Window hatches in graphical user interface
First Claim
1. A method for creating window hatches in a windowing interface on a computer display, comprising the steps of:
- entering a window hatch creation mode;
responsive to user definition of an area in an overlying window, identifying the user defined area within the overlying window in the interface as a window hatch;
changing a display mode of the window hatch within the overlying window and a number of intervening window, thus creating a corresponding number of window hatches with a shared border so that a portion of an underlying window is displayed through the window hatch; and
simultaneously adjusting the window hatches responsive to manipulation of the shared border.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A window hatch is created in a displayed window. Once the hatch is created, a portion of the displayed window delimited by the hatch disappears, revealing the window underneath. Multiple invocations of the hatch operation bore through lower, underlying windows until the desired window is reached. Thus, portions of the desired underlying window show through the window hatch, while the top window remains in view. The window hatch can be adjusted in size and shape. The underlying window can be repositioned so that the desired information shows through the hatch. Various navigation and information cues are available to assist the user in understanding the relationship of the various windows and correctly positioning the window hatch.
215 Citations
27 Claims
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1. A method for creating window hatches in a windowing interface on a computer display, comprising the steps of:
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entering a window hatch creation mode; responsive to user definition of an area in an overlying window, identifying the user defined area within the overlying window in the interface as a window hatch; changing a display mode of the window hatch within the overlying window and a number of intervening window, thus creating a corresponding number of window hatches with a shared border so that a portion of an underlying window is displayed through the window hatch; and simultaneously adjusting the window hatches responsive to manipulation of the shared border. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A system for creating window hatches in a windowing interface, including processor, memory, input devices and a display, comprising:
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means responsive to user input within an overlying window for identifying a user defined area within the overlying window in the interface; means for creating a number of window hatches at the user defined area in the overlying window and a number of intervening windows, the window hatches having a shared border; means for changing a display mode of the window hatch within the overlying window so that a portion of an underlying window is displayed through the window hatch; and means for simultaneously adjusting the window hatches responsive to manipulation of the shared border. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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22. A computer program product in a computer readable medium for creating window hatches in a windowing interface comprising:
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means responsive to user input within an overlying window for identifying a user defined area within the overlying window in the interface; means for creating a number of window hatches at the user defined area in the overlying window and a number of intervening windows, the window hatches having a shared border; means for changing a display mode of the window hatch within the overlying window so that a portion of an underlying window is displayed through the window hatch; and means for simultaneously adjusting the window hatches responsive to manipulation of the shared border. - View Dependent Claims (23, 24, 25, 26, 27)
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Specification