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Window system with independently replaceable window functionality

  • US 5,121,478 A
  • Filed: 11/15/1990
  • Issued: 06/09/1992
  • Est. Priority Date: 09/08/1988
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A system comprising:

  • a display;

    a user input device for providing input signals from a user;

    memory for storing data;

    the memory storing a plurality of display system data units; and

    a processor connected for receiving the input signals from the user,for accessing the display system data units, and for providing output signals to the display;

    the display system data units comprising;

    workspace data units, each being for use in presenting a respective workspace on the display, each respective workspace including, when presented, respective display features that are perceptible as having respective relative positions;

    the workspace data units including a first workspace data unit for use in presenting a first one of the respective workspaces on the display; and

    a first functional data unit that includes first function data for use in performing a first characteristic function in relation to the first workspace;

    the processor comprising;

    first function means for using the first function data in performing the first characteristic function in relation to the first workspace;

    second function means for using second function data in performing a second characteristic function in relation to the first workspace, the second characteristic function being different than the first characteristic function;

    the first and second characteristic functions being alternative functions, the first and second characteristic functions both being;

    input functions according to which input signals are received from the user while the first workspace is presented;

    output functions according to which output signals are provided to the display while the first workspace is presented;

    orrelationship functions according to which the first workspace is related to another of the respective workspaces when both workspaces are presented; and

    replacing means for replacing the first functional data unit by a second functional data unit without structurally modifying other display system data units stored in the memory, the second functional data unit including the second function data so that before the replacing means replaces the first functional data unit the first function means uses the first function data to perform the first characteristic function in relation to the first workspace and so that after the replacing means replaces the first functional data unit the second function means uses the second function data to perform the second characteristic function in relation to the first workspace.

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