Lawrence W Baldwin

US Patent:

6384849, May 7, 2002

Filed:

Jul 14, 1997

Appl. No.:

08/891945

Inventors:

Peter G. Morcos - Redmond WA
Ravindra K. Agrawal - Redmond WA
Lawrence W. Baldwin - Seattle WA
Tjeerd S. Hoek - Kirkland WA
David C. Parker - Woodinville WA

Assignee:

Microsoft Corporation - Redmond WA

International Classification:

G06F 900

US Classification:

345810, 345841

Abstract:

In a computer employing a graphical user interface (GUI), a method for displaying controls in command bars, which replace conventional menu bars and toolbars. Command bars employ a unified data structure that allows all types of controls to be included in both menu-like command bars and toolbar-like command bars. Command bars may be customized by dragging controls from a list of available commands or from another command bar. By not restricting the types of controls that can appear in each command bar, controls may be grouped to associate drop down menu controls with pushbutton controls. Menu-like command bars and toolbar-like command bars may be merged in a way that provides an intuitive and advantageous listing of commands. Menu popups may be torn off using a clearly indicated drag handle.

US Patent:

7047501, May 16, 2006

Filed:

Feb 13, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/075807

Inventors:

Peter G. Morcos - Redmond WA, US
Ravindra K. Agrawal - Redmond WA, US
Lawrence W. Baldwin - Seattle WA, US
Tjeerd S. Hoek - Kirkland WA, US
David C. Parker - Woodinville WA, US

Assignee:

Microsoft Corporation - Redmond WA

International Classification:

G06F 13/00

US Classification:

715779, 715810, 715843

Abstract:

In a computer employing a graphical user interface (GUI), a method for displaying controls in command bars, which replace conventional menu bars and toolbars. Command bars employ a unified data structure that allows all types of controls to be included in both menu-like command bars and toolbar-like command bars. Command bars may be customized by dragging controls from a list of available commands or from another command bar. By not restricting the types of controls that can appear in each command bar, controls may be grouped to associate drop down menu controls with pushbutton controls. Menu-like command bars and toolbar-like command bars may be merged in a way that provides an intuitive and advantageous listing of commands. Menu popups may be torn off using a clearly indicated drag handle.

US Patent:

6229539, May 8, 2001

Filed:

Dec 23, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/220269

Inventors:

Peter G. Morcos - Redmond WA
Lawrence W. Baldwin - Seattle WA
David C. Parker - Woodinville WA

Assignee:

Microsoft Corporation - Redmond WA

International Classification:

G06F 900

US Classification:

345352

Abstract:

Merging a first set of items from a first container in a first program module and a second set of items from a second container in a second program module. An inquiry is conducted to decide which of the first set of items and the second set of items are eligible to be donated. Eligible items are combined by combining the eligible items of the first set of items with the eligible items from the second set of items. A merged container contains at least one item of the first set of items and at least one item from the second set of items. This merged container can be displayed to present the items included within that container. The containers typically comprise command bars and the items typically comprise controls.