US 2019/0171355 A1 · Virtual Stack Button for Software Having a Branched Task Structure

Abstract

Navigation tools and techniques for software are disclosed. Various types of virtual buttons can be used in the GUI of a software program to make it easier for a user to navigate across or through different branched or hierarchical tasks defined by the software. The virtual button can function to accept, execute, close, or exit a given open, active branched task, as well as save or store a setting of the active branched task for use by another branched task. The virtual button includes a visual indicator that is indicative of how many of the branched tasks are currently open. The virtual button may represent a stack of buttons, or a stack of branched, open tasks, but where only one of such branched tasks may be active, i.e., subject to user input and interaction, at a given time. Related methods, storage media, devices, and systems are also disclosed.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A computer-implemented method for providing graphical user interfaces (GUIs) for a number N of simultaneously open branched tasks in a software program, N being at least 2, the method comprising:

designating a first task of the simultaneously open branched tasks as active, and designating remaining one(s) of the simultaneously open branched tasks as suspended;
displaying a first GUI when the first task is active, the first GUI comprising a first virtual button;
providing the first virtual button with a visual indicator that is indicative of N;
and
configuring the first virtual button such that, when it is triggered by a user, the first task closes such that there are only N−1 simultaneously open branched tasks, and a second task of the suspended, remaining one(s) of the simultaneously open branched tasks becomes active, and a second GUI is displayed.

2 more elements

A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having instructions that, when executed by a processing device coupled to a display screen, cause the processing device to perform operations comprising:

providing a plurality of branched tasks including at least a first and second branched task configured such that when the first branched task is active and the second branched task is initiated, the second branched task becomes active and the first branched task becomes suspended until the second branched task is closed, the plurality of branched tasks optionally also including a third branched task configured such that when the first branched task is suspended and the second branched task is active and the third branched task is initiated, the third branched task becomes active, the second branched task becomes suspended until the third branched task is closed, and the first branched task remains suspended until the second branched task is closed;
providing a plurality of GUIs associated respectively with the plurality of branched tasks, the plurality of GUIs including a first GUI for the first branched task, a second GUI for the second branched task, and optionally a third GUI for the third branched task;
and
displaying on the display screen at any given time an active GUI selected from the plurality of GUIs in accordance with which one of the branched tasks is currently active;
wherein the first and second GUIs include respective first and second virtual buttons, configured such that selection by a user of the second virtual button closes the second branched task, and selection by the user of the first virtual button closes the first branched task;
wherein the first and second virtual buttons occupy substantially a same minor place on the display screen;
and
wherein at least the second virtual button includes a visual indicator that is indicative of how many of the branched tasks are currently open.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Virtual Stack Button for Software Having a Branched Task Structure

Life of this patent

Virtual Stack Button for Software Having a Branched Task Structure

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20