Max mode

• US 9,952,743 B2
• Filed: 04/06/2015
• Issued: 04/24/2018
• Est. Priority Date: 10/01/2010
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Z124 LLC (Flexis)
• Original Assignee: Z124 LLC (Flexis)
• Inventors: Sirpal, Sanjiv, Selim, Mohammed, Reeves, Paul E., Tyghe, Chris, de Paz, Alexander, Webber, Paul, Schrock, Rodney W., Faulk, Brett B.
• Primary Examiner(s): Du, Haixia
• Application Number:
  US14/679,746
• Publication Number:
  US 20150242070A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,114 Days
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1616 with folding flat displays, e.g. laptop computers or notebooks having a clamshell configuration, with body parts pivoting to an open position around an axis parallel to the plane they define in closed position
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1641 the display being formed by a plurality of foldable display components G06F1/1647 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1647 including at least an additional display G06F1/1692 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1694 the I/O peripheral being a single or a set of motion sensors for pointer control or gesture input obtained by sensing movements of the portable computer
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2200/1637 Sensing arrangement for detection of housing movement or orientation, e.g. for controlling scrolling or cursor movement on the display of an handheld computer
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2203/04803 Split screen, i.e. subdividing the display area or the window area into separate subareas
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0481 based on specific properties of the displayed interaction object or a metaphor-based environment, e.g. interaction with desktop elements like windows or icons, or assisted by a cursor's changing behaviour or appearance
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/04817 using icons graphical or visual programming using iconic symbols G06F8/34
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0482 Interaction with lists of selectable items, e.g. menus
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0483 Interaction with page-structured environments, e.g. book metaphor
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/04842 Selection of displayed objects or displayed text elements G06F3/0482 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/04847 Interaction techniques to control parameter settings, e.g. interaction with sliders or dials
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/04883 for inputting data by handwriting, e.g. gesture or text
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/04886 by partitioning the display area of the touch-screen or the surface of the digitising tablet into independently controllable areas, e.g. virtual keyboards or menus
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/14 Digital output to display device ; Cooperation and interconnection of the display device with other functional units
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/1423 controlling a plurality of local displays, e.g. CRT and flat panel display
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/1446 display composed of modules, e.g. video walls
• CPC Class Codes: G09G 2340/0492 Change of orientation of the displayed image, e.g. upside-down, mirrored
• CPC Class Codes: G09G 5/14 Display of multiple viewports

Abstract

A smartpad is provided that has various display modes.

Claims

1. A smartpad, comprising:

a microprocessor;

a computer readable memory operable to store software;

a screen comprising a display;

a screen mode selector user interface device that, when selected, enables a user to switch from a single application mode in which a common application is associated with all displayed and maximized window panes of information on the screen and a multi-application mode in which different first and second applications are associated respectively with at least first and second displayed and maximized window panes of information on the screen; and

a focus indicator user interface device, provided off of the display, to identify which application is currently in focus by the user;

wherein the user selects the screen mode selector user interface device to switch from the multi-application mode in which the first application is currently in focus as determined by the focus indicator user interface device and the second application is not currently in focus as determined by the focus indicator user interface device, to the single-application mode in which the in focus maximized first window pane of information is displayed but not the second window pane of information;

wherein the smartpad executes a first configuration,

wherein, in the first configuration, the screen is configured to operate in at least the following modes;

a portrait single application mode, wherein the screen is in a portrait orientation and only one application is currently providing a maximized view, in portrait, for the display;

a portrait multi-application mode, wherein the screen is in a portrait orientation and a plurality of applications are currently providing maximized views for the display;

a landscape single application mode, wherein the screen is in a landscape orientation and only one application is currently providing a maximized view, in landscape, for the display; and

a landscape multi-application mode, wherein the screen is in a landscape orientation; and

wherein the screen comprises one or more of a touch sensitive display and a gesture capture region, wherein, in multi-application mode, the screen emulates multiple separate screens, each emulated screen for a different one of the first and second applications, wherein the transition from the single-application mode in which the first application is associated with any displayed and maximized first window pane to the multi-application mode enables the user to select and open the second application and thereby generate the second window pane, wherein the microprocessor applies the following rules in the application mode switch;

(i) when the first application is currently in focus by the user in the multi-application mode and the second application is not currently in focus by the user in the multi-application mode, in the single-application mode the first window pane of information is displayed and maximized but not the second window pane of information and (ii) when the second application is currently in focus by the user in the multi-application mode and the first application is not currently in focus by the user in the multi-application mode, in the single-application mode the second window pane of information is displayed and maximized but not the first window pane of information, wherein, in portrait or landscape single application mode, a single-display or multi-display application is capable of providing a max view, wherein, in the max view, canvas-based content fills substantially the entire one or more displays associated with the single- or multi-display application and wherein, in the max view, non-canvas display elements are hidden, and wherein, in portrait or landscape multi-application mode, the single-display or multi-display application is not capable of providing a max view.

2. The smartpad of claim 1, wherein the smartpad changes to a second configuration, wherein, in the second configuration, the screen is configured to operate in at least the following modes:

a portrait single application mode, wherein the screen is in a portrait orientation and only one application is currently providing a maximized view, in portrait, for the display;

a portrait multi-application mode, wherein the screen is in a portrait orientation and a plurality of applications are currently providing maximized views for the display;

a landscape single application mode, wherein the screen is in a landscape orientation and only one application is currently providing a maximized view, in landscape, for the display; and

a landscape multi-application mode, wherein the screen is in a landscape orientation and a plurality of applications are currently providing maximized views for the display; and

wherein the screen comprises a touch sensitive display, wherein the touch sensitive display senses user contact by one or more of a change in an electrical parameter, an acoustic wave variation, infrared radiation proximity detection, and light variation detection, wherein, in portrait or landscape single application mode, a single-display or multi-display application is capable of providing a max view, wherein, in the max view, canvas-based content fills substantially the entire one or more displays associated with the single- or multi-display application and wherein, in the max view, non-canvas display elements are hidden, and wherein the following rules are applied;

when the screen is in the portrait or landscape single application mode, a launched application launches in max mode when the launched application is capable of max mode and in full-screen mode when the launched application is incapable of max mode, wherein, in the full-screen mode, canvas-based and non-canvas content fills substantially the entire display associated with the launched application;

when an application is in max mode, the application provides a max view to substantially the entire display regardless of whether the application was maximized or minimized immediately prior to entering the max mode; and

when an application exits the max mode, the application is maximized in full-screen mode.

3. The smartpad of claim 1, wherein the smartpad changes to a second configuration, wherein, in the second configuration, the screen is configured to operate in at least the following modes:

a portrait single application mode, wherein the screen is in a portrait orientation and only one application is currently providing a maximized view, in portrait, for the display;

a portrait multi-application mode, wherein the screen is in a portrait orientation and a plurality of applications are currently providing maximized views for the display;

a landscape single application mode, wherein the screen is in a landscape orientation and only one application is currently providing a maximized view, in landscape, for the display; and

a landscape multi-application mode, wherein the screen is in a landscape orientation and a plurality of applications are currently providing maximized views for the display; and

wherein the screen is in landscape multi-application mode, wherein, in the landscape multi-application mode, the maximized views for the display are provided in portrait format, wherein, when the screen is in portrait or landscape multi-application mode, a displayed seam extends across the display of the screen to separate the display into first and second logical displays of the screen, the first logical display being for viewing the first displayed and maximized window pane of information of the first application on the screen and the second logical display being for viewing the second displayed and maximized window pane of information of the second application on the screen and wherein the first and second logical displays are logically independent of one another, and wherein, when the screen is in portrait or landscape single application mode, the display of the screen is free of a seam.

4. The smartpad of claim 1, wherein the smartpad changes to a second configuration, wherein, in the second configuration, the screen is configured to operate in at least the following modes:

a portrait single application mode, wherein the screen is in a portrait orientation and only one application is currently providing a maximized view, in portrait, for the display;

a portrait multi-application mode, wherein the screen is in a portrait orientation and a plurality of applications are currently providing maximized views for the display;

a landscape single application mode, wherein the screen is in a landscape orientation and only one application is currently providing a maximized view, in landscape, for the display; and

a landscape multi-application mode, wherein the screen is in a landscape orientation and a plurality of applications are currently providing maximized views for the display; and

wherein a selected application is in focus when a user switches from one of the portrait and landscape single application modes to the portrait and landscape multi-application modes and wherein a maximized window pane of information of the selected application is displayed both before and after the switch from the one of the portrait and landscape single application modes to the portrait and landscape multi-application modes.

5. The smartpad of claim 1, wherein a parent view of a selected application has first and second child views of the selected application, the first and second child views being selected from links in the parent view, wherein the display comprises first and second logical displays, wherein the parent view is displayed in the first logical display, wherein the first and second child views are displayed simultaneously in the second logical display, and wherein, an order in which the first and second child views are opened is used to determine which of the first and second child views is moved to the first logical display when the parent view is closed or minimized.

6. The smartpad of claim 1, wherein the smartpad is a tablet-like platform and form factor, wherein the user selects the screen mode selector user interface device to switch from the single-application mode in which the maximized first window pane of information is displayed but not the second window pane of information to the multi-application mode in which both the maximized first and second window panes of information are displayed, the first application being currently in focus as determined by the focus indicator user interface device and the second application not currently being in focus as determined by the focus indicator user interface device.

7. The smartpad of claim 1, wherein the smartpad changes to a second configuration, wherein, in the second configuration, the screen is configured to operate in at least the following modes:

a portrait single application mode, wherein the screen is in a portrait orientation and only one application is currently providing a maximized view, in portrait, for the display;

a portrait multi-application mode, wherein the screen is in a portrait orientation and a plurality of applications are currently providing maximized views for the display;

a landscape single application mode, wherein the screen is in a landscape orientation and only one application is currently providing a maximized view, in landscape, for the display; and

a landscape multi-application mode, wherein the screen is in a landscape orientation and a plurality of applications are currently providing maximized views for the display; and

wherein the screen is in portrait multi-application mode, wherein, in the portrait multi-application mode, the maximized views for the display are provided in landscape format, wherein a view displayed by the display comprises an action bar comprising plural action bar commands, each command having a corresponding icon and label, wherein the action bar comprises a primary and secondary row, the secondary row, but not the primary row, being hidden when the primary row is collapsed and revealed when the primary row is expanded, wherein a settings screen launched from within an application is treated as a full-screen modal launched on top of the application, and wherein the following rule is applied for action bars;

first and second action bars for first and second applications are revealed when the screen is in portrait or landscape dual application mode.

8. The smartpad of claim 1, wherein the user selects the screen mode selector user interface device to switch from the single-application mode in which the maximized first window pane of information is displayed but not the second window pane of information to the multi-application mode in which both the maximized first and second window panes of information are displayed, the first application being currently in focus as determined by the focus indicator user interface device and the second application not currently being in focus as determined by the focus indicator user interface device and wherein the microprocessor tracks sets of information currently and historically displayed in each of the first and second window panes of information to enable the user to scroll though the historically displayed sets of information for each of the first and second window panes.

9. A method comprising:

providing a communication device comprising;

a microprocessor;

a memory operable to store software;

a screen comprising a display;

a screen mode selector user interface device; and

a focus indicator user interface device, provided off of the display, to identify which application is currently in focus by the user;

receiving a selection of the screen mode selector user interface device;

switching from a single application mode in which a common application is associated with any displayed and maximized window panes of information on the screen to a multi-application mode in which different first and second applications are associated respectively with at least first and second displayed and maximized window panes of information on the screen;

receiving a second selection of the screen mode selector user interface device; and

switching from the multi-application mode in which the first application is currently in user focus, as represented by the focus indicator user interface device, and the second application is not currently in user focus to a single-application mode in which the maximized first window pane of information is displayed but not the second window pane of information;

wherein the microprocessor applies the following rules in the application mode switch;

(i) when the first application is currently in focus by the user in the multi-application mode and the second application is not currently in focus by the user in the multi-application mode, in the single-application mode the first window pane of information is displayed and maximized but not the second window pane of information and (ii) when the second application is currently in focus by the user in the multi-application mode and the first application is not currently in focus by the user in the multi-application mode, in the single-application mode the second window pane of information is displayed and maximized but not the first window pane of information, wherein a parent view of a selected application has first and second child views of the selected application, the first and second child views being selected from links in the parent view, wherein the display comprises first and second logical displays, wherein the parent view is displayed in the first logical display, wherein the first and second child views are displayed simultaneously in the second logical display, and wherein an order in which the first and second child views are opened is used to determine which of the first and second child views is moved to the first logical display when the parent view is closed or minimized.

10. The method of claim 9, further comprising:

operating the communication device in at least the following modes;

a portrait single application mode, wherein the screen is in a portrait orientation and only one application is currently providing a maximized view, in portrait, for the display;

a portrait multi-application mode, wherein the screen is in a portrait orientation and a plurality of applications are currently providing maximized views for the display;

a landscape single application mode, wherein the screen is in a landscape orientation and only one application is currently providing a maximized view, in landscape, for the display; and

a landscape multi-application mode, wherein the screen is in a landscape orientation and a plurality of applications are currently providing maximized views for the display; and

wherein the smartpad is a tablet-like platform and form factor, wherein the screen comprises one or more of a touch sensitive display and a gesture capture region, wherein, in portrait or landscape single application mode, a single-display or multi-display application is capable of providing a max view, wherein, in the max view, canvas-based content fills substantially the entire one or more displays associated with the single- or multi-display application and wherein, in the max view, non-canvas display elements are hidden, and wherein, in portrait or landscape multi-application mode, the single-display or multi-display application is not capable of providing a max view.

11. The method of claim 9, further comprising:

operating the communication device in at least the following modes;

a portrait single application mode, wherein the screen is in a portrait orientation and only one application is currently providing a maximized view, in portrait, for the display;

a portrait multi-application mode, wherein the screen is in a portrait orientation and a plurality of applications are currently providing maximized views for the display;

a landscape single application mode, wherein the screen is in a landscape orientation and only one application is currently providing a maximized view, in landscape, for the display; and

a landscape multi-application mode, wherein the screen is in a landscape orientation and a plurality of applications are currently providing maximized views for the display; and

wherein the user selects the screen mode selector user interface device to switch from the single-application mode in which the maximized first window pane of information is displayed but not the second window pane of information to the multi-application mode in which both the maximized first and second window panes of information are displayed, the first application being currently in user focus and the second application not currently being in user focus, wherein the screen comprises a touch sensitive display, wherein the touch sensitive display senses user contact by one or more of a change in an electrical parameter, an acoustic wave variation, infrared radiation proximity detection, and light variation detection, wherein, in portrait or landscape single application mode, a single-display or multi-display application is capable of providing a max view, wherein, in the max view, canvas-based content fills substantially the entire one or more displays associated with the single- or multi-display application and wherein, in the max view, non-canvas display elements are hidden, and wherein the following rules are applied;

when the screen is in the portrait or landscape single application mode, a launched application launches in max mode when the launched application is capable of max mode and in full-screen mode when the launched application is incapable of max mode, wherein, in the full-screen mode, canvas-based and non-canvas content fills substantially the entire display associated with the launched application;

when an application is in max mode, the application provides a max view to substantially the entire display regardless of whether the application was maximized or minimized immediately prior to entering the max mode; and

when an application exits the max mode, the application is maximized in full-screen mode.

12. The method of claim 9, further comprising:

operating the communication device in at least the following modes;

a portrait single application mode, wherein the screen is in a portrait orientation and only one application is currently providing a maximized view, in portrait, for the display;

a portrait multi-application mode, wherein the screen is in a portrait orientation and a plurality of applications are currently providing maximized views for the display;

a landscape single application mode, wherein the screen is in a landscape orientation and only one application is currently providing a maximized view, in landscape, for the display; and

a landscape multi-application mode, wherein the screen is in a landscape orientation and a plurality of applications are currently providing maximized views for the display; and

wherein the screen is in landscape multi-application mode, wherein, in the landscape multi-application mode, the maximized views for the display are provided in portrait format, wherein, when the screen is in portrait or landscape dual application mode, a displayed seam extends across the display of the screen to separate the display into first and second logical displays of the screen, the first logical display being for viewing the first displayed and maximized window pane of information of the first application on the screen and the second logical display being for a second view of a second application and wherein the first and second logical displays are logically independent of one another and wherein, when the screen is in portrait or landscape single application mode, the display on the screen is free of a seam.

13. The method of claim 9, further comprising:

operating the communication device in at least the following modes;

a portrait single application mode, wherein the screen is in a portrait orientation and only one application is currently providing a maximized view, in portrait, for the display;

a portrait multi-application mode, wherein the screen is in a portrait orientation and a plurality of applications are currently providing maximized views for the display;

a landscape single application mode, wherein the screen is in a landscape orientation and only one application is currently providing a maximized view, in landscape, for the display; and

a landscape multi-application mode, wherein the screen is in a landscape orientation and a plurality of applications are currently providing maximized views for the display; and

wherein, in multi-application mode, the screen emulates multiple separate screens, each emulated screen for a different one of the first and second applications, wherein the transition from the single-application mode in which the first application is associated with any displayed and maximized first window pane to the multi-application mode enables the user to select and open the second application and thereby generate the second window pane, wherein a selected application is in focus when a user switches from one of the portrait and landscape single application modes to the portrait and landscape multi-application modes and wherein a maximized window pane of information of the selected application is displayed both before and after the switch from the one of the portrait and landscape single application modes to the portrait and landscape multi-application modes.

14. The method of claim 9, wherein the user selects the screen mode selector user interface device to switch from the single-application mode in which the maximized first window pane of information is displayed but not the second window pane of information to the multi-application mode in which both the maximized first and second window panes of information are displayed, the first application being currently in focus as determined by the focus indicator user interface device and the second application not currently being in focus as determined by the focus indicator user interface device and wherein the microprocessor tracks sets of information currently and historically displayed in each of the first and second window panes of information to enable the user to scroll though the historically displayed sets of information for each of the first and second window panes.

15. The method of claim 9, further comprising:

operating the communication device in at least the following modes;

a portrait single application mode, wherein the screen is in a portrait orientation and only one application is currently providing a maximized view, in portrait, for the display;

a portrait multi-application mode, wherein the screen is in a portrait orientation and a plurality of applications are currently providing maximized views for the display;

a landscape single application mode, wherein the screen is in a landscape orientation and only one application is currently providing a maximized view, in landscape, for the display; and

a landscape multi-application mode, wherein the screen is in a landscape orientation and a plurality of applications are currently providing maximized views for the display; and

wherein the communication device is a tablet computer and has a tablet computer-like form factor, wherein the screen is in portrait multi-application mode, wherein, in the portrait multi-application mode, the maximized views for the display are provided in landscape format, wherein a view displayed by the display comprises an action bar comprising plural action bar commands, each command having a corresponding icon and label, wherein the action bar comprises a primary and secondary row, the secondary row, but not the primary row, being hidden header when the primary row is collapsed and revealed when the primary row is expanded and the following rule is applied for action bars;

first and second action bars for first and second applications are revealed when the screen is in portrait or landscape dual application mode.

16. The method of claim 9, wherein the user selects the screen mode selector user interface device to switch from the single-application mode in which the maximized first window pane of information is displayed but not the second window pane of information to the multi-application mode in which both the maximized first and second window panes of information are displayed, the first application being currently in focus as determined by the focus indicator user interface device and the second application not currently being in focus as determined by the focus indicator user interface device and wherein the microprocessor tracks sets of information currently and historically displayed in each of the first and second window panes of information to enable the user to scroll though the historically displayed sets of information for each of the first and second window panes.

17. A tangible and non-transient computer readable medium in a smartpad, the smartpad comprising a microprocessor and a screen having a display, the computer readable medium comprising microprocessor executable instructions, the microprocessor executable instructions comprising:

instructions to switch between screen modes such that a user can elect to switch from a single application mode in which a common application is associated with all displayed and maximized window panes of information on the screen to a multi-application mode in which different first and second applications are associated respectively with first and second displayed and maximized window panes of information on the screen; and

instructions to receive a user selection of a screen mode selector user interface device to switch from the multi-application mode to the single-application mode, wherein the instructions apply the following rules in the application mode switch;

(i) when the first application is currently in focus, as indicated by a focus indicator user interface device provided off of the display, in the multi-application mode and the second application is not currently in focus in the multi-application mode, in changing to the single-application mode, the first window pane of information is displayed and maximized but not the second window pane of information; and

(ii) when the second application is currently in focus, as indicated by a focus indicator user interface device provided off of the display, in the multi-application mode and the first application is not currently in focus by the user in the multi-application mode, in changing to the single-application mode, the second window pane of information is displayed and maximized but not the first window pane of information;

wherein the smartpad is a tablet-like platform and form factor and wherein the user selects the screen mode selector user interface device to switch from the single-application mode in which the maximized first window pane of information is displayed but not the second window pane of information to the multi-application mode in which both the maximized first and second window panes of information are displayed, the first application being currently in focus by the user and the second application not currently being in focus by the user.

18. The computer readable medium of claim 17, further comprising:

instructions to operate the screen in at least the following modes;

a portrait single application mode, wherein the screen is in a portrait orientation and only one application is currently providing a maximized view, in portrait, for the display;

a portrait multi-application mode, wherein the screen is in a portrait orientation and a plurality of applications are currently providing maximized views for the display;

a landscape single application mode, wherein the screen is in a landscape orientation and only one application is currently providing a maximized view, in landscape, for the display; and

a landscape multi-application mode, wherein the screen is in a landscape orientation and a plurality of applications are currently providing maximized views for the display; and

wherein the user selects the screen mode selector user interface device to switch from the single-application mode in which the maximized first window pane of information is displayed but not the second window pane of information to the multi-application mode in which both the maximized first and second window panes of information are displayed, the first application being currently in user focus and the second application not currently being in user focus, wherein the screen comprises a touch sensitive display, wherein the touch sensitive display senses user contact by one or more of a change in an electrical parameter, an acoustic wave variation, infrared radiation proximity detection, and light variation detection, wherein, in portrait or landscape single application mode, a single-display or multi-display application is capable of providing a max view, wherein, in the max view, canvas-based content fills substantially the entire one or more displays associated with the single- or multi-display application and wherein, in the max view, non-canvas display elements are hidden, and wherein the following rules are applied;

when the screen is in the portrait or landscape single application mode, a launched application launches in max mode when the launched application is capable of max mode and in full-screen mode when the launched application is incapable of max mode, wherein, in the full-screen mode, canvas-based and non-canvas content fills substantially the entire display associated with the launched application;

when an application is in max mode, the application provides a max view to substantially the entire display regardless of whether the application was maximized or minimized immediately prior to entering the max mode; and

when an application exits the max mode, the application is maximized in full-screen mode.

19. The computer readable medium of claim 17, wherein, in multi-application mode, the screen emulates multiple separate screens, each emulated screen for a different one of the first and second applications and wherein the transition from the single-application mode in which the first application is associated with any displayed and maximized first window pane to the multi-application mode enables the user to select and open the second application and thereby generate the second window pane and further comprising:

instructions to track sets of information currently and historically displayed in each of the first and second window panes of information to enable the user to scroll though the historically displayed sets of information for each of the first and second window panes.

20. A smartpad, comprising:

a microprocessor;

a computer readable memory operable to store software;

a screen comprising a display;

a focus indicator user interface device, provided off of the display, to identify which application is currently in focus by the user; and

a screen mode selector user interface device that, when selected, enables a user to switch from a single application mode in which a common application is associated with all displayed and maximized window panes of information on the screen and a multi-application mode in which different first and second applications are associated respectively with at least first and second displayed and maximized window panes of information on the screen; and

wherein the microprocessor applies the following rules in the application mode switch;

(i) when the first application is currently in focus, as indicated by the focus indicator user interface device provided off of the display, in the multi-application mode and the second application is not currently in focus by the user in the multi-application mode, in changing to the single-application mode the first window pane of information is displayed and maximized but not the second window pane of information and

(ii) when the second application is currently in focus, as indicated by the focus indicator user interface device provided off of the display, in the multi-application mode and the first application is not currently in focus by the user in the multi-application mode, in changing to the single-application mode the second window pane of information is displayed and maximized but not the first window pane of information;

wherein the transition from the single-application mode in which the first application is associated with any displayed and maximized first window pane to the multi-application mode enables the user to select and open the second application and thereby generate the second window pane;

wherein, in multi-application mode, the screen emulates multiple separate screens, each emulated screen for a different one of the first and second applications and wherein the microprocessor tracks sets of information currently and historically displayed in each of the first and second window panes of information to enable the user to scroll though the historically displayed sets of information for each of the first and second window panes.

21. The smartpad of claim 20, further comprising a focus indicator user interface device to identify which application is currently in focus by the user and wherein the user selects the screen mode selector user interface device to switch from the multi-application mode in which the first application is currently in focus as determined by the focus indicator user interface device and the second application is not currently in focus as determined by the focus indicator user interface device, to the single-application mode in which the in focus maximized first window pane of information is displayed but not the second window pane of information.

22. The smartpad of claim 20, wherein the smartpad is a tablet-like platform and form factor and wherein the user selects the screen mode selector user interface device to switch from the single-application mode in which the maximized first window pane of information is displayed but not the second window pane of information to the multi-application mode in which both the maximized first and second window panes of information are displayed, the first application being currently in focus by the user and the second application not currently being in focus by the user.

23. The smartpad of claim 20, wherein the screen is configured to operate in at least the following modes:

a portrait single application mode, wherein the screen is in a portrait orientation and only one application is currently providing a maximized view, in portrait, for the display;

a portrait multi-application mode, wherein the screen is in a portrait orientation and a plurality of applications are currently providing maximized views for the display;

a landscape single application mode, wherein the screen is in a landscape orientation and only one application is currently providing a maximized view, in landscape, for the display; and

a landscape multi-application mode, wherein the screen is in a landscape orientation and a plurality of applications are currently providing maximized views for the display; and

wherein the user selects the screen mode selector user interface device to switch from the single-application mode in which the maximized first window pane of information is displayed but not the second window pane of information to the multi-application mode in which both the maximized first and second window panes of information are displayed, the first application being currently in user focus and the second application not currently being in user focus, wherein the screen comprises a touch sensitive display, wherein the touch sensitive display senses user contact by one or more of a change in an electrical parameter, an acoustic wave variation, infrared radiation proximity detection, and light variation detection, wherein, in portrait or landscape single application mode, a single-display or multi-display application is capable of providing a max view, wherein, in the max view, canvas-based content fills substantially the entire one or more displays associated with the single- or multi-display application, wherein, in the max view, non-canvas display elements are hidden, and wherein the following rules are applied;

when the screen is in the portrait or landscape single application mode, a launched application launches in max mode when the launched application is capable of max mode and in full-screen mode when the launched application is incapable of max mode, wherein, in the full-screen mode, canvas-based and non-canvas content fills substantially the entire display associated with the launched application;

when an application is in max mode, the application provides a max view to substantially the entire display regardless of whether the application was maximized or minimized immediately prior to entering the max mode; and

when an application exits the max mode, the application is maximized in full-screen mode.