Snap control for relocating elements of a graphical user interface
First Claim
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1. Computer readable code stored on computer-readable medium for moving a window from a first position in a graphical user interface desktop displayed on a display screen, comprising:
- first subprocesses for causing a computer to display at least one first user selectable component associated with the window;
second subprocesses for automatically causing the computer to move the window, upon user selection of one of the at least one first user selectable components, to a second position in the desktop associated therewith, wherein the second position permits only a portion of the window to remain visible along an edge of the displayed portion of the desktop; and
third subprocesses for causing the computer to display a second user selectable component when the window is in the second position; and
fourth subprocesses for causing the computer to move the window to the first position in the graphical user interface upon user selection of the second selectable componentwherein each of the user selectable components includes a directional arrow displayed therein indicating a direction of movement of the window when the component is selected by the user.
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Abstract
A computer programming technique is presented for improving the usability of graphical user interfaces. A snap control is provided with individual elements of the graphical user interface, such as windows or container objects, which upon invocation by a user automatically relocates the associated element at a hide position. Preferably, the hide position utilizes a portion of the desktop beyond the edge of what is displayed to a user, with only a portion of the element having a return snap control button remaining visible to a user.
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Citations
10 Claims
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1. Computer readable code stored on computer-readable medium for moving a window from a first position in a graphical user interface desktop displayed on a display screen, comprising:
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first subprocesses for causing a computer to display at least one first user selectable component associated with the window; second subprocesses for automatically causing the computer to move the window, upon user selection of one of the at least one first user selectable components, to a second position in the desktop associated therewith, wherein the second position permits only a portion of the window to remain visible along an edge of the displayed portion of the desktop; and third subprocesses for causing the computer to display a second user selectable component when the window is in the second position; and fourth subprocesses for causing the computer to move the window to the first position in the graphical user interface upon user selection of the second selectable component wherein each of the user selectable components includes a directional arrow displayed therein indicating a direction of movement of the window when the component is selected by the user. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. Computer readable code stored on medium for relocating a window of a graphical user interface from an original position to one of at least two hide positions, comprising:
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first code means for causing a computer to display at least two user selectable components as past of the window disposed along different edges of the window, each of the user selectable components having a directional arrow associated therewith which indicates a relative position of a hide position associated therewith; and second code means for causing the computer to store original position information, delete the window from the original position, and recreate the window at the hide position associated with a selected user selectable component upon selection of one of the user selectable components, wherein the hide positions are logically situated so that only a portion of the window is visible within the graphical user interface. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9, 10)
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Specification