Method and apparatus for selecting button functions and retaining

Abstract

A graphical user interface method wherein a user can retain frequently used menus on the display screen in an intuitive manner. A computer system is coupled to a display for displaying graphic and other data and to a pointer control device which permits a user to selectively position a pointer on the display and signal selections with a switch. Graphical menu buttons are displayed on the screen which correspond to menus displaying further functions. When a menu button is selected by the user, a menu appears in a rectangular box containing an icon of a pushpin and a plurality of menu choices which can be selected. If the user places the pointer over the pushpin icon and then releases the pointer control device switch, the icon of the pushpin is then modified so it appears that the pushpin has 'pinned' the menu to the screen. The temporary menu box is converted into a permanent window which remains on the display regardless of other display operations. The user may dismiss the menu window at any time by placing the pointer over the pushpin icon and momentarily depressing and releasing the switch on the pointer control device. The invention therefore provides an intuitive means for retaining frequently used menus on a graphical user interface screen.