The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Mar. 13, 2001
Filed:
Jan. 04, 1994
Steven M. Miller, Apex, NC (US);
David R. Schwartz, Bellevue, WA (US);
Rodney A. Smith, Raleigh, NC (US);
International Business Machines Corporation, Armonk, NY (US);
Abstract
A method and system in a data processing system for customizing a graphic user interface environment by utilizing graphic manipulation of selected graphic user interface elements in order to initiate the installation of optional functions and/or features. A graphical user interface element within a graphic user interface is displayed within a first region of a display screen. A data processing system user is then permitted to temporarily remove the graphical user interface element from that first region of the display screen by temporarily rendering that graphic user interface element transparent or by temporarily displaying that graphic user interface element within an alternate region within the display screen. Thereafter, a selected area is designated within the first region, and a user-selectable object which is representative of an optional function and/or feature is displayed at the selected area within the first region, in response to that designation. The graphical user interface element is then restored to the first region, and the user-selectable object is thereafter displayed at the selected area within the graphical user interface element, thereby enabling a user to customize the graphical user interface element by adding an object within an existing element of a graphic user interface which represents an optional function and/or feature within the graphic user interface element.