Graphical user interface method and apparatus
First Claim
1. A graphical user interface tool for use in connection with a computer program which can simultaneously display multiple files on a computer display device, each file appearing in a different panel on said display device, said tool comprising:
- means for allowing a user to invoke said tool in association with a selected one of said multiple files using a computer interface device;
means for causing a graphic representation of said tool to appear on said display device responsive to being invoked by said user, said graphic representation comprising an icon having a plurality of portions, each corresponding to an operation that can be performed in connection with said selected file;
means for allowing said user to select one of said plurality of operations using a user interface device;
wherein said means for allowing said user to select one of said operations is responsive to said user positioning said cursor in a position indicative of a particular segment of said icon to tentatively select said operation corresponding to said segment and performing a subsequent act to select said operation corresponding to said segment;
means for causing a line to appear on said display device, when icon appears on said display device, said line having a first end point centered on said icon and a second endpoint at said cursor; and
means for causing said operation to be performed on said selected file.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention comprises a graphical user interface tool particularly adapted for use with a program that shows multiple files simultaneously, each in a different panel of the display. The tool presents the user with a series of optional actions that can be taken in connection with the file that is displayed within one panel of the display. In accordance with the invention, a user manipulates a cursor to a position in one of the multiple panels on a display screen and issues an instruction to invoke the tool, such as by clicking on the right mouse button. The tool is then made to appear and displays a series of optional operations from which the user may select. The operations are specific to the file in the panel within which the tool was invoked.
165 Citations
28 Claims
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1. A graphical user interface tool for use in connection with a computer program which can simultaneously display multiple files on a computer display device, each file appearing in a different panel on said display device, said tool comprising:
- means for allowing a user to invoke said tool in association with a selected one of said multiple files using a computer interface device;
means for causing a graphic representation of said tool to appear on said display device responsive to being invoked by said user, said graphic representation comprising an icon having a plurality of portions, each corresponding to an operation that can be performed in connection with said selected file;
means for allowing said user to select one of said plurality of operations using a user interface device;
wherein said means for allowing said user to select one of said operations is responsive to said user positioning said cursor in a position indicative of a particular segment of said icon to tentatively select said operation corresponding to said segment and performing a subsequent act to select said operation corresponding to said segment;
means for causing a line to appear on said display device, when icon appears on said display device, said line having a first end point centered on said icon and a second endpoint at said cursor; and
means for causing said operation to be performed on said selected file. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
- means for allowing a user to invoke said tool in association with a selected one of said multiple files using a computer interface device;
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16. A method of interfacing with a computer program that can simultaneously display multiple files on a computer display device, each file appearing in a different panel on said display device, said method comprising the steps of:
- allowing a user to invoke said tool in association with a selected one of said multiple files using a computer interface device, causing a graphic representation of said tool to appear on said display device responsive to being invoked by said user, said graphic representation comprising an icon having a plurality of segments, each corresponding to an operation that can be performed in connection with said selected file;
allowing said user to select one of said plurality of operations using a user interface device;
wherein said step of allowing said user to select one of said operations is responsive to said user positioning said;
cursor in a position indicative of a particular segment of said icon to tentatively select said operation corresponding to said segment and performing a subsequent act to select said operation corresponding to said segment;
causing a line to appear on said display device, when icon appears on said display device, said line having a first end point centered on said icon and a second endpoint at said cursor; and
causing said operation to be performed on said selected file. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28)
- allowing a user to invoke said tool in association with a selected one of said multiple files using a computer interface device, causing a graphic representation of said tool to appear on said display device responsive to being invoked by said user, said graphic representation comprising an icon having a plurality of segments, each corresponding to an operation that can be performed in connection with said selected file;
Specification