Method of launching computer programs within a graphical user interface

• US 6,724,402 B1
• Filed: 01/27/2000
• Issued: 04/20/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 01/27/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: David R. Baquero
• Original Assignee: David R. Baquero
• Inventors: Baquero, David R.
• Primary Examiner(s): Nguyen, Cao (Kevin)
• Application Number:
  US09/492,555
• Time in Patent Office: 1,545 Days
• Field of Search: 345/808, 345/810, 345/853, 345/775, 345/776, 345/840, 345/841, 345/765, 767/513, 767/514, 767/530
• US Class Current: 715/765
• 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

Abstract

The invention encompasses a method of identifying computer programs existing within a graphical user interface. This method of identifying programs also can include steps to organize the interface by deleting the redundant and resource-consuming shortcuts that relate to the identified programs. The invention also includes a method of launching identified programs based on the identifiers created according to the first method. To execute these methods, the invention also encompasses a computer application capable of executing each of the above-described methods.

Claims

1. A method of launching a program within a graphical user interface independent of the need for a pull-down menu that also can reduce the time required to boot the graphical user interface, said method comprising the steps of:

(a) creating an identifier for said program in an application,

(b) associating said identifier with said program in said application,

(c) storing said identifier in said application, and

(d) launching said program whenever said identifier is entered into said application,

wherein said program is capable of being directly deleted from a start menu or from a desktop shortcut through said method,

whereby said deletion of said program reduces the time required for subsequent booting of the graphical user interface.

2. A method as described in claim 1, wherein said program is an application.

3. A method as described in claim 1, wherein said program is a document.

4. A method as described in claim 1, wherein said program is a desktop shortcut.

5. A method as described in claim 1 further comprising the step of deleting any preexisting desktop shortcut.

6. A method as described in claim 1, wherein said program is a start-menu shortcut.

7. A method as described in claim 1, wherein said interface is one of the type capable of a multi-mode environment.

8. A method as described in claim 1, wherein said identifier is a combination of alphanumerical keystrokes.

9. A method as described in claim 1, wherein said application appears as a window within said interface.

10. A method as described in claim 1, wherein said application is able to associate a plurality of programs each to a separate unique identifier.

11. A computer application that executes a method of launching a computer program within a graphical user interface independent of the need for a pull-down menu that also can reduce the time require to boot the graphical user interface, said application comprising:

a window in said interface,

an identifier field in said window where an identifier can be entered, and

a launch button;

wherein after said identifier has been entered said identifier field executes the method for launching when said button is clicked upon

wherein said program is capable of being directly deleted from a start menu or from a desktop shortcut through said application,

whereby said deletion of said program reduces the time required for subsequent booting of the graphical user interface.

12. A computer application as described in claim 11, wherein said computer program within said graphical user interface is chosen from the group consisting of a default e-mail application, a default web browser, a volume control, a new e-mail message, and a monitor resolution control.

13. A method as described in claim 11, wherein said application is able to associate a plurality of programs each to a separate unique identifier.

14. A method, of launching gram within an operating system capable of multi-mode environment independent of the need for a pull-down menu that also can reduce the time required to boot the graphical user interface that does not require a shortcut, said method comprising the steps of:

(a) creating an identifier for said program in an application, wherein said identifier is a combination of alphanumerical keystrokes,

(b) associating said identifier with said program in said application,

(c) storing said identifier in said application,

(d) deleting said program when said program is a shortcut, and

(e) launching said program whenever said identifier is entered into said application,

wherein the step of deleting said program is performed on a program on a start menu or a desktop shortcut, thereby reducing the time required for subsequent booting of the graphical user interface.