Snap control for relocating elements of a graphical user interface
AssigneeInternational Business Machine Corporation
InventorSarah D. Redpath
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A computer programming technique is presented for improving the usability of graphical user interfaces. A snap control is provided with individual elements of the graphical user interface, such as windows or container objects, which upon invocation by a user automatically relocates the associated element at a hide position. Preferably, the hide position utilizes a portion of the desktop beyond the edge of what is displayed to a user, with only a portion of the element having a return snap control button remaining visible to a user.
Claims10
Computer readable code stored on computer-readable medium for moving a window from a first position in a graphical user interface desktop displayed on a display screen, comprising:
- first subprocesses for causing a computer to display at least one first user selectable component associated with the window;
- second subprocesses for automatically causing the computer to move the window, upon user selection of one of the at least one first user selectable components, to a second position in the desktop associated therewith, wherein the second position permits only a portion of the window to remain visible along an edge of the displayed portion of the desktop;
- and
- third subprocesses for causing the computer to display a second user selectable component when the window is in the second position;
- and
- fourth subprocesses for causing the computer to move the window to the first position in the graphical user interface upon user selection of the second selectable component
- wherein each of the user selectable components includes a directional arrow displayed therein indicating a direction of movement of the window when the component is selected by the user.
Computer readable code stored on medium for relocating a window of a graphical user interface from an original position to one of at least two hide positions, comprising:
- first code means for causing a computer to display at least two user selectable components as past of the window disposed along different edges of the window, each of the user selectable components having a directional arrow associated therewith which indicates a relative position of a hide position associated therewith;
- and
- second code means for causing the computer to store original position information, delete the window from the original position, and recreate the window at the hide position associated with a selected user selectable component upon selection of one of the user selectable components, wherein the hide positions are logically situated so that only a portion of the window is visible within the graphical user interface.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.