Patent ID: 6335745
Filing Date: 2002-01-01
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
A method for efficiently invoking a function within a data processing system, said method comprising the steps of:displaying a graphical application within a display device of a data processing system, wherein said graphical application has an associated graphical window and an associated graphical selection area, wherein said graphical selection area includes a plurality of regions that each have an associated function; iconizing said graphical application such that said associated graphical window and associated graphical selection area are no longer displayed within said data processing system; displaying said associated graphical selection area at a first location if the associated graphical selection area is to be displayed in response to a selection of said iconized graphical application, and at a second location if said associated graphical selection area is to be displayed in response to a selection of said iconized graphical application without any additional user inputs occurring in conjunction with said selection; and performing an associated function in response to selection of a particular region among said plurality of regions, such that said associated function may be invoked without displaying said associated graphical window.