IP Innovation L.L.C. and Technology Licensing Corporation (collectively, "Plaintiffs") have brought a patent-infringement action against Red Hat, Inc., and Novell, Inc., alleging infringement of U.S. Patent Numbers 5,072,412; 5,533,183; and 5,394,521. The patents concern a user interface that has multiple workspaces. The Plaintiffs' complaint identifies as accused products "Red Hat Linux system," the "Novell Suse Linux Enterprise Desktop," and the "Novell Suse Linux Enterprise Server."
UPDATE: THESE THREE PATENTS WERE INVALIDATED BY THE U.S. DISTRICT COURT, EASTERN DISTRICT OF TEXAS, ON APRIL 30, 2010, IN THE ABOVE REFERENCED ACTION.
UPDATE: THESE THREE PATENTS WERE INVALIDATED BY THE U.S. DISTRICT COURT, EASTERN DISTRICT OF TEXAS, ON APRIL 30, 2010, IN THE ABOVE REFERENCED ACTION.
Last updated: 2 months ago
Summary / Description
| Summary / Description | An interactive display terminal of the multiple overlapping window type is provided. Each of the windows is smaller in dimension than the overall display screen. One or more of the windows have an associated virtual distributed menu which is made up of a plurality of menu items respectively distributed about the periphery of the associated window but not displayed during normal operations. Cursor means and means for moving the cursor are also provided. The display terminal further includes apparatus which in response to the movement of the cursor across a selected region in a window periphery will effect the display of a selected menu item associated with the particular selected region. The overlapping windows are preferably rectangular in shape and the selected regions are adjacent to corners of the periphery. The menu items are distributed so as to be positioned adjacent to the respective region across which the cursor movement will result in the item display. |
Basic Information
| Type of Prior Art | Issued Patents - US |
| Country | United States of America |
| Patent/Application # | 4586035 |
| Kind Code | United States (US) - United STATES Patent - A |
| Patentee Name | International Business Machines Corp. |
| Relevant Pages, Columns, or Lines | See excerpt |
| URL | http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/... |
| Publication Date | February 29, 1984 |
| Additional Information | |
Notes / To Do
| Notes | |
Excerpt
1.An interactive display terminal of the multiple overlapping window type is provided. Each of the windows is smaller in dimension than the overall display screen. One or more of the windows have an associated virtual distributed menu which is made up of a plurality of menu items respectively distributed about the periphery of the associated window but not displayed during normal operations. Cursor means and means for moving the cursor are also provided. The display terminal further includes apparatus which in response to the movement of the cursor across a selected region in a window periphery will effect the display of a selected menu item associated with the particular selected region. The overlapping windows are preferably rectangular in shape and the selected regions are adjacent to corners of the periphery. The menu items are distributed so as to be positioned adjacent to the respective region across which the cursor movement will result in the item display (Abstract).
In considering the best mode for carrying out the present invention, we wish to initially indicate the differences between the display screen produced through the apparatus of the present invention over typical prior art display screens as described in the previously referenced prior art articles. As shown in FIG. 1, a typical prior art display having overlapping windows comprises screen 20 having three overlapping windows designated by files 1, 2 and 3 as well as a menu 21 from which the operator may select the specified action to be taken with respect to the contents of any one of file 1, 2 and 3 windows. The appropriate action may be selected from the menu by activating one of the listed functions in any conventional way, e.g., through a mouse, or keyboard driven cursor or by some sort of touch mechanism such as a light pen or touch screen (col. 4, ln 4-19).
In contrast to the prior art display systems as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, in the display system of the present invention as illustrated generally in FIG. 3, during the operational or functional periods of the display, all of the menu items designated 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37 and 38 associated with the window designated file 1 remain as virtual items distributed about the periphery of the file 1 window. It should be noted that the windows file 2 and file 3 have similar menus of distributed virtual items. In other words, menu items 31-38 as indicated by the dotted line remain undisplayed during the functional operation which may be carried out on the contents of the file 1 window (col. 4, 44-56).
Relevance
Claims
Storage of mulitple user interface workspaces
A system comprising:
a display;
memory storing data;
a user input device for receiving signals from a user; and
a data processor connected to receive input signals from the user input device, to provide output signals to the display, and to access data stored in memory; the output signals causing the display to present images that include display objects; each of a set of the display objects being perceptible as a distinct, coherent set of display features;
the data stored in memory comprising instruction data indicating instructions the data processor can execute; the data processor, in executing the instructions:
providing first output signals to the display; the first output signals causing the display to present a first workspace containing a first subset of the set of display objects; the display objects of the first subset being perceptible as having spatial positions relative to each other when presented by the display; the first subset including a first display object that is perceptible as a tool that augments a user's capabilities;
while the display is presenting the first workspace, receiving a switch signal sequence from the user input device; and
in response to the switch signal sequence providing second output signals to the display; the second output signals causing the display to cease presenting the first workspace and begin to present a second workspace containing a second subset of the set of display objects; the display objects of the second subset being perceptible as having spatial positions relative to each other when presented by the display; the second subset including a second display object that is perceptible as a tool that augments a user's capabilities; the first and second subsets of display objects being different from each other so that the first and second workspaces are perceptible as different workspaces; the second display object being perceptible as the same tool as the first display object.
Relevance
a display - abstract; col.5, line 48 to col. 6, line 29
memory storing data - col.5, line 48 to col. 6, line 29
a user input device for receiving signals from a user - abstract; col.5, line 48 to col. 6, line 29
a data processor connected to receive input signals from the user input device, to provide output signals to the display, and to access data stored in memory - col.5, line 48 to col. 6, line 29
the output signals causing the display to present images that include display objects - abstract; col.5, line 48 to col. 6, line 29
each of a set of the display objects being perceptible as a distinct, coherent set of display features - abstract; col.5, line 48 to col. 6, line 29
the data stored in memory comprising instruction data indicating instructions the data processor can execute - col.5, line 48 to col. 6, line 29
the first output signals causing the display to present a first workspace containing a first subset of the set of display objects - abstract; col.5, line 48 to col. 6, line 29
the display objects of the first subset being perceptible as having spatial positions relative to each other when presented by the display - abstract; col.5, line 48 to col. 6, line 29
the first subset including a first display object that is perceptible as a tool that augments a user's capabilities - col. 4, lines 44-56
while the display is presenting the first workspace, receiving a switch signal sequence from the user input device - col. 4, lines 44-56
and in response to the switch signal sequence operating the data processor to provide second output signals to the display - col. 4, lines 44-56
the second output signals causing the display to cease presenting the first workspace and begin to present a second workspace containing a second subset of the display objects - col. 4, lines 44-56
the display objects of the second subset being perceptible as having spatial positions relative to each other when presented by the display - abstract; col. 4, lines 44-56
the second subset including a second display object that is perceptible as a tool that augments a user's capabilities - col. 4, lines 44-56
the first and second subsets of display objects being different from each other so that the first and second workspaces are perceptible as different workspaces - col. 4, lines 44-56
the second display object being perceptible as the same tool as the first display object - col. 4, lines 44-56
a display - abstract; col.5, line 48 to col. 6, line 29
memory storing data - col.5, line 48 to col. 6, line 29
a user input device for receiving signals from a user - abstract; col.5, line 48 to col. 6, line 29
a data processor connected to receive input signals from the user input device, to provide output signals to the display, and to access data stored in memory - col.5, line 48 to col. 6, line 29
the output signals causing the display to present images that include display objects - abstract; col.5, line 48 to col. 6, line 29
each of a set of the display objects being perceptible as a distinct, coherent set of display features - abstract; col.5, line 48 to col. 6, line 29
the data stored in memory comprising instruction data indicating instructions the data processor can execute - col.5, line 48 to col. 6, line 29
the first output signals causing the display to present a first workspace containing a first subset of the set of display objects - abstract; col.5, line 48 to col. 6, line 29
the display objects of the first subset being perceptible as having spatial positions relative to each other when presented by the display - abstract; col.5, line 48 to col. 6, line 29
the first subset including a first display object that is perceptible as a tool that augments a user's capabilities - col. 4, lines 44-56
while the display is presenting the first workspace, receiving a switch signal sequence from the user input device - col. 4, lines 44-56
and in response to the switch signal sequence operating the data processor to provide second output signals to the display - col. 4, lines 44-56
the second output signals causing the display to cease presenting the first workspace and begin to present a second workspace containing a second subset of the display objects - col. 4, lines 44-56
the display objects of the second subset being perceptible as having spatial positions relative to each other when presented by the display - abstract; col. 4, lines 44-56
the second subset including a second display object that is perceptible as a tool that augments a user's capabilities - col. 4, lines 44-56
the first and second subsets of display objects being different from each other so that the first and second workspaces are perceptible as different workspaces - col. 4, lines 44-56
the second display object being perceptible as the same tool as the first display object - col. 4, lines 44-56
Claim Chart
All
User interface with mulitple workspaces
A method of operating a system that includes:
a display;
a user input device for receiving signals from a user; and
a data processor that receives input signals from the user input device and provides output signals to the display; the output signals causing the display to present images that include display objects; each of a set of the display objects being perceptible as a distinct, coherent set of display features;
the method comprising:
operating the data processor to provide first output signals to the display; the first output signals causing the display to present a first workspace containing a first subset of the set of display objects; the display objects of the first subset being perceptible as having spatial positions relative to each other when presented by the display; the first subset including a first display object that is perceptible as a tool that augments a user's capabilities;
while the display is presenting the first workspace, receiving a switch signal sequence from the user input device; and
in response to the switch signal sequence, operating the data processor to provide second output signals to the display; the second output signals causing the display to cease presenting the first workspace and begin to present a second workspace containing a second subset of the set of display objects; the display objects of the second subset being perceptible as having spatial positions relative to each other when presented by the display; the second subset including a second display object that is perceptible as a tool that augments a user's capabilities; the first and second subsets of display objects being different from each other so that the first and second workspaces are perceptible as different workspaces; the second display object being perceptible as the same tool as the first display object.
Relevance
a display - abstract; col.5, line 48 to col. 6, line 29
a user input device for receiving signals from a user - abstract; col.5, line 48 to col. 6, line 29
a data processor that receives input signals from the user input device and provides output signals to the display - col.5, line 48 to col. 6, line 29
the output signals causing the display to present images that include display objects - abstract; col.5, line 48 to col. 6, line 29
each of a set of the display objects being perceptible as a distinct, coherent set of display features - abstract; col.5, line 48 to col. 6, line 29
the first output signals causing the display to present a first workspace containing a first subset of the set of display objects - abstract; col.5, line 48 to col. 6, line 29
the display objects of the first subset being perceptible as having spatial positions relative to each other when presented by the display - abstract; col.5, line 48 to col. 6, line 29
the first subset including a first display object that is perceptible as a tool that augments a user's capabilities - col. 4, lines 44-56
while the display is presenting the first workspace, receiving a switch signal sequence from the user input device - col. 4, lines 44-56
and in response to the switch signal sequence operating the data processor to provide second output signals to the display - col. 4, lines 44-56
the second output signals causing the display to cease presenting the first workspace and begin to present a second workspace containing a second subset of the display objects - col. 4, lines 44-56
the display objects of the second subset being perceptible as having spatial positions relative to each other when presented by the display - abstract; col. 4, lines 44-56
the second subset including a second display object that is perceptible as a tool that augments a user's capabilities - col. 4, lines 44-56
the first and second subsets of display objects being different from each other so that the first and second workspaces are perceptible as different workspaces - col. 4, lines 44-56
the second display object being perceptible as the same tool as the first display object - col. 4, lines 44-56
a display - abstract; col.5, line 48 to col. 6, line 29
a user input device for receiving signals from a user - abstract; col.5, line 48 to col. 6, line 29
a data processor that receives input signals from the user input device and provides output signals to the display - col.5, line 48 to col. 6, line 29
the output signals causing the display to present images that include display objects - abstract; col.5, line 48 to col. 6, line 29
each of a set of the display objects being perceptible as a distinct, coherent set of display features - abstract; col.5, line 48 to col. 6, line 29
the first output signals causing the display to present a first workspace containing a first subset of the set of display objects - abstract; col.5, line 48 to col. 6, line 29
the display objects of the first subset being perceptible as having spatial positions relative to each other when presented by the display - abstract; col.5, line 48 to col. 6, line 29
the first subset including a first display object that is perceptible as a tool that augments a user's capabilities - col. 4, lines 44-56
while the display is presenting the first workspace, receiving a switch signal sequence from the user input device - col. 4, lines 44-56
and in response to the switch signal sequence operating the data processor to provide second output signals to the display - col. 4, lines 44-56
the second output signals causing the display to cease presenting the first workspace and begin to present a second workspace containing a second subset of the display objects - col. 4, lines 44-56
the display objects of the second subset being perceptible as having spatial positions relative to each other when presented by the display - abstract; col. 4, lines 44-56
the second subset including a second display object that is perceptible as a tool that augments a user's capabilities - col. 4, lines 44-56
the first and second subsets of display objects being different from each other so that the first and second workspaces are perceptible as different workspaces - col. 4, lines 44-56
the second display object being perceptible as the same tool as the first display object - col. 4, lines 44-56
Claim Chart
All
User interface with mulitple workspaces - 2
A method of operating a system that includes:
a display;
a user input device for receiving signals from a user; and
a data processor that receives input signals from the user input device and provides output signals to the display; the output signals causing the display to present images that include display objects; each of a set of the display objects being perceptible as a distinct, coherent set of display features;
the method comprising:
operating the data processor to provide first output signals to the display; the first output signals causing the display to present a first workspace containing a first subset of the set of display objects; the display objects of the first subset being perceptible as having spatial positions relative to each other when presented by the display; the first subset including a first window that is perceptible as a tool that augments a user's capabilities;
while the display is presenting the first workspace, receiving a switch signal sequence from the user input device; and
in response to the switch signal sequence, operating the data processor to provide second output signals to the display; the second output signals causing the display to cease presenting the first workspace and begin to present a second workspace containing a second subset of the set of display objects; the display objects of the second subset being perceptible as having spatial positions relative to each other when presented by the display; the second subset including a second window that is perceptible as a tool that augments a user's capabilities; the first and second subsets of display objects being different from each other so that the first and second workspaces are perceptible as different workspaces; the second window being perceptible as the same tool as the first window.
Relevance
a display - abstract; col.5, line 48 to col. 6, line 29
a user input device for receiving signals from a user - abstract; col.5, line 48 to col. 6, line 29
a data processor that receives input signals from the user input device and provides output signals to the display - col.5, line 48 to col. 6, line 29
the output signals causing the display to present images that include display objects - abstract; col.5, line 48 to col. 6, line 29
each of a set of the display objects being perceptible as a distinct, coherent set of display features - abstract; col.5, line 48 to col. 6, line 29
the method comprising: operating the data processor to provide first output signals to the display - col.5, line 48 to col. 6, line 29
the first output signals causing the display to present a first workspace containing a first subset of the set of display objects - abstract; col.5, line 48 to col. 6, line 29
the display objects of the first subset being perceptible as having spatial positions relative to each other when presented by the display - abstract; col.5, line 48 to col. 6, line 29
the first subset including a first window that is perceptible as a tool that augments a user's capabilities - abstract; col. 4, lines 44-56
while the display is presenting the first workspace, receiving a switch signal sequence from the user input device - col. 4, lines 44-56
and in response to the switch signal sequence operating the data processor to provide second output signals to the display - col. 4, lines 44-56
the second output signals causing the display to cease presenting the first workspace and begin to present a second workspace containing a second subset of the display objects - col. 4, lines 44-56
the display objects of the second subset being perceptible as having spatial positions relative to each other when presented by the display - abstract; col. 4, lines 44-56
the second subset including a second window that is perceptible as a tool that augments a user's capabilities - col. 4, lines 44-56
the first and second subsets of display objects being different from each other so that the first and second workspaces are perceptible as different workspaces - col. 4, lines 44-56
the second window being perceptible as the same tool as the first display object - col. 4, lines 44-56
a display - abstract; col.5, line 48 to col. 6, line 29
a user input device for receiving signals from a user - abstract; col.5, line 48 to col. 6, line 29
a data processor that receives input signals from the user input device and provides output signals to the display - col.5, line 48 to col. 6, line 29
the output signals causing the display to present images that include display objects - abstract; col.5, line 48 to col. 6, line 29
each of a set of the display objects being perceptible as a distinct, coherent set of display features - abstract; col.5, line 48 to col. 6, line 29
the method comprising: operating the data processor to provide first output signals to the display - col.5, line 48 to col. 6, line 29
the first output signals causing the display to present a first workspace containing a first subset of the set of display objects - abstract; col.5, line 48 to col. 6, line 29
the display objects of the first subset being perceptible as having spatial positions relative to each other when presented by the display - abstract; col.5, line 48 to col. 6, line 29
the first subset including a first window that is perceptible as a tool that augments a user's capabilities - abstract; col. 4, lines 44-56
while the display is presenting the first workspace, receiving a switch signal sequence from the user input device - col. 4, lines 44-56
and in response to the switch signal sequence operating the data processor to provide second output signals to the display - col. 4, lines 44-56
the second output signals causing the display to cease presenting the first workspace and begin to present a second workspace containing a second subset of the display objects - col. 4, lines 44-56
the display objects of the second subset being perceptible as having spatial positions relative to each other when presented by the display - abstract; col. 4, lines 44-56
the second subset including a second window that is perceptible as a tool that augments a user's capabilities - col. 4, lines 44-56
the first and second subsets of display objects being different from each other so that the first and second workspaces are perceptible as different workspaces - col. 4, lines 44-56
the second window being perceptible as the same tool as the first display object - col. 4, lines 44-56
Claim Chart
All
