Patent ID: 6630943
Filing Date: 2003-10-07
Classification: G06F,G09G

Abstract:
A method for modifying the display of a secondary user interface on a video display system to include a portal area, the video display system having a total displayable area that includes a first region and a second region, the first region controlled by a computer operating system which presents a user interface that occupies at least a portion of the first region, the second region located outside of the first region and outside of the control of the operating system, the secondary user interface being displayed in the second region, comprising:upon receiving an indication to display a portal area; increasing the size of the second region by reallocating the total displayable area between the first region and the second region, such that the first region decreases in size in a manner that is transparent to the operating system; allocating a first portion of the enlarged second region to the secondary user interface and a second portion to the portal area; redisplaying the secondary user interface in the first portion of the enlarged second region; determining an indication of content to display in the portal area; and loading and displaying the indicated content in the portal area.