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

US 9,715,332 B1
Filed: 02/05/2014
Issued: 07/25/2017
Est. Priority Date: 08/26/2010
Status: Expired due to Fees

First Claim

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1. An apparatus, comprising:

at least one processor;

a display operatively coupled to the at least one processor;

at least one input device operatively coupled to the at least one processor; and

memory operatively coupled to the at least one processor;

said memory operatively coupled to the at least one processor configured to store a plurality of applications including a first application and a second application;

said display operatively coupled to the at least one processor configured to present, utilizing the at least one processor, a first visual component of the first application in the plurality of applications, in a first application region of a presentation space of the display;

said at least one input device operatively coupled to the at least one processor configured to detect, utilizing the at least one processor, first user input in connection with the first visual component of the first application;

said display operatively coupled to the at least one processor configured to, in response to the detection of the first user input in connection with the first visual component of the first application, present, utilizing the at least one processor, a representation of a second visual component of the second application in the plurality of applications, in a first control region of the presentation space of the display based on the first application region, for navigating to the second visual component of the second application, in a second application region in the presentation space of the display, the first control region being based on the first application region by being at a first location adjacent to a second location of the first visual component;

said at least one input device operatively coupled to the at least one processor configured to detect, utilizing the at least one processor, second user input in connection with the representation of the second visual component of the second application in the plurality of applications;

said display operatively coupled to the at least one processor configured to, in response to the detection of the second user input in connection with the representation of the second visual component of the second application in the plurality of applications, present, utilizing the at least one processor, the second visual component of the second application in the plurality of applications;

said display operatively coupled to the at least one processor configured to, in connection with the second visual component of the second application in the plurality of applications, present, utilizing the at least one processor, an area not including the representation of the second visual component and including a representation of a third visual component of a third application in the plurality of applications, in a second control region of the presentation space of the display based on a second application region of the presentation space of the display in which the second visual component of the second application is presented, for navigating to the third visual component of the third application, in a third application region in the presentation space of the display, the second control region being based on the second application region by being at a third location adjacent to a fourth location of the second visual component;

said at least one input device operatively coupled to the at least one processor configured to detect, utilizing the at least one processor, third user input in connection with the representation of the third visual component of the third application in the plurality of applications;

said display operatively coupled to the at least one processor configured to, in response to the detection of the third user input in connection with the representation of the third visual component of the third application in the plurality of applications, present, utilizing the at least one processor, the third visual component of the third application in the plurality of applications.

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Abstract

Methods and systems are described for navigating between visual components. A first visual component, of a first operating application in a plurality of operating applications, is detected in a first application region of a presentation space of a display device. A first navigation control is presented, in a first navigation region determined based on the first application region, for navigating to a second visual component, of a second application in the plurality, in a second application region in the presentation space. A user input corresponding to the first navigation control is detected. In response to the detected user input, navigation information is sent to navigate to the second visual component.

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156 Claims

1. An apparatus, comprising:
- at least one processor;
  
  a display operatively coupled to the at least one processor;
  
  at least one input device operatively coupled to the at least one processor; and
  
  memory operatively coupled to the at least one processor;
  
  said memory operatively coupled to the at least one processor configured to store a plurality of applications including a first application and a second application;
  
  said display operatively coupled to the at least one processor configured to present, utilizing the at least one processor, a first visual component of the first application in the plurality of applications, in a first application region of a presentation space of the display;
  
  said at least one input device operatively coupled to the at least one processor configured to detect, utilizing the at least one processor, first user input in connection with the first visual component of the first application;
  
  said display operatively coupled to the at least one processor configured to, in response to the detection of the first user input in connection with the first visual component of the first application, present, utilizing the at least one processor, a representation of a second visual component of the second application in the plurality of applications, in a first control region of the presentation space of the display based on the first application region, for navigating to the second visual component of the second application, in a second application region in the presentation space of the display, the first control region being based on the first application region by being at a first location adjacent to a second location of the first visual component;
  
  said at least one input device operatively coupled to the at least one processor configured to detect, utilizing the at least one processor, second user input in connection with the representation of the second visual component of the second application in the plurality of applications;
  
  said display operatively coupled to the at least one processor configured to, in response to the detection of the second user input in connection with the representation of the second visual component of the second application in the plurality of applications, present, utilizing the at least one processor, the second visual component of the second application in the plurality of applications;
  
  said display operatively coupled to the at least one processor configured to, in connection with the second visual component of the second application in the plurality of applications, present, utilizing the at least one processor, an area not including the representation of the second visual component and including a representation of a third visual component of a third application in the plurality of applications, in a second control region of the presentation space of the display based on a second application region of the presentation space of the display in which the second visual component of the second application is presented, for navigating to the third visual component of the third application, in a third application region in the presentation space of the display, the second control region being based on the second application region by being at a third location adjacent to a fourth location of the second visual component;
  
  said at least one input device operatively coupled to the at least one processor configured to detect, utilizing the at least one processor, third user input in connection with the representation of the third visual component of the third application in the plurality of applications;
  
  said display operatively coupled to the at least one processor configured to, in response to the detection of the third user input in connection with the representation of the third visual component of the third application in the plurality of applications, present, utilizing the at least one processor, the third visual component of the third application in the plurality of applications.
- View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130)
- - 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is further configured to:
    - detect, utilizing the at least one processor, fourth user input in connection with the first visual component of the first application;
      
      in response to the detection of the fourth user input in connection with the first visual component of the first application, moving, utilizing the at least one processor and the display, the second location of the first visual component of the first application, to a fifth location;
      
      in response to the detection of the fourth user input in connection with the first visual component of the first application, moving, utilizing the at least one processor and the display, the representation of the second visual component of the second application in the plurality of applications to a sixth location adjacent to the fifth location.
  - 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured to detect the first user input in connection with the first visual component of the first application, by detecting a gesture defined as a navigation-activate input in connection with a predetermined location of the presentation space of the display.
  - 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured to detect the first user input in connection with the first visual component of the first application, by detecting an instruction that results in the first visual component of the first application being in a state that is neither minimized nor maximized.
  - 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured to detect the first user input in connection with the first visual component of the first application, by detecting a movement that is predetermined to be an execution environment navigation-activate input for each of the plurality of applications of an execution environment including the plurality of applications.
  - 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured to conditionally present the representation of the second visual component of the second application in the plurality of applications, based on whether the detected first user input includes a gesture defined as a navigation-activate input received on a predetermined top location of the first visual component and in a predetermined location of the presentation space of the display.
  - 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the representation of the second visual component of the second application is conditionally included, in response to the detection of the first user input in connection with the first visual component of the first application, based on a state of the second application.
  - 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the representation of the second visual component of the second application is conditionally included, in response to the detection of the first user input in connection with the first visual component of the first application, based on a state of a process or thread context of the second application.
  - 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the representation of the second visual component of the second application is conditionally included, in response to the detection of the first user input in connection with the first visual component of the first application, based on whether the second application is operating and at least one aspect that is based on a user input.
  - 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the first control region is based on the first application region by being at the first location which is to a side of the second location of the first visual component, such that the representation of the second visual component of the second application in the plurality of applications is presented outside the first visual component of the first application.
  - 11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the second visual component of the second application in the plurality of applications is presented in addition to the first visual component of the first application in the plurality of applications, in response to the detection of the second user input.
  - 12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the representation of the second visual component is presented at the first location adjacent to the second location of the first visual component, for allowing a user to view a state of the second application and select the second application among the plurality of applications such that the second visual component of the second application is capable of being presented along with the first visual component of the first application.
  - 13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the representation of the second visual component of the second application in the plurality of applications is hidden, in response to the first visual component of the first application being maximized.
  - 14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured such that:
    - the first visual component includes a first window, the second visual component includes a second window, and the third visual component includes a third window;
      
      the representation of the second window is one of a plurality of elements of a menu;
      
      the menu is presented if the first user input involves a top of the first window and a particular location of the presentation space of the display;
      
      the menu is presented in another area that is outside of the first window;
      
      the menu is moved as a function of a movement of the first window;
      
      the menu is re-sized as a function of a re-sizing of the first window;
      
      the another area is positioned at a first place with respect to the first window if the first user input includes a first particular input;
      
      the another area is positioned at a second place with respect to the first window if the first user input includes a second particular input; and
      
      the menu does not include the representation of the first window.
  - 15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the first place and the second place are positioned adjacent to different sides of the first window.
  - 16. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the second window is updated prior to the presentation thereof.
  - 17. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the representation of the second window includes a particular window of the second application and an icon that identifies the second application.
  - 18. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the area and the another area are positioned, at least in part, in different regions and are of different sizes.
  - 19. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the area and the another area are positioned over different parts of a desktop.
  - 20. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the area and the another area overlap, at least in part.
  - 21. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the apparatus is configured such that positioned in the area is another menu version that excludes the representation of the second window as an element thereof.
  - 22. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the area includes another menu that does not include the representation of the second window, where the another menu is positioned at least partly in a different location and is of a different size with respect to the menu in the another area.
  - 23. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the apparatus is configured to present the area after the presentation of the second window of the second application in the plurality of applications.
  - 24. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the apparatus is configured to present the area in connection with the second window of the second application in the plurality of applications, by presenting the area in response to particular user input after the second user input, where the particular user input involves a top portion of the second window.
  - 25. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the area is presented 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 plurality of applications.
  - 26. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the area is another instance of the menu.
  - 27. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the area includes the menu at least partly in a different location.
  - 28. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the area is another menu.
  - 29. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the first control region and the second control region each includes at least a first part that shares a same portion of the presentation space and at least a second part that occupies different portions of the presentation space.
  - 30. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the first location is adjacent to the second location by being positioned to the side of the second location.
  - 31. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the first location is adjacent to the second location such that the first control region resides at least in part over a desktop portion of the presentation space and does not overlap with the first window.
  - 32. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the menu does not include the representation of the first window when the first window has input focus.
  - 33. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the menu does not include the representation of the first window when the first window is already presented.
  - 34. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the menu is conditionally presented based on whether the first user input includes predetermined input that changes a size and a location of the first window.
  - 35. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the menu includes representations of different windows of a same application.
  - 36. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the menu is hidden if the first window is maximized.
  - 37. The apparatus of claim 36, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the menu is re-presented if the first window is returned to a non-maximized state.
  - 38. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the menu is at least partially transparent.
  - 39. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the elements of the menu do not overlap.
  - 40. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the elements of the menu are organized in a grid.
  - 41. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the elements of the menu include separate thumbnails organized in a grid where the thumbnails and the first control region are both re-sized and moved.
  - 42. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the elements of the menu are each presented based on a z-order of a corresponding application.
  - 43. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the apparatus is configured such that an order of each of the elements of the menu is dynamically changed based on a state of a corresponding application.
  - 44. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the apparatus is configured such that an order of each of the elements of the menu is based on a z-order attribute of a corresponding application.
  - 45. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the apparatus is configured such that an order of the elements of the menu is each based on particular user input.
  - 46. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the apparatus is configured such that an order of the elements of the menu is each based on an attribute of a corresponding application that is a function of particular user input.
  - 47. The apparatus of claim 46, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the particular user input includes a user-assignment of the order.
  - 48. The apparatus of claim 47, wherein the apparatus is configured such that an order of each of the elements of the menu is based on a time attribute of a corresponding application.
  - 49. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the apparatus is configured such that an order of each of the elements of the menu is based on a state of a process context of a corresponding application.
  - 50. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the apparatus is configured such that an order of each of the elements of the menu is based on a state of a thread context of a corresponding application.
  - 51. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the apparatus is configured such that each of the plurality of applications is assigned a number that is capable of being utilized in connection with at least one of the first control region or the second control region.
  - 52. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the representation of the second window and the representation of the third window are presented in different menu versions.
  - 53. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the representation of the second window includes representations of a plurality of visual interface elements of the second window, and the representation of the third window includes representations of a plurality of visual interface elements of the third window.
  - 54. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the menu does not include the representation of the first window when the first window is presented.
  - 55. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the first user input involving the top of the first window and the particular location of the presentation space of the display is predetermined for an execution environment to cause the menu to be presented.
  - 56. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the menu is presented if the first user input involves the top of the first window and the particular location of the presentation space of the display, so as to move and re-size the first window such that the first window is not maximized and not minimized.
  - 57. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the menu is also presented in response to fourth user input involving a hot key.
  - 58. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the first user input takes the form of a predetermined navigation-activate input that changes a visibility of the first window.
  - 59. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the first user input takes the form of a predetermined navigation-activate input that changes an input focus associated with the first window.
  - 60. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the menu is presented in the another area that is outside of the first window and is further moved and re-sized, all for overlaying empty desktop space, that changes as a function of the movement and the re-sizing of the first window and is otherwise utilized for displaying different windows of the applications, to simultaneously provide a user a view of a state of the second application and an unobstructed view of an entirety of the first window.
  - 61. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the presentation, the movement, and the resizing of the menu avoids a problem of locating a desired window.
  - 62. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the menu:
    - is presented outside of the first window,is moved and re-sized as a function of the movement and the re-sizing of the first window, andincludes an organized array of representations that each reflect a state of at least one of the applications except the first application,all for overlaying only empty desktop space so as to permit convenient selection and navigation of presentation and input focus to at least one window of at least one of the applications from the organized array based on the state, instead of requiring a user to locate the at least one window among a clutter of different windows and instead of using a desktop task bar, all while presenting an unobstructed view of both the organized array and the first window regardless of the movement and re-sizing of the menu and the first window.
  - 63. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the menu:
    - is presented outside of the first window,is moved and re-sized as a function of the movement and the re-sizing of the first window, andincludes an organized array of representations of corresponding applications except the first window,all for permitting navigation to at least one window of at least one of the applications utilizing the organized array instead of requiring a user to locate the at least one window among a clutter of different windows, all while presenting an unobstructed view of both the organized array and the first window regardless of the movement and re-sizing of the menu and the first window.
  - 64. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the menu:
    - is presented outside of the first window,is moved and re-sized as a function of the movement and the re-sizing of the first window, andincludes an organized array of representations that each reflect a state of at least one of the applications except the first application,all for permitting navigation to at least one window of at least one of the applications utilizing the organized array, instead of requiring a user to locate the at least one window among a clutter of different windows, all while presenting an unobstructed view of both the organized array and the first window regardless of the movement and re-sizing of the menu and the first window.
  - 65. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the presentation, the movement, and the resizing of the menu requires less non-productive input.
  - 66. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the at least one processor executes one or more instructions included in a presentation space monitor component, an application navigator component, a navigation element handler component, and a navigation director component, the presentation space monitor component configured for receiving the first user input, the application navigator component configured for sending presentation information to a graphical user interface subsystem which, in turn, sends corresponding instructions to a graphics subsystem that results in the display of each of the elements of the menu and further effects the movement and re-sizing of the menu and the elements thereof based on the movement and re-sizing of the first window, the navigation element handler component configured for receiving the second user input and the third user input, and the navigation director component configured for sending additional presentation information to the graphical user interface subsystem which, in turn, sends corresponding instructions to the graphics subsystem that results in the display of each of the second window and the third window.
  - 67. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the first window, the second window, and the third window are each included in the presentation space via a first virtual presentation space of the presentation space of the display.
  - 68. The apparatus of claim 67, wherein the apparatus is configured to further include a second virtual presentation space of the presentation space of the display that includes another first window, another second window, and another third window.
  - 69. The apparatus of claim 68, wherein the apparatus is configured to further include a third virtual presentation space of the presentation space of the display that includes yet another first window, yet another second window, and yet another third window.
  - 70. The apparatus of claim 68, wherein the apparatus is configured such that display is a single display, and the first virtual presentation space and the second virtual presentation space are each separate single virtual presentation spaces.
  - 71. The apparatus of claim 68, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the first virtual presentation space includes a first virtual desktop and the second virtual presentation space includes a second virtual desktop.
  - 72. The apparatus of claim 68, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the second virtual presentation space of the presentation space of the display includes another menu that differs from the menu with respect to at least one aspect.
  - 73. The apparatus of claim 72, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the at least one aspect includes a number of application-specific visual elements included therewith.
  - 74. The apparatus of claim 72, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the at least one aspect includes an order of application-specific visual elements included therewith.
  - 75. The apparatus of claim 72, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the at least one aspect includes a menu position.
  - 76. The apparatus of claim 67, wherein the apparatus is configured to further include a second virtual presentation space of the presentation space of the display that is capable of including at least one of the first window, the second window, or the third window.
  - 77. The apparatus of claim 76, wherein the apparatus is configured to further include a third virtual presentation space of the presentation space of the display that is capable of including at least one of the first window, the second window, or the third window.
  - 78. The apparatus of claim 76, wherein the apparatus is configured such that display is a single display, and the first virtual presentation space and the second virtual presentation space are each separate single virtual presentation spaces.
  - 79. The apparatus of claim 76, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the first virtual presentation space includes a first virtual desktop and the second virtual presentation space includes a second virtual desktop.
  - 80. The apparatus of claim 76, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the second virtual presentation space of the presentation space of the display includes another menu version that differs from the menu with respect to at least one aspect.
  - 81. The apparatus of claim 80, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the at least one aspect includes a number of application-specific visual elements included therewith.
  - 82. The apparatus of claim 80, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the at least one aspect includes an order of application-specific visual elements included therewith.
  - 83. The apparatus of claim 80, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the at least one aspect includes a menu position.
  - 84. The apparatus of claim 76, wherein the apparatus is configured for allowing a user to navigate among different windows associated with different virtual presentation spaces.
  - 85. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the apparatus is configured such that:
    - the first window, the second window, and the third window are each included in the presentation space via a first single virtual presentation space of the presentation space of the display which includes a single display;
      
      the apparatus further comprises;
      
      a second single virtual presentation space of the presentation space of the single display that includes another first window, another second window, and another third window, anda third single virtual presentation space of the presentation space of the single display that includes yet another first window, yet another second window, and yet another third window; and
      
      the second single virtual presentation space and the third single virtual presentation space each include additional menu versions that differ from the menu of the first single virtual presentation space with respect to a number and an order of application-specific visual elements included therewith.
  - 86. The apparatus of claim 85, wherein the apparatus is configured for allowing a user to navigate among different windows associated with different virtual presentation spaces.
  - 87. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the apparatus is configured such that:
    - the first window, the second window, and the third window are each included in the presentation space via a first virtual desktop of the presentation space of the display which includes a single display;
      
      the apparatus capable of further comprising;
      
      a second virtual desktop of the presentation space of the single display that includes at least one of the first window, the second window, or the third window; and
      
      a third virtual desktop of the presentation space of the single display that includes at least one of the first window, the second window, or the third window;
      
      the first virtual desktop, the second virtual desktop, and the third virtual desktop of the presentation space of the single display capable of including a different number and a different order of application-specific menu elements.
  - 88. The apparatus of claim 87, wherein the apparatus is configured for allowing a user to navigate among different windows associated with different virtual desktops.
  - 89. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured such that:
    - the first visual component, the second visual component, and the third visual component are each included in the presentation space via a first virtual presentation space of the presentation space of the display which includes a single display;
      
      the apparatus further comprises;
      
      a second virtual presentation space of the presentation space of the single display that is capable of including at least one of the first visual component, the second visual component, or the third visual component, anda third virtual presentation space of the presentation space of the single display that is capable of including at least one of the first visual component, the second visual component, or the third visual component; and
      
      the first virtual presentation space, the second virtual presentation space, and the third virtual presentation space of the presentation space of the single display each include different versions of a menu that differ in a number and an order of application-specific visual elements included therewith.
  - 90. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the apparatus is configured such that navigation information is sent to cause the presentation of the second window, and the navigation information is not sent to the second application.
  - 91. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the apparatus is configured such that:
    - the representation of the second window includes a particular window of the second application and an icon that identifies the second application;
      
      the menu is presented if the first user input includes predetermined input that changes a size and a location of the first window such that the first window is not maximized and not minimized;
      
      the menu is not presented if the first window is presented in a maximized state, and the menu is re-presented if the first window is returned to a non-maximized state;
      
      the elements of the menu are organized in an array of spaced thumbnails;
      
      an order of each of the elements of the menu is presented based on;
      
      a z-order associated with a corresponding application, and a particular user input;
      
      the menu excludes the representation of the first window as an element thereof when the first window is presented;
      
      the area and the another area are;
      
      of different sizes, at least partially overlap, and overlay different parts of a desktop; and
      
      the area includes at least one of;
      
      another menu, the menu in a different location, or another instance of the menu, that;
      
      has different-sized elements with respect to the menu, and excludes the representation of the second window as an element thereof when the second window is presented.
  - 92. The apparatus of claim 91, wherein the apparatus is configured such that:
    - the first window, the second window, and the third window are each presented in the presentation space via a first virtual presentation space of the presentation space of the display which includes a single display;
      
      the apparatus further comprises;
      
      a second virtual presentation space of the presentation space of the single display that is capable of including at least one of the first window, the second window, or the third window, anda third virtual presentation space of the presentation space of the single display that is capable of including at least one of the first window, the second window, or the third window; and
      
      the first virtual presentation space, the second virtual presentation space, and the third virtual presentation space of the presentation space of the single display each include different menu versions that differ in a number and an order of application-specific visual elements included therewith.
  - 93. The apparatus of claim 91, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the menu:
    - is presented outside of the first window,is moved and re-sized as a function of the movement and the re-sizing of the first window, andincludes the array of spaced thumbnails that each reflect state information of at least one of the applications except the first application,all for the purpose of overlaying empty desktop space so as to permit convenient selection of at least one window of at least one of the applications, utilizing the array and the state information, instead of requiring a user to locate the at least one window among a clutter of different windows, all while presenting an unobstructed view of both the menu and the first window regardless of the movement and re-sizing of the menu and the first window.
  - 94. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the apparatus is configured such that:
    - the menu is presented if the first user input includes navigation-activate input that changes a size and a location of the first window such that the first window is not maximized and not minimized;
      
      the menu is not presented if the first window is presented in a maximized state, and the menu is re-presented if the first window is returned to a non-maximized state;
      
      the elements of the menu are organized in an array of spaced visual elements;
      
      an order of each of the elements of the menu is presented based on a z-order associated with a corresponding application;
      
      the menu excludes the representation of the first window as an element thereof when the first window is presented;
      
      the area and the another area are;
      
      of different sizes, and are positioned over different parts of a desktop; and
      
      the area includes different-sized elements with respect to the menu.
  - 95. The apparatus of claim 94, wherein the apparatus is configured such that:
    - the first window, the second window, and the third window are each presented in the presentation space via a first virtual presentation space of the presentation space of the display which includes a single display;
      
      the apparatus further comprises;
      
      a second virtual presentation space of the presentation space of the single display that is capable of including at least one of the first window, the second window, or the third window, anda third virtual presentation space of the presentation space of the single display that is capable of including at least one of the first window, the second window, or the third window; and
      
      the first virtual presentation space, the second virtual presentation space, and the third virtual presentation space of the presentation space of the single display each include different menu versions that differ in a number and an order of application-specific visual elements included therewith.
  - 96. The apparatus of claim 95, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the menu:
    - is presented outside of the first window,is moved and re-sized as a function of the movement and the re-sizing of the first window, andincludes the array of spaced visual elements that each reflect a state of at least one of the applications except the first application,all for overlaying empty desktop space so as to permit selection of and navigation to at least one window of at least one of the applications utilizing the array, instead of requiring a user to locate the at least one window among a clutter of different windows, all while presenting an unobstructed view of both the menu and the first window.
  - 97. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the apparatus is configured such that:
    - the menu is not presented if the first window is presented in a maximized state, and the menu is re-presented if the first window is returned to a non-maximized state;
      
      the elements of the menu are organized in an array of spaced visual elements;
      
      the menu excludes the representation of the first window as an element thereof because the first window is already presented; and
      
      the area includes another menu version that;
      
      is outside the second window, has different-sized elements with respect to the menu, and excludes the representation of the second window as an element thereof because the second window is already presented.
  - 98. The apparatus of claim 97, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the menu:
    - is presented outside of the first window,is moved and re-sized as a function of the movement and the re-sizing of the first window, andincludes the array of spaced visual elements that each reflect state information of at least one of the applications except the first application,all for the purpose of overlaying empty desktop space so as to permit convenient selection of at least one window of at least one of the applications, utilizing the array and the state information, instead of requiring a user to locate the at least one window among a clutter of different windows, all while presenting an unobstructed view of both the menu and the first window regardless of the movement and re-sizing of the menu and the first window.
  - 99. The apparatus of claim 98, wherein the apparatus is configured such that:
    - the first window, the second window, and the third window are each presented in the presentation space via a first virtual presentation space of the presentation space of the display which includes a single display;
      
      the apparatus further comprises;
      
      a second virtual presentation space of the presentation space of the single display that is capable of including at least one of the first window, the second window, or the third window, anda third virtual presentation space of the presentation space of the single display that is capable of including at least one of the first window, the second window, or the third window; and
      
      the first virtual presentation space, the second virtual presentation space, and the third virtual presentation space of the presentation space of the single display each include different menu versions that differ in a number and an order of application-specific visual elements included therewith.
  - 100. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the apparatus is configured to present the area in connection with the second window of the second application in the plurality of applications, by presenting the area in response to particular user input after the second user input, where the particular user input involves a top portion of the second window.
  - 101. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured such that:
    - the first visual component includes a first window, the second visual component includes a second window, and the third visual component includes a third window;
      
      the representation of the second window is one of a plurality of elements of a menu;
      
      the representation of the second window includes a particular window of the second application and an icon that identifies the second application;
      
      the menu is conditionally presented based on whether the first user input involves a top of the first window and a particular location of the presentation space of the display, and further based on whether the first user input includes predetermined input that changes a size and a location of the first window such that the first window is not maximized and not minimized;
      
      the menu is not presented if the first window is presented in a maximized state, and the menu is re-presented if the first window is returned to a non-maximized state;
      
      the elements of the menu are organized in an array of spaced thumbnails;
      
      an order of each of the elements of the menu is presented based on;
      
      a z-order associated with a corresponding application, and a particular user input;
      
      the menu excludes the representation of the first window as an element thereof when the first window is presented;
      
      the menu is moved as a function of a movement of the first window resulting from user movement input;
      
      the menu is re-sized as a function of a re-sizing of the first window resulting from user re-sizing input;
      
      the menu is presented in another area that is outside of the first window;
      
      the another area is positioned at a first place with respect to the first window if the first user input includes a first particular input, and the another area is positioned at a second place with respect to the first window if the first user input includes a second particular input, the first place and the second place being positioned adjacent to different sides of the first window;
      
      the area is positioned at a third place with respect to the second window if predetermined user input after the second user input includes a first certain input, and the area is positioned at a fourth place with respect to the second window if the predetermined user input includes a second certain input, the third place and the fourth place being positioned adjacent to different sides of the second window;
      
      the area and the another area are;
      
      of different sizes, at least partially overlap, and are positioned over different parts of a desktop; and
      
      the area includes at least one of;
      
      another menu, the menu in a different location, or another instance of the menu, that;
      
      has different-sized elements with respect to the menu, and excludes the representation of the second window as an element thereof when the second window is presented.
  - 102. The apparatus of claim 101, wherein the apparatus is configured such that:
    - the first window, the second window, and the third window are each presented in the presentation space via a first virtual presentation space of the presentation space of the display which includes a single display;
      
      the apparatus further comprises;
      
      a second virtual presentation space of the presentation space of the single display that is capable of including at least one of the first window, the second window, or the third window, anda third virtual presentation space of the presentation space of the single display that is capable of including at least one of the first window, the second window, or the third window; and
      
      the first virtual presentation space, the second virtual presentation space, and the third virtual presentation space of the presentation space of the single display each include different menu versions that differ in a number and an order of application-specific visual elements included therewith.
  - 103. The apparatus of claim 102, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the menu:
    - is presented outside of the first window,is moved and re-sized as a function of the movement and the re-sizing of the first window, andincludes the array of spaced thumbnails,all to permit selection and navigation of presentation and input focus to at least one window of at least one of the applications from the array instead of requiring a user to locate the at least one window among a clutter of different windows and instead of using a desktop task bar.
  - 104. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured such that:
    - the representation of the second visual component is conditionally presented based on whether the first user input involves a top of the first visual component and a particular location of the presentation space of the display, and further based on whether the first user input includes particular input that changes a size and a location of the first visual component such that the first visual component is not maximized and not minimized;
      
      the menu is not presented if the first visual component is presented in a maximized state, and the menu is re-presented if the first visual component is returned to a non-maximized state;
      
      the representation of the second visual component is one of a plurality of elements of a menu;
      
      the elements of the menu are organized in an array of spaced visual elements;
      
      an order of each of the elements of the menu is presented based on;
      
      a z-order associated with a corresponding application, and a particular user input;
      
      the menu excludes the representation of the first visual component as an element thereof when the first visual component is presented;
      
      the menu is presented in another area that is outside of the first visual component; and
      
      the area and the another area are;
      
      of different sizes, at least partially overlap, and are positioned over different parts of a desktop.
  - 105. The apparatus of claim 104, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the area includes at least one of:
    - another menu, the menu in a different location, or another instance of the menu, that;
      
      has different-sized elements with respect to the menu, and excludes the representation of the second visual component as an element thereof when the second visual component is presented.
  - 106. The apparatus of claim 104, wherein the apparatus is configured such that:
    - the first visual component, the second visual component, and the third visual component are each presented in the presentation space via a first virtual presentation space of the presentation space of the display which includes a single display;
      
      the apparatus further comprises;
      
      a second virtual presentation space of the presentation space of the single display that presents another first visual component, another second visual component, and another third visual component, anda third virtual presentation space of the presentation space of the single display that presents yet another first visual component, yet another second visual component, and yet another third visual component; and
      
      the first virtual presentation space, the second virtual presentation space, and the third virtual presentation space of the presentation space of the single display each include different menu versions that differ in a number and an order of application-specific visual elements included therewith.
  - 107. The apparatus of claim 104, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the menu:
    - is presented outside of the first visual component,is moved and re-sized as a function of a movement and a re-sizing of the first visual component, andincludes the array of spaced visual elements that each reflect a state of at least one of the applications except the first visual component,all for overlaying empty desktop space so as to permit convenient selection of and navigation of presentation and input focus to at least one visual component of at least one of the applications from the array based on the state, instead of requiring a user to locate the at least one visual component among a clutter of different visual components and instead of using a desktop task bar, all while presenting an unobstructed view of both the array and the first visual component regardless of the movement and the re-sizing of the menu and the first visual component.
  - 108. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured such that:
    - the first visual component includes a first window, the second visual component includes a second window, and the third visual component includes a third window;
      
      the representation of the second window is one of a plurality of elements of a menu;
      
      the menu is not presented if the first window is presented in a maximized state, and the menu is re-presented if the first window is returned to a non-maximized state;
      
      the elements of the menu are organized in an array of spaced visual elements;
      
      an order of each of the elements of the menu is presented based on;
      
      a z-order associated with a corresponding application, and a particular user input;
      
      the menu excludes the representation of the first window as an element thereof when the first window is presented;
      
      the menu is moved as a function of a movement of the first window resulting from user movement input;
      
      the menu is re-sized as a function of a re-sizing of the first window resulting from user re-sizing input;
      
      the menu is presented in another area that is outside of the first window;
      
      the another area is positioned at a first place with respect to the first window if the first user input includes a first particular input, and the another area is positioned at a second place with respect to the first window if the first user input includes a second particular input, the first place and the second place being positioned adjacent to different sides of the first window;
      
      the area is positioned at a third place with respect to the second window if a first certain input is detected after the second user input, and the area is positioned at a fourth place with respect to the second window if a second certain input is detected after the second user input, the third place and the fourth place being positioned adjacent to different sides of the second window;
      
      the area and the another area are;
      
      of different sizes, at least partially overlap, and are positioned over different parts of a desktop; and
      
      the area includes different-sized elements with respect to the menu, and excludes the representation of the second window as an element thereof when the second window is presented.
  - 109. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured such that:
    - the first visual component includes a first window, the second visual component includes a second window, and the third visual component includes a third window;
      
      the representation of the second window is one of a plurality of elements of a menu;
      
      the menu is conditionally presented if the first user input involves a top of the first window and a particular location of the presentation space of the display;
      
      the menu is presented in another area that is outside of the first window;
      
      the menu is moved as a function of a movement of the first window;
      
      the menu is re-sized as a function of a re-sizing of the first window;
      
      the another area is positioned at a first place with respect to the first window if the first user input includes a first particular input;
      
      the another area is positioned at a second place with respect to the first window if the first user input includes a second particular input;
      
      the menu does not include the representation of the first window;
      
      the apparatus is configured such that the area and the another area are positioned over different parts of a desktop;
      
      the area involves another menu version that does not include the representation of the second window, where the another menu version in the area is positioned in a different location and is of a different size with respect to the menu in the another area;
      
      the area and the another menu are presented if certain user input is detected after the second user input and involves a top of the second window and another particular location of the presentation space of the display;
      
      the menu is hidden if the first window is maximized, and re-presented if the first window is returned to a non-maximized state;
      
      the elements of the menu are organized in an arrangement and do not overlap; and
      
      the elements of the menu are each presented based on a z-order attribute of a corresponding application.
  - 110. The apparatus of claim 109, wherein the apparatus is configured such that:
    - the first window, the second window, and the third window are each presented in the presentation space via a first virtual presentation space of the presentation space of the display which includes a single display;
      
      the apparatus further comprises;
      
      a second virtual presentation space of the presentation space of the single display that is capable of including at least one of the first window, the second window, or the third window, anda third virtual presentation space of the presentation space of the single display that is capable of including at least one of the first window, the second window, or the third window;
      
      the first virtual presentation space, the second virtual presentation space, and the third virtual presentation space of the presentation space of the single display each include different menu versions that differ with respect to application-specific visual elements included therewith; and
      
      the apparatus is configured such that the menu;
      
      is presented outside of the first window,is moved and re-sized as a function of the movement and the re-sizing of the first window, andincludes the arrangement that reflects a state of at least one of the applications except the first application,all for permitting a user to navigate to at least one window of at least one of the applications utilizing the arrangement and the state, instead of requiring a user to locate the at least one window among a clutter of different windows, all while presenting an unobstructed view of both the menu and the first window regardless of the movement and re-sizing of the menu and the first window.
  - 111. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured such that:
    - the first visual component includes a first window, the second visual component includes a second window, and the third visual component includes a third window;
      
      the representation of the second window is one of a plurality elements of a menu;
      
      the menu is conditionally presented if the first user input involves a top of the first window and a particular location of the presentation space of the display;
      
      the menu is presented in another area that is outside of the first window;
      
      the menu is moved as a function of a movement of the first window;
      
      the menu is re-sized as a function of a re-sizing of the first window;
      
      the another area is positioned at a first place with respect to the first window if the first user input includes a first particular input;
      
      the another area is positioned at a second place with respect to the first window if the first user input includes a second particular input;
      
      the menu does not include the representation of the first window;
      
      the menu is presented in the another area that is outside of the first window and is further moved and re-sized, for overlaying empty desktop space, that changes as a function of the movement and the re-sizing of the first window and is otherwise utilized for displaying different windows of the applications, to simultaneously provide a user a view of a state of the second application and an unobstructed view of an entirety of the first window;
      
      the representation of the second window includes a particular window of the second application and an icon that identifies the second application;
      
      the apparatus is configured such that the area and the another area are positioned over different parts of a desktop;
      
      the area involves another form of the menu that does not include the representation of the second window, is positioned in a different location, and is of a different size with respect to the menu in the another area;
      
      the area is presented in response to a detection of certain user input after the second user input that involves a top of the second window and another particular location of the presentation space of the display;
      
      the menu is hidden if the first window is maximized, and re-presented if the first window is returned to a non-maximized state;
      
      the elements of the menu are organized in a grid and do not overlap; and
      
      the elements of the menu are each presented based on a z-order attribute of a corresponding application.
  - 112. The apparatus of claim 111, wherein the apparatus is configured such that:
    - the first window, the second window, and the third window are each presented in the presentation space via a first virtual presentation space of the presentation space of the display which includes a single display;
      
      the apparatus further comprises;
      
      a second virtual presentation space of the presentation space of the single display that is capable of including at least two of the first window, the second window, or the third window, anda third virtual presentation space of the presentation space of the single display that is capable of including at least two of the first window, the second window, or the third window; and
      
      the first virtual presentation space, the second virtual presentation space, and the third virtual presentation space of the presentation space of the single display each include different menu forms that differ with respect to application-specific visual elements included therewith.
  - 125. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the first visual component includes a first window, the second visual component includes a second window, and the third visual component includes a third window, and the representation of the second window includes one of a plurality of elements of a menu that is presented if the first user input includes a particular input involving a top of the first window that is predetermined to present the menu such that the menu resides exterior to and does not overlay the first window and at least partially overlays a desktop, and moves within the desktop as a function of a movement of the first window by a user.
  - 126. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the first visual component includes a first window, the second visual component includes a second window, and the third visual component includes a third window, and the representation of the second window includes one of a plurality of elements of a menu that is conditionally presented if the first user input includes a particular input involving a top of the first window and a particular location of the presentation space of the display and is predetermined to cause presentation of the menu in a menu region exterior to the first window that moves and is re-sized as a function of a movement and re-sizing of the first window, where the menu does not include the representation of the first window when the first window is presented.
  - 127. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the first visual component includes a first window, the second visual component includes a second window, and the third visual component includes a third window;
    - where, in automatic response to the detection of the first user input that takes the form of a predetermined navigation-activate input that changes at least one aspect of the first window, the representation of the second window is conditionally presented, based on whether the second application is operating, in a menu list that is a parent of the first window that moves as a function of movement of the first window; and
      
      where, in automatic response to the detection of the first user input that takes the form of the predetermined navigation-activate input that changes the at least one aspect of the first window, the representation of the third window is conditionally presented, based on whether the third application is operating, in the menu list, and moves as a function of movement of the first window.
  - 128. The apparatus of claim 1, 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 at least one input device includes at least part of a touchscreen;
      
      said at least one input device detects the first user input by receiving a signal that results from a user manipulation of the at least one input device;
      
      said at least one input device utilizes the at least one processor during each instance of the detecting by communicating one or more signals to or from the at least one processor in connection with operation of the at least one input device;
      
      said at least one input device utilizes the at least one processor during each instance of the detecting by communicating one or more signals to or from the at least one processor in connection with a user manipulation of the at least one input device;
      
      said at least one input device utilizes the at least one processor during each instance of the detecting by interfacing with the at least one processor;
      
      said display utilizes the at least one processor during each instance of displaying by receiving presentation information therefrom;
      
      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, and the second user input precedes the third 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;
      
      each instance of said user input results in an instruction;
      
      each instance of said at least operative coupling involving at least one bus;
      
      said first control region includes a first navigation region and the second control region includes a second navigation region;
      
      said representation of the second visual component includes at least one of a navigation control, an application control, or a visual component control;
      
      said representation of the third visual component includes at least one of a navigation control, an application control, or a visual component control;
      
      said representation of the second visual component includes the second visual component;
      
      said representation of the third visual component includes the third visual component;
      
      said apparatus is capable of allowing navigation between at least two of the windows;
      
      said representation of the second visual component and the representation of the third visual component are part of the same menu;
      
      said area is part of the second control region;
      
      said area is part of a menu in the second control region;
      
      said area is presented in response to additional user input following the second user input;
      
      said first window, the second window, and the third window are presented with input focus thereon;
      
      orsaid first window and the second window each includes separate representations of one or more of the windows.
  - 129. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured such that:
    - the first visual component includes a first window, the second visual component includes a second window, and the third visual component includes a third window;
      
      a first spaced and organized group is presented in a first area outside the first window and includes the representation of the second window and the representation of the third window, but does not include the representation of the first window;
      
      the first spaced and organized group is presented if the first user input involves a top of the first window and a particular location of the presentation space of the display resulting in the first window being neither maximized nor minimized;
      
      the first spaced and organized group is presented in a first place with respect to the first window if the first user input involves first particular input, and in a second place with respect to the first window if the first user input involves second particular input;
      
      the first spaced and organized group, and the representation of the second window and the representation of the third window thereof are moved if the first window is moved, and are re-sized if the first window is re-sized;
      
      the first spaced and organized group is hidden if the first window is maximized;
      
      the area is a second area outside the second window in which a second spaced and organized group is presented that includes the representation of the third window, but does not include the representation of the first window and the representation of the second window;
      
      the second spaced and organized group is presented in response to a detection of a fourth user input that involves a top of the second window and another particular location of the presentation space of the display resulting in the second window being neither maximized nor minimized;
      
      the second spaced and organized group is presented in a third place with respect to the second window if the fourth user input involves first certain input, and in a fourth place with respect to the second window if the fourth user input involves second certain input;
      
      the second spaced and organized group and the representation of the third window thereof are moved if the second window is moved, and are re-sized if the second window is re-sized; and
      
      the second spaced and organized group is hidden if the second window is maximized.
  - 130. The apparatus of claim 129, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the first spaced and organized group and the second spaced and organized group overlay empty desktop space so as to permit selection of at least one window of at least one of the applications, instead of requiring a user to locate the at least one window among a clutter of different windows and instead of requiring use of a desktop taskbar that remains in a single location.

113. An apparatus, comprising:
- at least one processor;
  
  a display operatively coupled to the at least one processor;
  
  at least one input device operatively coupled to the at least one processor;
  
  memory operatively coupled to the at least one processor;
  
  said memory operatively coupled to the at least one processor configured to store a plurality of applications including a first application and a second application;
  
  said display operatively coupled to the at least one processor configured to present, utilizing the at least one processor, a first window of the first application in the plurality of applications, in a first application region of a presentation space of the display;
  
  said at least one input device operatively coupled to the at least one processor configured to detect, utilizing the at least one processor, first user input in connection with the first window of the first application, by detecting a gesture defined as a navigation-activate input received on a predetermined top location of the first window and in a predetermined location of the presentation space of the display;
  
  said display operatively coupled to the at least one processor configured to, in response to the detection of the first user input in connection with the first window of the first application, present, utilizing the at least one processor, a representation of a second window of the second application in the plurality of applications based on a second application state of the second application, in a first control region of the presentation space of the display determined based on the first application region, for navigating to the second window of the second application, in a second application region in the presentation space of the display, the first control region being determined based on the first application region by determining a first location adjacent to a second location of the first window;
  
  said at least one input device operatively coupled to the at least one processor configured to detect, utilizing the at least one processor, second user input in connection with the representation of the second window of the second application in the plurality of applications;
  
  said display operatively coupled to the at least one processor configured to, 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 plurality of applications, present, utilizing the at least one processor, the second window of the second application in the plurality of applications;
  
  said display operatively coupled to the at least one processor configured to, after the presentation of the second window of the second application in the plurality of applications, present, utilizing the at least one processor, an area not including the representation of the second window and including a representation of a third window of a third application in the plurality of applications based on a third application state of the third application, in a second control region of the presentation space of the display determined based on a second application region of the presentation space of the display in which the second window of the second application is presented, for navigating to the third window of the third application, in a third application region in the presentation space of the display, the second control region being determined based on the second application region by determining a third location adjacent to a fourth location of the second window;
  
  said at least one input device operatively coupled to the at least one processor configured to detect, utilizing the at least one processor, third user input in connection with the representation of the third window of the third application in the plurality of applications;
  
  said display operatively coupled to the at least one processor configured to, in response to the detection of the third user input in connection with the representation of the third window of the third application in the plurality of applications, present, utilizing the at least one processor and the display, the third window of the third application in the plurality of applications;
  
  said at least one input device operatively coupled to the at least one processor configured to detect, utilizing the at least one processor, fourth user input in connection with the first window of the first application;
  
  said display operatively coupled to the at least one processor configured to, in response to the detection of the fourth user input in connection with the first window of the first application, moving, utilizing the at least one processor, the second location of the first window of the first application, to a fifth location;
  
  said display operatively coupled to the at least one processor configured to, in response to the detection of the fourth user input in connection with the first window of the first application, moving, utilizing the at least one processor, the representation of the second window of the second application in the plurality of applications to a sixth location adjacent to the fifth location;
  
  wherein the apparatus is configured such that the representation of the second window is presented at the first location adjacent to the second location of the first window, for allowing a user to view a state of the second window of the second application and select the second application among the plurality of applications such that the second window of the second application is capable of being presented along with the first window of the first application.
- View Dependent Claims (114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 146, 147, 148, 149, 150, 151, 152, 153)
- - 114. The apparatus of claim 113, wherein the apparatus is configured such that:
    - the representation of the second window is one of a plurality of elements of a menu;
      
      the representation of the second window includes a particular window of the second application and a particular visual interface element that identifies the second application, the representation of the third window includes another particular window of the third application and another particular visual interface element that identifies the third application;
      
      the menu is presented in another area that is exterior to the first window;
      
      the menu is positioned at a first location with respect to the first window if the first user input includes a first particular input and the menu is positioned at a second location with respect to the first window if the first user input includes second particular input; and
      
      the menu does not include the representation of the first window.
  - 115. The apparatus of claim 114, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the area and the another area are positioned, at least in part, in different regions and are of different sizes.
  - 116. The apparatus of claim 114, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the area and the another area are included in different parts of a desktop.
  - 117. The apparatus of claim 116, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the area and the another area overlap, at least in part.
  - 118. The apparatus of claim 114, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the first control region and the second control region each include at least a first portion that shares a same portion of the presentation space and at least a second portion that occupies different portions of the presentation space.
  - 119. The apparatus of claim 114, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the first location is adjacent to the second location such that the first control region resides at least in part in a desktop portion of the presentation space and does not overlap with the first window.
  - 120. The apparatus of claim 114, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the menu is conditionally presented if the first user input moves and re-sizes the first window such that the first window is not maximized and not minimized.
  - 121. The apparatus of claim 114, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the menu is hidden if the first window is maximized.
  - 122. The apparatus of claim 121, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the menu is re-presented if the first window is returned to a non-maximized state.
  - 123. The apparatus of claim 121, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the menu is re-presented if the first window is the subject of another instance of the gesture.
  - 124. The apparatus of claim 114, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the elements of the menu do not overlap.
  - 146. The apparatus of claim 113, wherein the apparatus is configured such that:
    - said at least one input device operatively coupled to the at least one processor configured to detect, utilizing the at least one processor, fifth user input in connection with the first window of the first application;
      
      said display operatively coupled to the at least one processor configured to, in response to the detection of the fifth user input in connection with the first window of the first application, re-sizing, utilizing the at least one processor, the first window of the first application;
      
      said display operatively coupled to the at least one processor configured to, in response to the detection of the fifth user input in connection with the first window of the first application, re-sizing, utilizing the at least one processor, the representation of the second window of the second application in the plurality of applications.
  - 147. The apparatus of claim 113, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the at least one input device and the display are integrated in the form of a touchscreen.
  - 148. The apparatus of claim 113, wherein the apparatus is configured to present the area after the presentation of the second window of the second application in the plurality of applications, by presenting the area in response to particular user input after the second user input, where the particular user input is detected by detecting the gesture defined as the navigation-activate input received on a predetermined top location of the second window and in another predetermined location of the presentation space of the display.
  - 149. The apparatus of claim 113, wherein the apparatus is configured such that:
    - the representation of the second window is one of a plurality of elements of a menu;
      
      the menu is presented in another area that is outside of the first window;
      
      the menu is moved as a function of a movement of the first window;
      
      the menu is re-sized as a function of a re-sizing of the first window;
      
      the another area is positioned at a first place with respect to the first window if the first user input includes a first particular input;
      
      the another area is positioned at a second place with respect to the first window if the first user input includes a second particular input; and
      
      the menu does not include the representation of the first window.
  - 150. The apparatus of claim 149, wherein the apparatus is configured such that:
    - the menu is hidden if the first window is presented in a maximized state, and the menu is re-presented if the first window is subject to another instance of the gesture;
      
      the elements of the menu are organized in an array of spaced visual elements;
      
      the menu excludes the representation of the first window as one of the elements thereof because the first window is already presented;
      
      the area includes another form of the menu that;
      
      is outside the second window, has different-sized elements with respect to the menu, and excludes the representation of the second window as one of the elements thereof because the second window is already presented; and
      
      the area is presented if certain user input is detected after the second user input and involves a top of the second window and another particular location of the presentation space of the display.
  - 151. The apparatus of claim 150, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the menu:
    - is presented outside of the first window,is moved and re-sized as a function of the movement and the re-sizing of the first window, andincludes the array of spaced visual elements that each reflect state information of at least one of the applications except the first application,all for the purpose of overlaying empty desktop space so as to permit convenient selection of at least one window of at least one of the applications, utilizing the array and the state information, instead of requiring a user to locate the at least one window among a clutter of different windows, all while presenting an unobstructed view of both the menu and the first window regardless of the movement and re-sizing of the menu and the first window.
  - 152. The apparatus of claim 113, wherein the apparatus is configured such that:
    - a first spaced and organized group is presented in a first area outside the first window and includes the representation of the second window and the representation of the third window, but does not include the representation of the first window;
      
      the first spaced and organized group is presented in a first place with respect to the first window if the first user input involves first particular input, and in a second place with respect to the first window if the first user input involves second particular input;
      
      the first spaced and organized group, and the representation of the second window and the representation of the third window thereof are re-sized if the first window is re-sized;
      
      the first spaced and organized group is hidden if the first window is maximized;
      
      the area is a second area outside the second window in which a second spaced and organized group is presented that includes the representation of the third window, but does not include the representation of the first window and the representation of the second window;
      
      the second spaced and organized group is presented in response to a detection of a fourth user input that involves a top of the second window and another particular location of the presentation space of the display;
      
      the second spaced and organized group is presented in a third place with respect to the second window if the fourth user input involves first certain input, and in a fourth place with respect to the second window if the fourth user input involves second certain input;
      
      the second spaced and organized group and the representation of the third window thereof are re-sized if the second window is re-sized; and
      
      the second spaced and organized group is hidden if the second window is maximized.
  - 153. The apparatus of claim 152, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the first spaced and organized group and the second spaced and organized group overlay empty desktop space so as to permit selection of at least one window of at least one of the applications, instead of requiring a user to locate the at least one window among a clutter of different windows.

131. A computer program product embodied on a non-transitory computer readable medium, comprising:
- code configured to a cooperate with a device including at least one processor operatively coupled to a display and memory storing a plurality of applications including a first application and a second application, the code configured to cause the device to;
  
  present, utilizing the at least one processor and the display, a first visual component of the first application in the plurality of applications, in a first application region of a presentation space of the display;
  
  detect, utilizing the at least one processor, first user input in connection with the first visual component of the first application;
  
  in response to the detection of the first user input in connection with the first visual component of the first application, present, utilizing the at least one processor and the display, a representation of a second visual component of the second application in the plurality of applications, in a first control region of the presentation space of the display based on the first application region, for navigating to the second visual component of the second application, in a second application region in the presentation space of the display, the first control region being based on the first application region by being at a first location adjacent to a second location of the first visual component;
  
  detect, utilizing the at least one processor, second user input in connection with the representation of the second visual component of the second application in the plurality of applications;
  
  in response to the detection of the second user input in connection with the representation of the second visual component of the second application in the plurality of applications, present, utilizing the at least one processor and the display, the second visual component of the second application in the plurality of applications;
  
  in connection with the second visual component of the second application in the plurality of applications, present, utilizing the at least one processor and the display, an area not including the representation of the second visual component and including a representation of a third visual component of a third application in the plurality of applications, in a second control region of the presentation space of the display based on a second application region of the presentation space of the display in which the second visual component of the second application is presented, for navigating to the third visual component of the third application, in a third application region in the presentation space of the display, the second control region being based on the second application region by being at a third location adjacent to a fourth location of the second visual component;
  
  detect, utilizing the at least one processor, third user input in connection with the representation of the third visual component of the third application in the plurality of applications; and
  
  in response to the detection of the third user input in connection with the representation of the third visual component of the third application in the plurality of applications, present, utilizing the at least one processor and the display, the third visual component of the third application in the plurality of applications.
- View Dependent Claims (132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, 139, 140, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145)
- - 132. The computer program product of claim 131, wherein the code is configured to cause the device to:
    - detect, utilizing the at least one processor, fourth user input in connection with the first visual component of the first application;
      
      in response to the detection of the, fourth user input in connection with the first visual component of the first application, moving, utilizing the at least one processor and the display, the second location of the first visual component of the first application, to a fifth location;
      
      in response to the detection of the, fourth user input in connection with the first visual component of the first application, moving, utilizing the at least one processor and the display, the representation of the second visual component of the second application in the plurality of applications to a sixth location adjacent to the fifth location.
  - 133. The computer program product of claim 131, wherein the code is configured to cause the device to detect the first user input in connection with the first visual component of the first application, by detecting a gesture defined as a navigation-activate input in connection with a predetermined location of the presentation space of the display.
  - 134. The computer program product of claim 131, wherein the code is configured to cause the device to detect the first user input in connection with the first visual component of the first application, by detecting an instruction that results in the first visual component of the first application being in a state that is neither minimized nor maximized.
  - 135. The computer program product of claim 131, wherein the code is configured to cause the device to detect the first user input in connection with the first visual component of the first application, by detecting a movement that is predetermined to be an execution environment navigation-activate input for each of the plurality of applications of an execution environment including the plurality of applications.
  - 136. The computer program product of claim 131, wherein the code is configured to cause the device to conditionally present the representation of the second visual component of the second application in the plurality of applications, based on whether the detected first user input includes a gesture defined as a navigation-activate input received on a predetermined top location of the first visual component and in a predetermined location of the presentation space of the display.
  - 137. The computer program product of claim 131, wherein the code is configured to cause the device to operate such that the representation of the second visual component of the second application is conditionally included, in response to the detection of the first user input in connection with the first visual component of the first application, based on a state of the second application.
  - 138. The computer program product of claim 131, wherein the code is configured to cause the device to operate such that the representation of the second visual component of the second application is conditionally included, in response to the detection of the first user input in connection with the first visual component of the first application, based on a state of a process or thread context of the second application.
  - 139. The computer program product of claim 131, wherein the code is configured to cause the device to operate such that the representation of the second visual component of the second application is conditionally included, in response to the detection of the first user input in connection with the first visual component of the first application, based on whether the second application is operating and at least one aspect that is based on a user input.
  - 140. The computer program product of claim 131, wherein the code is configured to cause the device to operate such that the first control region is based on the first application region by being at the first location which is to a side of the second location of the first visual component, such that the representation of the second visual component of the second application in the plurality of applications is presented outside the first visual component of the first application.
  - 141. The computer program product of claim 131, wherein the code is configured to cause the device to operate such that the second visual component of the second application in the plurality of applications is presented in addition to the first visual component of the first application in the plurality of applications, in response to the detection of the second user input.
  - 142. The computer program product of claim 131, wherein the code is configured to cause the device to operate such that the representation of the second visual component is presented at the first location adjacent to the second location of the first visual component, for allowing a user to view a state of the second application and select the second application among the plurality of applications such that the second visual component of the second application is capable of being presented along with the first visual component of the first application.
  - 143. The computer program product of claim 131, wherein the code is configured to cause the device to operate such that the representation of the second visual component of the second application in the plurality of applications is hidden, in response to the first visual component of the first application being maximized.
  - 144. The computer program product of claim 131, wherein the computer program product is configured such that:
    - the first visual component includes a first window, the second visual component includes a second window, and the third visual component includes a third window;
      
      a first spaced group is presented in a first area outside the first window and includes the representation of the second window and the representation of the third window, but does not include the representation of the first window;
      
      the first spaced group is presented if the first user input involves a top of the first window and a particular location of the presentation space of the display;
      
      the first spaced group is presented in a first place with respect to the first window if the first user input involves first particular input, and in a second place with respect to the first window if the first user input involves second particular input;
      
      the first spaced group, the representation of the second window, and the representation of the third window are moved if the first window is moved, and are re-sized if the first window is re-sized;
      
      the area is a second area outside the second window in which a second spaced group is presented that includes the representation of the third window, but does not include the representation of the first window and the representation of the second window;
      
      the second spaced group is presented in response to a detection of a fourth user input that involves a top of the second window and another particular location of the presentation space of the display;
      
      the second spaced group is presented in a third place with respect to the second window if the fourth user input involves first certain input, and in a fourth place with respect to the second window if the fourth user input involves second certain input; and
      
      the second spaced group and the representation of the third window are moved if the second window is moved, and are re-sized if the second window is re-sized.
  - 145. The computer program product of claim 144, wherein the computer program product is configured such that the first spaced group and the second spaced group overlay empty desktop space so as to permit selection of at least one window of at least one of the applications, instead of requiring a user to locate the at least one window among a clutter of different windows.

154. A system, comprising:
- means for storing a plurality of applications including a first application and a second application; and
  
  means for;
  
  presenting a first visual component of the first application in the plurality of applications, in a first application region of a presentation space of a display;
  
  detecting first user input in connection with the first visual component of the first application;
  
  in response to the detection of the first user input in connection with the first visual component of the first application, presenting a representation of a second visual component of the second application in the plurality of applications, in a first control region of the presentation space of the display determined based on the first application region, for navigating to the second visual component of the second application, in a second application region in the presentation space of the display, the first control region being determined based on the first application region by determining a first location adjacent to a second location of the first visual component;
  
  detecting second user input in connection with the representation of the second visual component of the second application in the plurality of applications;
  
  in response to the detection of the second user input in connection with the representation of the second visual component of the second application in the plurality of applications, presenting the second visual component of the second application in the plurality of applications;
  
  in connection with the second visual component of the second application in the plurality of applications, present an area not including the representation of the second visual component and including a representation of a third visual component of a third application in the plurality of applications, in a second control region of the presentation space of the display based on a second application region of the presentation space of the display in which the second visual component of the second application is presented, for navigating to the third visual component of the third application, in a third application region in the presentation space of the display, the second control region being based on the second application region by being at a third location adjacent to a fourth location of the second visual component;
  
  detect third user input in connection with the representation of the third visual component of the third application in the plurality of applications; and
  
  in response to the detection of the third user input in connection with the representation of the third visual component of the third application in the plurality of applications, present the third visual component of the third application in the plurality of applications.
- View Dependent Claims (155, 156)
- - 155. The system of claim 154, wherein the system is configured such that:
    - the first visual component includes a first window, the second visual component includes a second window, and the third visual component includes a third window;
      
      a first spaced and organized group is presented in a first area outside the first window and includes the representation of the second window and the representation of the third window, but does not include the representation of the first window;
      
      the first spaced and organized group is presented if the first user input involves a top of the first window and a particular location of the presentation space of the display resulting in the first window being neither maximized nor minimized;
      
      the first spaced and organized group is presented in a first place with respect to the first window if the first user input involves first particular input, and in a second place with respect to the first window if the first user input involves second particular input;
      
      the first spaced and organized group, and the representation of the second window and the representation of the third window thereof are moved if the first window is moved, and are re-sized if the first window is re-sized;
      
      the first spaced and organized group is hidden if the first window is maximized;
      
      the area is a second area outside the second window in which a second spaced and organized group is presented that includes the representation of the third window, but does not include the representation of the first window and the representation of the second window;
      
      the second spaced and organized group is presented in response to a detection of a fourth user input that involves a top of the second window and another particular location of the presentation space of the display resulting in the second window being neither maximized nor minimized;
      
      the second spaced and organized group is presented in a third place with respect to the second window if the fourth user input involves first certain input, and in a fourth place with respect to the second window if the fourth user input involves second certain input;
      
      the second spaced and organized group and the representation of the third window thereof are moved if the second window is moved, and are re-sized if the second window is re-sized; and
      
      the second spaced and organized group is hidden if the second window is maximized.
  - 156. The system of claim 155, wherein the system is configured such that the first spaced and organized group and the second spaced and organized group overlay empty desktop space so as to permit selection of at least one window of at least one of the applications, instead of requiring a user to locate the at least one window among a clutter of different windows.

Specification

Resources

Litigation Campaign Assessment

Current Assignee
Cypress Lake Software, Inc.
Original Assignee
Cypress Lake Software, Inc.
Inventors
Morris, Robert Paul
Primary Examiner(s)
VU, TOAN H

Application Number

US14/173,806
Time in Patent Office

1,266 Days
Field of Search

None
US Class Current
CPC Class Codes

G06F 2203/04803   Split screen, i.e. subdivid...

G06F 3/0481   based on specific propertie...

G06F 3/0482   Interaction with lists of s...

G06F 3/0483   Interaction with page-struc...

G06F 3/04842   Selection of displayed obje...

G06F 3/04845   for image manipulation, e.g...

G06F 3/0488   using a touch-screen or dig...

G06F 9/451   Execution arrangements for ...

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

First Claim

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Abstract

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156 Claims

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

First Claim

4 Assignments

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0 Petitions

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Abstract

82 Citations

156 Claims

Specification

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