Method and system for switching between multiple computer applications

• US 20030117440A1
• Filed: 12/21/2001
• Published: 06/26/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 12/21/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing LLC (Microsoft Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
• Inventors: Sierra, Giampiero M., Park, Jae Pum, Shapiro, Daniel J., Hellyar, Paul S., Rollin, Kelly E.
• Granted Patent: US 7,346,855 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 345/767
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0235 using chord techniques G06F3/0234 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0481 based on specific properties of the displayed interaction object or a metaphor-based environment, e.g. interaction with desktop elements like windows or icons, or assisted by a cursor's changing behaviour or appearance
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0489 using dedicated keyboard keys or combinations thereof

Abstract

Generally described, a method is provided for use in a computer system that allows users to navigate quickly through multiple applications. In accordance with the method, when the computer receives a signal from the user, it extracts a preview representing a screen shot for each window open within the operating system. It then displays the preview, a description, and an icon for the next window in the activation hierarchy and a description and an icon for the remaining open windows. In other embodiments, the previews for all open windows with corresponding descriptions and icons are displayed utilizing several different arrangements. The computer then receives a designation from the user of the next window he or she wants to make active and brings to the foreground the top level window corresponding to the selection.

Claims

1. A method for use in a computer system, said computer system having a graphical operating system, for switching between a plurality of open application windows, comprising:

monitoring for switching input indicative of a desire to switch from a current open application window to another of the plurality of open application windows;

upon receipt of the switching input, displaying a preview for one of the plurality of open application windows;

monitoring for display input indicative of a desire to make the displayed preview the new current open application window; and

upon receipt of the display input, switching the display from the current open application window to the new current open application window.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising displaying, along with the preview, an icon and a text description associated with the preview.

3. The method of claim 2, further comprising, upon receipt of the switching input, displaying a preview for each of the plurality of open application windows.

4. The method of claim 3, further comprising displaying, along with the preview for each of the plurality of open application windows, an icon and a text description associated with a corresponding preview.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of open application windows is ranked according to an activation hierarchy, and wherein the displayed preview is the window immediately succeeding the current open application window in the activation hierarchy.

6. The method of claim 5, further comprising:

monitoring, after display of the preview, for additional input indicative of a desire to view a preview of the next open application window in the activation hierarchy; and

upon receipt of the additional input, displaying a preview for the next open application window in the activation hierarchy.

7. A computer-readable medium having computer-executable instructions for performing the method as recited in claim 1.

8. A computer system having a processor, memory, display, and an operating environment, the computer system operable to execute the method recited in claim 1.

9. A method for use in a computer system, said computer system having a graphical operating system, for switching between a plurality of open windows that are ranked according to an activation hierarchy comprising:

monitoring for a switching activation signal;

upon receipt of the switching activation signal, displaying a preview of the next open window in the activation hierarchy;

monitoring for a display command to activate and display the window corresponding to the displayed preview; and

upon receipt of the display command, activating the open window corresponding to the displayed preview.

10. The method of claim 9, further comprising displaying, along with the preview, an icon and a text description associated with the preview.

11. The method of claim 9, further comprising, upon receipt of the switching activation signal, displaying a preview for each of the plurality of open application windows.

12. The method of claim 9, further comprising:

monitoring for a next preview signal; and

upon receipt of the next preview signal, displaying a preview of the window immediately succeeding the window corresponding to the currently displayed preview in the activation hierarchy.

13. A computer-readable medium having computer-executable instructions for performing the method as recited in claim 9.

14. A computer system having a processor, memory, display, and an operating environment, the computer system operable to execute the method recited in claim 9.