Patent
1994-09-06
1995-10-31
Powell, Mark R.
395159, G06F 938
Patent
active
054637260
ABSTRACT:
A method and apparatus are disclosed for graphically accessing of multiple simultaneously active software applications within a data processing system having a video display screen having fixed dimensions. An electronic work space is established having dimensions substantially larger than the dimensions of the video display screen. Electronic representations of multiple software applications within viewports or "windows" are then disposed at selected locations within the electronic work space. A movable viewport, having effective dimensions substantially equal to the dimensions of the video display screen, is then utilized to permit the graphic presentation of selected software applications by selectively relocating the viewport within the electronic work space. In one embodiment of the present invention a miniature graphic representation of the electronic work space is provided within the video display screen and iconic representations of the various software applications and the movable viewport are utilized therein to provide an indication of the relative locations of these objects. By selecting various iconic representations of software applications, or by dragging or tracking the movable viewport, a user may selectively access desired software applications at any point within the electronic work space.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4962475 (1990-10-01), Hernendez et al.
patent: 4974173 (1990-11-01), Stefik et al.
patent: 5045880 (1991-09-01), Evanitsky et al.
patent: 5065347 (1991-11-01), Pajak et al.
patent: 5072412 (1991-12-01), Henderson, Jr. et al.
patent: 5075673 (1991-12-01), Yanker
patent: 5107443 (1992-04-01), Smith et al.
patent: 5140677 (1992-08-01), Fleming et al.
patent: 5140678 (1992-08-01), Torres
patent: 5187776 (1993-02-01), Yanker
Microsoft Paint User's Guide; Microsoft Corporation, Copyright 1987, pp. V-VIII.
Ba Huynh
Dillon Andrew J.
International Business Machines - Corporation
Jobe Jonathan F.
Powell Mark R.
LandOfFree
Method and apparatus for graphic accessing of multiple software does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Method and apparatus for graphic accessing of multiple software , we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Method and apparatus for graphic accessing of multiple software will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-1780276