Methods, systems, and computer program products for navigating between visual components

• US 9,841,878 B1
• Filed: 05/14/2017
• Issued: 12/12/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 08/26/2010
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Cypress Lake Software, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Cypress Lake Software, Inc.
• Inventors: Morris, Robert Paul
• Primary Examiner(s): Vu, Toan
• Application Number:
  US15/594,649
• Time in Patent Office: 212 Days
• Field of Search: None
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2203/04803 Split screen, i.e. subdividing the display area or the window area into separate subareas
• 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
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0482 Interaction with lists of selectable items, e.g. menus
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0483 Interaction with page-structured environments, e.g. book metaphor
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/04842 Selection of displayed objects or displayed text elements G06F3/0482 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/04845 for image manipulation, e.g. dragging, rotation, expansion or change of colour
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0488 using a touch-screen or digitiser, e.g. input of commands through traced gestures
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 9/451 Execution arrangements for user interfaces

Abstract

Methods, systems, and computer program products are described comprising a device configured to: present a first window of the first application in a first application region of a presentation space of the display; detect first user input in connection with the first window of the first application; in response to the detection of the first user input in connection with the first window of the first application, present a representation of a second window of the second application in a menu, in a first particular region of the presentation space of the display, for displaying the second window of the second application, in a second application region in the presentation space of the display, the first particular region: located in a first location adjacent to a second location of the first application region, operable for being at least one of re-sized or moved in response to the first application region being at least one of re-sized or moved, and operable for being hidden in response to the first application region being maximized, and re-presented in response to the first application region being returned to a non-maximized state; detect second user input in connection with the representation of the second window of the second application in the menu; and in response to the detection of the second user input in connection with the representation of the second window of the second application in the menu, present the second window of the second application.

Claims

1. An apparatus, comprising:

a device including at least one processor operatively coupled to a display and non-transitory memory, the memory storing a plurality of applications including a first application and a second application, the device configured to;

present, utilizing the at least one processor and the display, a first window of the first application in a presentation space of the display;

detect, utilizing the at least one processor, first user input;

in response to the detection of the first user input, present, utilizing the at least one processor and the display, a representation of a second window of the second application in a menu, in a particular region of the presentation space of the display, for displaying the second window of the second application in the presentation space of the display in response to a detection of a second user input in connection with the representation of the second window, the particular region;

located in a first location adjacent to a second location of the first window,

operable for being re-sized in response to the first window being re-sized, and

operable for being hidden in response to the first window being maximized;

detect, utilizing the at least one processor, the second user input in connection with the representation of the second window of the second application; and

in response to the detection of the second user input in connection with the representation of the second window of the second application, present, utilizing the at least one processor and the display, the second window of the second application;

wherein the apparatus is configured such that the menu is located in the first location if the first user input includes a first particular input, and the menu is located in a third location if the first user input includes a second particular input.

67. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the apparatus is configured such that the first particular input includes at least two first particular input components and the second particular input includes at least two second particular input components.

68. The apparatus of claim 67 wherein the apparatus is configured such that at least one of the at least two first particular input components is the same as at least one of the at least two second particular input components.

69. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the apparatus is configured such that the first location is at least partially in a bottom half of a virtual screen and the third location is at a side half of the virtual screen.

70. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the apparatus is configured such that the first location and the third location are in a bottom half of a physical screen.

71. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the apparatus is configured such that the third location is horizontally spaced with respect to the second location, and the third location is vertically spaced with respect to the second location.

72. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the apparatus is configured such that the first location is adjacent to the second location by being horizontally spaced with respect to the second location, and the third location is vertically spaced with respect to the second location.

73. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the apparatus is configured such that the first user input involves a hot key.

74. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the apparatus is configured such that the first user input includes a touch in a designated location of the display which is part of a touch screen.

75. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the apparatus is configured such that the first user input is detected before the first window is presented.

76. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the apparatus is configured such that the first user input is detected after the first window is presented.

77. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the apparatus is configured such that the first user input is detected while the first window is presented.

78. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the apparatus is configured such that the first window is presented in response to a detection of a selection of a representation of the first window of the first application that is part of another instance of the menu.

79. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the apparatus is configured such that the representation of the second window of the second application includes a thumbnail.

80. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the apparatus is configured such that both a visibility and a size of the particular region are changed in response to the first window being re-sized.

81. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the apparatus is configured such that it is determined if the first user input includes a predetermined gesture that is preconfigured to automatically cause presentation of the menu in response thereto, and the representation of the window is conditionally presented based on the determination.

82. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the apparatus is configured such that the first window is not maximized and not minimized upon the presentation thereof.

83. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the apparatus is configured such that the representation of the second window includes an identifier for the second application.

84. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the apparatus is configured such that a z-order attribute of the representation of the second window is a function of user input in connection with the second application.

85. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the apparatus is configured such that a representation of the first window of the first application is excluded from the menu, because the first window of the first application is already presented.

86. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the apparatus is configured such that, after being hidden, the particular region is re-presented if the first window is returned to a non-maximized state.

87. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the apparatus is configured such that, after being hidden, at least a portion of the particular region is re-presented in response to the first window being placed in a non-maximized state.

88. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the apparatus is configured such that the representation of the second window is included with a spinner.

89. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the apparatus is configured such that the representation of the second window spins.

90. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the apparatus is configured such that the representation of the second window scrolls.

91. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the apparatus is configured such that the display and at least one input device are each separate components of a touch screen.

92. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the apparatus is configured such that the particular region overlays empty presentation space.

93. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the apparatus is configured such that the representation of the second window presents a state of the second window.

94. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the apparatus is configured such that the particular region is operable for being re-sized in response to the first window being re-sized for permitting the second user input in connection with the representation of the second window, even after the first window is re-sized.

95. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the first user input includes a touch in a designated location of the display which is part of a touch screen, and the first user input is detected while the first window is presented;

the representation of the second window of the second application;

is accompanied by a textual identifier for the second application, indicates a state of the second window of the second application, has a z-order attribute that is a function of user input, and has a visibility that is changed in response to the first window being re-sized; and

the menu excludes a representation of the first window of the first application since the first window is already presented.

96. The apparatus of claim 95 wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the first window is presented in response to a detection of a selection of a representation of the first window of the first application of another instance of the menu.

97. The apparatus of claim 95 wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the representation of the second window of the second application includes a thumbnail; and

the menu is located and re-sized for reducing input overhead when switching between different applications.

98. The apparatus of claim 95 wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the particular region is re-presented after being hidden if the first window is returned to a non-maximized state.

99. The apparatus of claim 95 wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the representation of the second window is included with a spinner.

100. The apparatus of claim 95 wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the representation of the second window spins at least in part.

101. The apparatus of claim 95 wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the representation of the second window scrolls at least in part.

102. The apparatus of claim 95 wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the representation of the second window spins at least in part as well as scrolls at least in part.

103. The apparatus of claim 95 wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the particular region overlays empty presentation space.

104. The apparatus of claim 95 wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the menu includes a plurality of window representations that are parents of the first window.

105. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the first user input involves a hot key and is detected while the first window is presented;

the representation of the second window of the second application;

is accompanied by a textual identifier for the second application, indicates a state of the second window of the second application, has a z-order attribute that is a function of user input, and has a visibility that is changed in response to the first window being re-sized; and

the menu excludes a representation of the first window of the first application since the first window is already presented.

106. The apparatus of claim 105 wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the representation of the second window of the second application includes a thumbnail;

the particular region is re-presented after being hidden if the first window is returned to a non-maximized state; and

the menu includes a plurality of window representations that are parents of the first window.

107. The apparatus of claim 105 wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the first window is presented in response to a detection of a selection of a representation of the first window of the first application of another instance of the menu.

108. The apparatus of claim 105 wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the representation of the second window spins at least in part and scrolls at least in part.

109. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the first user input includes a predetermined gesture on a representation of the first window that is preconfigured to automatically cause presentation of the menu;

the representation of the second window of the second application;

is accompanied by a textual identifier for the second application, indicates a state of the second window of the second application, has a z-order attribute that is a function of user input, and has a visibility that is changed in response to the first window being re-sized; and

the menu excludes a representation of the first window of the first application since the first window is already presented.

110. The apparatus of claim 109 wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the representation of the second window of the second application includes a thumbnail;

the menu is re-presented if the first window is returned to a non-maximized state; and

the menu includes a plurality of window representations that are parents of the first window.

111. The apparatus of claim 109 wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the first window is presented in response to a detection of a selection of a representation of the first window of the first application of another instance of the menu.

112. The apparatus of claim 109 wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the representation of the second window spins at least in part and scrolls at least in part.

2. An apparatus, comprising:

a device including at least one processor operatively coupled to a display and non-transitory memory, the memory storing a plurality of applications including a first application and a second application, the device configured to;

present, utilizing the at least one processor and the display, a first window of the first application in a presentation space of the display;

detect, utilizing the at least one processor, first user input;

in response to the detection of the first user input, present, utilizing the at least one processor and the display, a representation of a second window of the second application in a menu, in a particular region of the presentation space of the display, for displaying the second window of the second application in the presentation space of the display in response to a detection of a second user input on the representation of the second window, the particular region;

located in a first location adjacent to a second location of the first window,

operable for being re-sized in response to the first window being re-sized, and

operable for being hidden in response to the first window being maximized;

detect, utilizing the at least one processor, the second user input on the representation of the second window of the second application; and

in response to the detection of the second user input on the representation of the second window of the second application, present, utilizing the at least one processor and the display, the second window of the second application;

wherein the apparatus is configured such that the particular region is located in the first location adjacent to the second location of the first window and the representation of the second window is organized with other representations of other windows for permitting a user to conveniently enter the second user input on the representation of the second window, instead of requiring the user, in connection with the second user input, to locate the second window among an unorganized clutter of different windows and instead of requiring, in connection with the second user input, use of a desktop taskbar.

113. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the apparatus is configured such that the representation of the second window is organized by being included with a spinner.

114. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the apparatus is configured such that the representation of the second window is organized by spinning at least in part and scrolling at least in part.

115. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the apparatus is configured such that the user is permitted to conveniently enter the second user input on the representation of the second window, in addition to the user locating the second window among the unorganized clutter of different windows.

116. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the apparatus is configured such that the user is permitted to conveniently enter the second user input on the representation of the second window, in addition to the user using the desktop taskbar.

117. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the first user input includes a touch in a designated location of the display which is part of a touch screen, and the first user input is detected while the first window is presented;

the representation of the second window of the second application;

is accompanied by a textual identifier for the second application, indicates a state of the second window of the second application, has a z-order attribute that is a function of user input, and has a visibility that is changed in response to the first window being re-sized; and

the menu excludes a representation of the first window of the first application since the first window is already presented.

118. The apparatus of claim 117 wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the first window is presented in response to a detection of a selection of a representation of the first window of the first application of another instance of the menu.

119. The apparatus of claim 117 wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the representation of the second window of the second application includes a thumbnail.

120. The apparatus of claim 117 wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the particular region is re-presented after being hidden if the first window is returned to a non-maximized state; and

the particular region is located, re-sized, and re-presented for reducing input overhead when switching between different applications.

121. The apparatus of claim 117 wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the representation of the second window is included with a spinner.

122. The apparatus of claim 117 wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the representation of the second window spins at least in part.

123. The apparatus of claim 117 wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the representation of the second window scrolls at least in part.

124. The apparatus of claim 117 wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the representation of the second window spins at least in part as well as scrolls at least in part.

125. The apparatus of claim 117 wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the particular region overlays empty presentation space.

126. The apparatus of claim 117 wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the menu includes a plurality of window representations that are parents of the first window.

127. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the first user input involves a hot key and is detected while the first window is presented;

the representation of the second window of the second application;

is accompanied by a textual identifier for the second application, indicates a state of the second window of the second application, has a z-order attribute that is a function of user input, and has a visibility that is changed in response to the first window being re-sized; and

the menu excludes a representation of the first window of the first application since the first window is already presented.

128. The apparatus of claim 127 wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the representation of the second window of the second application includes a thumbnail;

the particular region is re-presented after being hidden if the first window is returned to a non-maximized state; and

the menu includes a plurality of window representations that are parents of the first window.

129. The apparatus of claim 127 wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the first window is presented in response to a detection of a selection of a representation of the first window of the first application of another instance of the menu.

130. The apparatus of claim 127 wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the representation of the second window spins at least in part and scrolls at least in part.

131. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the first user input includes a predetermined gesture on a representation of the first window that is preconfigured to automatically cause presentation of the menu;

the representation of the second window of the second application;

is accompanied by a textual identifier for the second application, indicates a state of the second window of the second application, has a z-order attribute that is a function of user input, and has a visibility that is changed in response to the first window being re-sized; and

the menu excludes a representation of the first window of the first application since the first window is already presented.

132. The apparatus of claim 131 wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the representation of the second window of the second application includes a thumbnail;

the menu is re-presented if the first window is returned to a non-maximized state; and

the menu includes a plurality of window representations that are parents of the first window.

133. The apparatus of claim 131 wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the first window is presented in response to a detection of a selection of a representation of the first window of the first application of another instance of the menu.

134. The apparatus of claim 131 wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the representation of the second window spins at least in part and scrolls at least in part.

3. An apparatus, comprising:

a non-transitory memory storing instructions and a plurality of applications including a first application and a second application;

a display; and

one or more processors in communication with the non-transitory memory and the display, wherein the one or more processors execute the instructions to;

detect first user input;

in response to the detection of the first user input, present, utilizing the display, a representation of a second window of the second application in a menu, for displaying the second window of the second application in response to a detection of a second user input in connection with the representation of the second window, the menu;

located in a first location adjacent to a second location of a first window of the first application,

having at least on aspect thereof altered in response to the first window being re-sized, and

being hidden in response to the first window being maximized;

detect the second user input in connection with the representation of the second window of the second application; and

in response to the detection of the second user input in connection with the representation of the second window of the second application, present, utilizing the display, the second window of the second application;

wherein the apparatus is configured such that the menu is located in the first location adjacent to the second location of the first window and the representation of the second window is organized with other representations of other windows for permitting the second user input in connection with the representation of the second window, while avoiding requiring, for the representation of the second window, a user to locate the second window among an unorganized clutter of different overlapping windows and while further avoiding requiring, for the representation of the second window, use of a desktop taskbar.

10. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the apparatus is configured such that the first user input involves a hot key.

11. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the apparatus is configured such that the first user input includes a touch in a designated location of the display which is part of a touch screen.

12. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the apparatus is configured such that the first user input is detected before the first window is presented.

13. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the apparatus is configured such that the first user input is detected after the first window is presented.

14. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the apparatus is configured such that the first user input is detected while the first window is presented.

15. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the apparatus is configured such that the first window is presented in response to a detection of a selection of a representation of the first window of the first application that is part of another instance of the menu.

16. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the apparatus is configured such that the representation of the second window of the second application includes a thumbnail.

17. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the apparatus is configured such that both a visibility and a size of the menu are changed in response to the first window being re-sized.

18. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the apparatus is configured such that it is determined if the first user input includes a predetermined gesture that is preconfigured to automatically cause presentation of the menu in response thereto, and the representation of the window is conditionally presented based on the determination.

19. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the apparatus is configured such that the first window is not maximized and not minimized upon a presentation thereof.

20. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the apparatus is configured such that an input focus is changed in response to the first user input.

21. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the apparatus is configured such that a z-order attribute of the representation of the second window is a function of user input in connection with the second application.

22. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the apparatus is configured such that a representation of the first window of the first application is excluded from the menu, because the first window of the first application is already presented.

23. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the apparatus is configured such that the first location is adjacent to the second location by being positioned to a side of the second location.

24. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the apparatus is configured such that the first location is adjacent to the second location by being vertically spaced with respect to the second location.

25. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the apparatus is configured such that the first location is capable of being adjacent to the second location by being vertically spaced with respect to the second location, and by being horizontally spaced with respect to the second location.

26. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the apparatus is configured such that an input focus is changed in response to the second user input.

27. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the apparatus is configured such that, after being hidden, at least a portion of the menu is re-presented in response to the first window being placed in a non-maximized state.

28. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the apparatus is configured such that the representation of the second window is included with a spinner.

29. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the apparatus is configured such that the representation of the second window spins.

30. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the apparatus is configured such that the representation of the second window scrolls.

31. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the apparatus is configured such that the display and at least one input device are each separate components of a touch screen.

32. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the apparatus is configured such that the menu overlays empty presentation space.

33. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the apparatus is configured such that the representation of the second window presents a state of the second window.

34. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the apparatus is configured such that the menu has the at least on aspect thereof altered in response to the first window being re-sized for permitting the second user input in connection with the representation of the second window, even after the first window is re-sized.

35. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the apparatus is configured such that the representation of the second window is organized by spinning in conjunction with the other representations of the other windows.

36. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the apparatus is configured such that the representation of the second window is organized by scrolling in conjunction with the other representations of the other windows.

37. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the apparatus is configured such that the representation of the second window is organized by spinning at least in part and scrolling at least in part, in conjunction with the other representations of the other windows.

38. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein at least one of:

the requirement that the user locate the second window among the unorganized clutter of different overlapping windows, or the requirement that the user use the desktop taskbar, is still permitted, for causing the presentation of the second window, independent of the second user input in connection with the representation of the second window.

39. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the apparatus is configured such that the at least one aspect of the menu includes a size thereof.

40. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the apparatus is configured such that the at least one aspect of the menu includes a visibility thereof.

41. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the apparatus is configured such that the second user input is permitted to be used to cause the presentation of the second window, in addition to permitting the causation by the user locating the second window among the unorganized clutter of different overlapping windows despite the locating not being required in connection with the second user input, and in addition to permitting the causation by the user using the desktop taskbar despite the use of the desktop taskbar not being required in connection with the second user input.

42. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the apparatus is configured such that another instance of the menu is capable of being presented after the presentation of the second window so that the another instance of the menu includes a plurality of elements corresponding to the plurality of applications that are operating except the first application and the second application since both the first window and the second window are already presented.

43. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the apparatus is configured to determine whether the first user input includes a first particular input or a second particular input, such that the first location is at a first position with respect to the first window if the first user input includes the first particular input and the first location is at a second position, opposite the first position, with respect to the first window if the first user input includes the second particular input.

44. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the apparatus is configured such that at least one of:

said processor includes an instruction processing unit;

said memory includes at least one of processor memory, or persistent secondary memory;

said display includes at least part of a touchscreen;

said apparatus is configured to avoid a requirement of a repetition of same or similar types of inputs;

said apparatus is configured to avoid a requirement of a repetition of same or similar user movements;

said first user input precedes the second user input;

said apparatus is configured to avoid use of a standard menu of a desktop;

said apparatus is configured to avoid use of a taskbar of a desktop;

said apparatus is configured to avoid access to a single location of a desktop;

said apparatus is configured for switching between the applications;

said re-sizing of the at least one aspect is accomplished by re-sizing of an area in which the menu and elements thereof reside;

said first window is maximized by filling substantially all of a presentation space of the display;

said first window is maximized by filling all of a presentation space of the display;

said first window is maximized by filling a maximum amount of a presentation space of the display;

said detection of each user input includes detection of a user touch;

or

each instance of said communication involves at least one bus.

45. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the first user input includes a touch in a designated location of the display which is part of a touch screen, and the first user input is detected while the first window is presented;

the representation of the second window of the second application;

is accompanied by a textual identifier for the second application, indicates a state of the second window of the second application, has a z-order attribute that is a function of user input, and has a visibility that is changed in response to the first window being re-sized; and

the menu excludes a representation of the first window of the first application since the first window is already presented.

46. The apparatus of claim 45 wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the first window is presented in response to a detection of a selection of a representation of the first window of the first application of another instance of the menu.

47. The apparatus of claim 45 wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the representation of the second window of the second application includes a thumbnail.

48. The apparatus of claim 45 wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the first location is capable of being adjacent to the second location by being vertically spaced with respect to the second location, and by being horizontally spaced with respect to the second location.

49. The apparatus of claim 45 wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the menu is re-presented after being hidden if the first window is returned to a non-maximized state.

50. The apparatus of claim 45 wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the representation of the second window is included with a spinner.

51. The apparatus of claim 45 wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the representation of the second window spins at least in part.

52. The apparatus of claim 45 wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the representation of the second window scrolls at least in part.

53. The apparatus of claim 45 wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the representation of the second window spins at least in part as well as scrolls at least in part.

54. The apparatus of claim 45 wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the menu overlays empty presentation space.

55. The apparatus of claim 45 wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the menu includes a plurality of window representations that are parents of the first window.

56. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the first user input involves a hot key and is detected while the first window is presented;

the representation of the second window of the second application;

is accompanied by a textual identifier for the second application, indicates a state of the second window of the second application, has a z-order attribute that is a function of user input, and has a visibility that is changed in response to the first window being re-sized; and

the menu excludes a representation of the first window of the first application since the first window is already presented.

57. The apparatus of claim 56 wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the representation of the second window of the second application includes a thumbnail;

the menu is re-presented after being hidden if the first window is returned to a non-maximized state;

the menu includes a plurality of window representations that are parents of the first window; and

the menu is located and organized for reducing input overhead when switching between different applications.

58. The apparatus of claim 56 wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the first window is presented in response to a detection of a selection of a representation of the first window of the first application of another instance of the menu.

59. The apparatus of claim 56 wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the first location is capable of being adjacent to the second location by being vertically spaced with respect to the second location, and by being horizontally spaced with respect to the second location.

60. The apparatus of claim 56 wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the representation of the second window spins at least in part and scrolls at least in part.

61. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the first user input includes a predetermined gesture on a representation of the first window that is preconfigured to automatically cause presentation of the menu;

the representation of the second window of the second application;

is accompanied by a textual identifier for the second application, indicates a state of the second window of the second application, has a z-order attribute that is a function of user input, and has a visibility that is changed in response to the first window being re-sized; and

the menu excludes a representation of the first window of the first application since the first window is already presented.

62. The apparatus of claim 61 wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the representation of the second window of the second application includes a thumbnail;

the menu is re-presented if the first window is returned to a non-maximized state; and

the menu includes a plurality of window representations that are parents of the first window.

63. The apparatus of claim 61 wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the first window is presented in response to a detection of a selection of a representation of the first window of the first application of another instance of the menu.

64. The apparatus of claim 61 wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the first location is capable of being adjacent to the second location by being vertically spaced with respect to the second location, and by being horizontally spaced with respect to the second location.

65. The apparatus of claim 61 wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the representation of the second window spins at least in part and scrolls at least in part.

66. The apparatus of claim 61 wherein the apparatus is configured to determine whether the first user input includes a first particular input or a second particular input, such that the first location is on a first side of the first window if the first user input includes the first particular input and the first location is on a second side of the first window if the first user input includes the second particular input.

4. An apparatus, comprising:

a device including at least one processor operatively coupled to a display and non-transitory memory, the memory storing a plurality of applications including a first application and a second application, the device configured to;

present, utilizing the at least one processor and the display, a first window of the first application;

detect first user input;

in response to the detection of the first user input, present, utilizing the at least one processor and the display, a representation of a second window that is part of a menu including a group of elements, the menu;

located in a first location adjacent to a second location of the first window, and

operable for being re-sized in response to the first window being re-sized;

detect second user input in connection with the representation of the second window; and

in response to the detection of the second user input in connection with the representation of the second window, present, utilizing the at least one processor and the display, the second window;

wherein the apparatus is configured such that the menu is positioned on a side of the first window if the first user input includes a first particular input, and the menu is positioned on another side of the first window if the first user input includes a second particular input;

the side and the another side are included in different parts of a presentation space; and

the menu does not include a representation of the first window, while the first window is presented, because the first window is already presented.

135. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the apparatus is configured such that the first particular input includes at least two first particular input components and the second particular input includes at least two second particular input components.

136. The apparatus of claim 135 wherein the apparatus is configured such that at least one of the at least two first particular input components is the same as at least one of the at least two second particular input components.

137. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the first user input includes a touch in a designated location of the display which is part of a touch screen, and the first user input is detected while the first window is presented;

the representation of the second window of the second application;

is accompanied by a textual identifier for the second application, indicates a state of the second window of the second application, has a z-order attribute that is a function of user input, and has a visibility that is changed in response to the first window being re-sized; and

the menu excludes a representation of the first window of the first application since the first window is already presented.

138. The apparatus of claim 137 wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the first window is presented in response to a detection of a selection of a representation of the first window of the first application of another instance of the menu;

the representation of the second window of the second application includes a thumbnail;

the menu is re-presented after being hidden if the first window is returned to a non-maximized state; and

the menu overlays empty presentation space.

139. The apparatus of claim 137 wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the representation of the second window spins at least in part as well as scrolls at least in part.

140. The apparatus of claim 137 wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the menu includes a plurality of window representations that are parents of the first window.

141. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the first user input involves a hot key and is detected while the first window is presented;

the representation of the second window of the second application;

is accompanied by a textual identifier for the second application, indicates a state of the second window of the second application, has a z-order attribute that is a function of user input, and has a visibility that is changed in response to the first window being re-sized; and

the menu excludes a representation of the first window of the first application since the first window is already presented.

142. The apparatus of claim 141 wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the representation of the second window of the second application includes a thumbnail;

the menu is re-presented after being hidden if the first window is returned to a non-maximized state;

the menu includes a plurality of window representations that are parents of the first window; and

the first window is presented in response to a detection of a selection of a representation of the first window of the first application of another instance of the menu.

143. The apparatus of claim 141 wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the representation of the second window spins at least in part and scrolls at least in part.

144. The apparatus of claim 143 wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the first user input includes a predetermined gesture on a representation of the first window that is preconfigured to automatically cause presentation of the menu;

the representation of the second window of the second application;

is accompanied by a textual identifier for the second application, indicates a state of the second window of the second application, has a z-order attribute that is a function of user input, and has a visibility that is changed in response to the first window being re-sized; and

the menu excludes a representation of the first window of the first application since the first window is already presented.

145. The apparatus of claim 143 wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the representation of the second window of the second application includes a thumbnail;

the menu is re-presented if the first window is returned to a non-maximized state; and

the menu includes a plurality of window representations that are parents of the first window.

146. The apparatus of claim 143 wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the representation of the second window spins at least in part and scrolls at least in part.

5. An apparatus, comprising:

a device including at least one processor operatively coupled to a display and non-transitory memory, the memory storing a plurality of applications including a first application and a second application, the device configured to;

present, utilizing the at least one processor and the display, a first window of the first application;

detect first user input;

in response to the detection of the first user input, present, utilizing the at least one processor and the display, a representation of a second window that is part of a menu including a group of elements, for presenting the second window, the menu;

located in a first location adjacent to a second location of the first window, and

operable for being re-sized in response to the first window being re-sized;

detect second user input in connection with the representation of the second window; and

in response to the detection of the second user input in connection with the representation of the second window, present, utilizing the at least one processor and the display, the second window;

wherein the apparatus is configured such that;

the first window is associated with the first application and the second window is associated with the second application; and

the menu is located in the first location adjacent to the second location of the first window, for permitting a user to enter the second user input in connection with the representation of the second window via a single action without use of a taskbar positioned in a particular location of a presentation space of the display.

147. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the apparatus is configured such that the single action includes a touch input on the representation of the second window.

148. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the apparatus is configured such that the particular location includes a single location of the presentation space of the display.

149. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the first user input includes a touch in a designated location of the display which is part of a touch screen, and the first user input is detected while the first window is presented;

the representation of the second window of the second application;

is accompanied by a textual identifier for the second application, indicates a state of the second window of the second application, has a z-order attribute that is a function of user input, and has a visibility that is changed in response to the first window being re-sized; and

the menu excludes a representation of the first window of the first application since the first window is already presented.

150. The apparatus of claim 149 wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the first window is presented in response to a detection of a selection of a representation of the first window of the first application of another instance of the menu;

the menu is re-presented after being hidden if the first window is returned to a non-maximized state; and

the menu overlays empty presentation space.

151. The apparatus of claim 149 wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the representation of the second window spins at least in part as well as scrolls at least in part.

152. The apparatus of claim 149 wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the menu includes a plurality of window representations that are parents of the first window.

153. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the first user input involves a hot key and is detected while the first window is presented;

the representation of the second window of the second application;

is accompanied by a textual identifier for the second application, indicates a state of the second window of the second application, has a z-order attribute that is a function of user input, and has a visibility that is changed in response to the first window being re-sized; and

the menu excludes a representation of the first window of the first application since the first window is already presented.

154. The apparatus of claim 153 wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the menu is re-presented after being hidden if the first window is returned to a non-maximized state;

the menu includes a plurality of window representations that are parents of the first window; and

the first window is presented in response to a detection of a selection of a representation of the first window of the first application of another instance of the menu.

155. The apparatus of claim 153 wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the representation of the second window spins at least in part and scrolls at least in part.

156. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the first user input includes a predetermined gesture on a representation of the first window that is preconfigured to automatically cause presentation of the menu;

the representation of the second window of the second application;

is accompanied by a textual identifier for the second application, indicates a state of the second window of the second application, has a z-order attribute that is a function of user input, and has a visibility that is changed in response to the first window being re-sized; and

the menu excludes a representation of the first window of the first application since the first window is already presented.

157. The apparatus of claim 156 wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the menu is re-presented if the first window is returned to a non-maximized state; and

the menu includes a plurality of window representations that are parents of the first window.

158. The apparatus of claim 156 wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the representation of the second window spins at least in part and scrolls at least in part.

6. An apparatus, comprising:

a device including at least one processor operatively coupled to a display and non-transitory memory, the memory storing a plurality of applications including a first application and a second application, the device configured to;

present, utilizing the at least one processor and the display, a first window of the first application;

detect first user input;

in response to the detection of the first user input, present, utilizing the at least one processor and the display, a representation of a second window that is part of a menu including a group of elements, for presenting the second window, the menu;

located in a first location adjacent to a second location of the first window, and

operable for being re-sized in response to the first window being re-sized;

detect second user input in connection with the representation of the second window; and

in response to the detection of the second user input in connection with the representation of the second window, present, utilizing the at least one processor and the display, the second window;

wherein the apparatus is configured such that;

the first window and the second window are both associated with the first application; and

the menu is located in the first location adjacent to the second location of the first window and without obstructing window display, for permitting a user to enter the second user input in connection with the representation of the second window via a single action, instead of requiring the user to locate the second window among different cluttered windows and instead of requiring use of a desktop taskbar.

159. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the apparatus is configured such that the single action includes a single touch input on the representation of the second window.

160. The apparatus of claim 159 wherein the apparatus is configured such that the first application includes at least one browser application, the representation of the second window includes a navigation tab representation, and the second window includes a browser window.

161. The apparatus of claim 160 wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the first user input includes a touch in a designated location of the display which is part of a touch screen, and the first user input is detected while the first window is presented;

the representation of the second window of the second application;

is accompanied by a textual identifier for the second application, indicates a state of the second window of the second application, has a z-order attribute that is a function of user input, and has a visibility that is changed in response to the first window being re-sized; and

the menu excludes a representation of the first window of the first application since the first window is already presented.

162. The apparatus of claim 161 wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the first window is presented in response to a detection of a selection of a representation of the first window of the first application of another instance of the menu;

the menu is re-presented after being hidden if the first window is returned to a non-maximized state; and

the menu overlays empty presentation space.

163. The apparatus of claim 160 wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the representation of the second window spins at least in part as well as scrolls at least in part.

164. The apparatus of claim 163 wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the menu includes a plurality of window representations that are parents of the first window.

165. The apparatus of claim 160 wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the first user input involves a hot key and is detected while the first window is presented;

the representation of the second window of the second application;

is accompanied by a textual identifier for the second application, indicates a state of the second window of the second application, has a z-order attribute that is a function of user input, and has a visibility that is changed in response to the first window being re-sized; and

the menu excludes a representation of the first window of the first application since the first window is already presented.

166. The apparatus of claim 165 wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the representation of the second window spins at least in part and scrolls at least in part.

167. The apparatus of claim 166 wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the menu is re-presented after being hidden if the first window is returned to a non-maximized state;

the menu includes a plurality of window representations that are parents of the first window; and

the first window is presented in response to a detection of a selection of a representation of the first window of the first application of another instance of the menu.

168. The apparatus of claim 160 wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the first user input includes a predetermined gesture on a representation of the first window that is preconfigured to automatically cause presentation of the menu;

the representation of the second window of the second application;

is accompanied by a textual identifier for the second application, indicates a state of the second window of the second application, has a z-order attribute that is a function of user input, and has a visibility that is changed in response to the first window being re-sized; and

the menu excludes a representation of the first window of the first application since the first window is already presented.

169. The apparatus of claim 168 wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the menu is re-presented if the first window is returned to a non-maximized state; and

the menu includes a plurality of window representations that are parents of the first window.

170. The apparatus of claim 168 wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the representation of the second window spins at least in part and scrolls at least in part.

7. An apparatus, comprising:

a device including at least one processor operatively coupled to a display and non-transitory memory, the memory storing a plurality of applications including a first application and a second application, the device configured to;

present, utilizing the at least one processor and the display, a first window of the first application;

detect first user input;

in response to the detection of the first user input, present, utilizing the at least one processor and the display, a representation of a second window that is part of a menu including a group of spaced rectilinear elements, the menu;

located in a first location adjacent to a second location of the first window, and

operable for being re-sized in response to the first window being re-sized;

detect second user input in connection with the representation of the second window; and

in response to the detection of the second user input in connection with the representation of the second window, present, utilizing the at least one processor and the display, the second window;

wherein the apparatus is configured such that the first window and the second window are both associated with the first application, and the group of spaced rectilinear elements of the menu overlays only empty desktop space regardless as to which of a plurality of locations where the first window is presented, so as to permit the second user input in connection with the representation of the second window for presenting the second window, without requiring a user to locate the second window among a clutter of different windows and without requiring use of a desktop taskbar, all while presenting an unobstructed view of both the menu and the first window.

171. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the apparatus is configured such that the second user input includes a single action in the form of a single touch input on the representation of the second window.

172. The apparatus of claim 171 wherein the apparatus is configured such that another instance of the menu is capable of being presented after the presentation of the second window so that the another instance of the menu includes at least a portion of the spaced rectilinear elements that correspond to the plurality of applications which are operating except the first application and the second application since both the first window and the second window are already presented.

173. The apparatus of claim 172 wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the first user input is capable of including a touch in a designated location of the display which is part of a touch screen while the first window is presented;

the first user input is further capable of including a predetermined touch gesture on a representation of the first window of the first application that is presented on another instance of the menu; and

the representation of the second window of the second application;

is accompanied by a textual identifier for the second application, indicates a state of the second window of the second application, has a z-order attribute that is a function of user input, and has a visibility that is changed in response to the first window being re-sized.

174. The apparatus of claim 173 wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the representation of the second window of the second application spins at least in part as well as scrolls at least in part.

8. An apparatus, comprising:

a device including at least one processor operatively coupled to a display and non-transitory memory, the memory storing a plurality of applications including a first application and a second application, the device configured to;

present, utilizing the at least one processor and the display, a first window of the first application;

detect first user input;

in response to the detection of the first user input, present, utilizing the at least one processor and the display, a second window element that is part of a menu including a group of spaced rectilinear elements and is associated with a second window, the menu;

located in a first location adjacent to a second location of the first window, and

operable for being at least one of re-sized or moved in response to the first window being at least one of re-sized or moved;

detect second user input in connection with the second window element associated with the second window; and

in response to the detection of the second user input in connection with the second window element associated with the second window, present, utilizing the at least one processor and the display, the second window;

wherein the apparatus is configured such that the group of spaced rectilinear elements of the menu is at least one of re-sized or moved in response to the first window being at least one of re-sized or moved, so as to permit the second user input in connection with the the second window element associated with the second window, instead of requiring a user to locate the second window among a clutter of different overlapping windows and instead of requiring use of a desktop taskbar.

175. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the apparatus is configured such that the at least one of re-sized or moved includes re-sized, and the group of spaced rectilinear elements are spaced in a z-direction.

176. The apparatus of claim 175 wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the first user input includes a touch in a designated location of the display which is part of a touch screen, and the first user input is detected while the first window is presented;

the second window element associated with the second window of the second application;

is accompanied by a textual identifier for the second application, indicates a state of the second window of the second application, has a z-order attribute that is a function of user input, and has a visibility that is changed in response to the first window being re-sized; and

the menu excludes a first window element associated with the first window of the first application since the first window is already presented.

177. The apparatus of claim 176 wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the first window is presented in response to a detection of a selection of a first window element of another instance of the menu;

the menu is re-presented after being hidden if the first window is returned to a non-maximized state; and

the menu overlays empty presentation space.

178. The apparatus of claim 176 wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the second window element associated with the second window spins at least in part as well as scrolls at least in part.

179. The apparatus of claim 176 wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the menu includes a plurality of window elements that are parents of the first window.

180. The apparatus of claim 175 wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the first user input involves a hot key and is detected while the first window is presented;

the second window element associated with the second window of the second application;

is accompanied by a textual identifier for the second application, indicates a state of the second window of the second application, has a z-order attribute that is a function of user input, and has a visibility that is changed in response to the first window being re-sized; and

the menu excludes a first window element associated with the first window of the first application since the first window is already presented.

181. The apparatus of claim 180 wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the second window element associated with the second window of the second application includes a thumbnail;

the menu is re-presented after being hidden if the first window is returned to a non-maximized state;

the menu includes a plurality of window elements that are parents of the first window; and

the first window is presented in response to a detection of a selection of a first window element of another instance of the menu.

182. The apparatus of claim 181 wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the second window element associated with the second window spins at least in part and scrolls at least in part.

183. The apparatus of claim 175 wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the first user input includes a predetermined gesture on a first window element associated with the first window of the first application that is preconfigured to automatically cause presentation of the menu, and the first user input is detected prior to the first window being presented in response to the predetermined gesture on the first window element;

the second window element associated with the second window of the second application;

is accompanied by a textual identifier for the second application, indicates a state of the second window of the second application, has a z-order attribute that is a function of user input, and has a visibility that is changed in response to the first window being re-sized; and

the menu excludes a first window element associated with the first window of the first application since the first window is already presented.

184. The apparatus of claim 183 wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the second window element associated with the second window spins at least in part and scrolls at least in part.

185. The apparatus of claim 184 wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the second window element associated with the second window of the second application includes a thumbnail;

the menu is re-presented if the first window is returned to a non-maximized state; and

the menu includes a plurality of window elements that are parents of the first window.

9. An apparatus, comprising:

a device including at least one processor operatively coupled to a display and non-transitory memory, the memory storing a plurality of applications including a first application and a second application, the device configured to;

present, utilizing the at least one processor and the display, a first window of the first application;

detect first user input;

in response to the detection of the first user input, present, utilizing the at least one processor and the display, a menu including a plurality of elements one of which corresponds to a second window of the second application, the menu;

being located in a first location adjacent to a second location of the first window, and

having at least one aspect that is configured to be at least one of moved or re-sized in response to the first window being at least one of moved or re-sized;

detect second user input on the one of the elements of the menu corresponding to the second window; and

in response to the detection of the second user input on the one of the elements of the menu corresponding to the second window, present, utilizing the at least one processor and the display, the second window;

wherein the apparatus is configured such that the at least one of the moving or the re-sizing includes the re-sizing, and the at least one aspect of the menu is re-sized in response to the re-sizing of the first window for permitting a user to conveniently enter the second user input on the one of the elements of the menu corresponding to the second window, instead of requiring, in connection with the second user input, the user to locate the second window among an arrangement of unorganized and overlapping different windows and instead of requiring, in connection with the second user input, use of a desktop taskbar.

186. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the apparatus is configured such that the at least one aspect of the menu includes a visibility thereof.

187. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the apparatus is configured such that the at least one aspect of the menu includes a size thereof.

188. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the first user input includes a touch in a designated location of the display which is part of a touch screen, and the first user input is detected while the first window is presented;

the one of the elements of the menu corresponding to the second window;

is accompanied by a textual identifier for the second application, indicates a state of the second window of the second application, has a z-order attribute that is a function of user input, and has a visibility that is changed in response to the first window being re-sized; and

the menu excludes a first window element associated with the first window of the first application since the first window is already presented.

189. The apparatus of claim 188 wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the first window is presented in response to a detection of a selection of a first window element of another instance of the menu;

the menu is re-presented after being hidden if the first window is returned to a non-maximized state;

the menu overlays empty presentation space; and

the one of the elements of the menu corresponding to the second window spins at least in part as well as scrolls at least in part.

190. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the first user input involves a hot key and is detected while the first window is presented;

the one of the elements of the menu corresponding to the second window;

is accompanied by a textual identifier for the second application, indicates a state of the second window of the second application, has a z-order attribute that is a function of user input, and has a visibility that is changed in response to the first window being re-sized; and

the menu excludes a first window element associated with the first window of the first application since the first window is already presented.

191. The apparatus of claim 190 wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the one of the elements of the menu corresponding to the second window is a thumbnail;

the menu is re-presented after being hidden if the first window is returned to a non-maximized state;

the first window is presented in response to a detection of a selection of a first window element of another instance of the menu; and

the one of the elements of the menu corresponding to the second window spins at least in part and scrolls at least in part.

192. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the first user input includes a predetermined gesture on a first window element associated with the first window of the first application that is preconfigured to automatically cause presentation of the menu, and the first user input is detected prior to the first window being presented in response to the predetermined gesture on the first window element;

the one of the elements of the menu corresponding to the second window;

is accompanied by a textual identifier for the second application, indicates a state of the second window of the second application, has a z-order attribute that is a function of user input, and has a visibility that is changed in response to the first window being re-sized;

the menu excludes a first window element associated with the first window of the first application since the first window is already presented;

the one of the elements of the menu corresponding to the second window spins at least in part and scrolls at least in part;

the one of the elements of the menu corresponding to the second window includes a thumbnail; and

the menu is re-presented if the first window is returned to a non-maximized state.