US 7,614,007 B2 · Executing multiple file management operations

Abstract

A method and device for executing multiple operations on different files displayed on a graphical user interface. A pre-defined combination of keys is assigned a particular operation, such as “Delete,” “Copy,” “Move,” etc. As a first combination of keys is engaged, one or more files are selected, using a pointing device such as a mouse. The selected files are color-coded, indicating a first operation to be performed on the selected files. A second combination of keys is then engaged, and a second operation is assigned to other selected files. When satisfied that the selected operations are correct for all of the selected files, a user then executes the operations by depressing the “Enter” or similar key. By viewing different operations for different files before the operations are executed, a user is given an overview of all operations to be applied to all selected files, thus improving file management.

Claims18

Dependent claims

A method for applying a set of operations for execution on a corresponding file displayed on a graphical user interface, such that the set includes a plurality of different operations, the method comprising:

associating a different operation with each of a plurality of active icon inputs;
associating a distinct visual display feature with each of the plurality of active icon inputs for each of the different operations;
selecting a first active icon input to apply a first operation to be executed on a displayed file;
selecting a file display for the displayed file on a graphical user interface (GUI) to associate the selected first active icon input with the displayed file;
presenting a first distinct visual feature associated with the first operation in a first portion of the file display of the displayed file;
selecting a second active icon input to apply a second operation to be executed on the displayed file;
reselecting the file display for the displayed file to associate the selected second active icon input with the displayed file;
and
presenting a second distinct visual feature associated with the second operation in a second portion of the reselected file display of the displayed file such that the first distinct visual feature is also being presented.

6 more elements

A computer system for applying a set of operations for execution on a corresponding file displayed on a graphical user interface, such that the set includes a plurality of different operations, the system comprising:

a monitor for displaying a file display for a displayed file in a graphical user interface (GUI);
a plurality of active icon inputs, each input being associated with a different operation to be applied to the displayed file, each different operation being associated with a distinct visual display applied to the file display for the displayed file;
and
an input device for selecting the file display for the displayed file in the GUI in a first instance after engaging a first active icon input and reselecting the file display for the displayed file in a second subsequent instance after engaging a second active icon input from the plurality of active icon inputs,
wherein a first operation to be applied for execution on the displayed file is associated with the first a icon input and a second operation to be applied for execution on the displayed file is associated with the second active icon input,
wherein a first portion of the file display of the displayed file presents a first distinct visual feature associated with the first operation, and wherein a second portion of the file display of the displayed file presents a second distinct visual feature associated with the second operation, and
wherein a pre-determined hierarchy between the first operation and the second operation determines whether the first operation or the second operation will first be executed on the displayed file.

4 more elements

A computer program product, residing on a computer storage medium, for applying a set of operations for execution on a corresponding file displayed on a graphical user interface, such that the set includes a plurality of different operations, the computer program product comprising:

computer program code for associating a different operation with each of a plurality of active icon inputs;
computer program code for associating a distinct visual display feature with each of the plurality of active icon inputs for each of the plurality of operations;
computer program code for selecting a first active icon input to apply a first operation for execution on a displayed file;
computer program code for selecting a file display for the displayed file on a graphical user interface (GUI) to associate the selected first active icon input with the displayed file;
computer program code for presenting a first distinct visual feature associated with the first operation in a first portion of the file display of the displayed file;
computer program code for selecting a second active icon input to apply a second operation for execution on the displayed file;
computer code for reselecting the file display for the displayed file to associate the selected second active icon input with the displayed file;
and
computer program code for presenting a second distinct visual feature associated with the second operation in a second portion of the reselected file display of the displayed file such that the first distinct visual feature is also being presented.

6 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Executing multiple file management operations

Life of this patent

Executing multiple file management operations

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims18