present invention, a method is practiced in a computer system that has a video display and an input device. Per this method, a folder rack icon is displayed on the video display. The folder rack icon has visual representation of a number of slots. At least one of the slots holds a visual representation of a template generator for generating a template, such as a template of a word processing document or spreadsheet program document. In response to a user using the input device (such as a mouse), it is determined which of the template generators the user has selected to generate a template. The template generator that has been selected by the user is then used to generate a template in a window on the video display.
In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, a user is provided with a choice of a number of different predefined folder rack configurations that have a predefined number of slots for holding objects with predefined labels that identify the slots. A user choice of one of the predefined folder rack configurations is received, and an instance of a folder rack icon having the predefined folder rack configuration is created.
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Cabeca John
Christensen O'Connor Johnson & Kindness PLLC
Microsoft Corporation
Nguyen Cao H.
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