Patent Publication Number: US-2005125736-A1

Title: Personalized desktop workspace icon organizer

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
      The present invention relates generally to organizational methods for computer desktops and specifically to a computer program for organizing a plurality of icons into groups on a computer desktop.  
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      As the storage and processing capacity of computer workstations increases, a single workstation is able to store and run an increased number of computer applications. Moreover, as the applications become more complex, each application may require a plurality of other concurrently running applications in order to achieve the desired result. For example, MICROSOFT® INTERNET EXPLORER® can be used to view web pages encoded in HTML; however, if a web page contains an ADOBE® .pdf document, then the computer must concurrently run ADOBE READER® or ADOBE ACROBAT® in order to view the web page. Web pages containing ADOBE® .pdf documents are a common occurrence when surfing the Internet. Therefore, when the user installs INTERNET EXPLORER® on his computer, the installation disk automatically installs ADOBE READER® onto the user&#39;s computer as well. The automatic installation of ADOBE READER® is beneficial to the user because the user will be able to view web pages containing .pdf documents without having to manually install ADOBE READER® at a later time.  
      One of the features associated with automatic installation of software is that the installation process places icons on the computer desktop. The icons allow the user to run the application from the desktop rather than running the application from the program selection menu (i.e. the START box in WINDOWS®). If the software program automatically installs additional programs such as ADOBE READER®, the automatic installation places a plurality of icons on the computer desktop, one for each installed application. The automatic installation process may also install icons on the desktop for documentation and other items of interest. The result is a multiplicity of icons on a user&#39;s computer desktop. The current method for placing the multiplicity of icons on the computer desktop is to place the new icons in a vertical row under the previously installed icons. However, the prior art method of icon placement is not preferable because the order of the icons on the desktop appears to be random to the user. What is needed in the art is a method for organizing the icons on a computer desktop. The organizational method would be especially useful to the user if the user were able to specify the criteria for icon organization. The prior art does not contain a method that allows the user to specify the criteria for icon organization. Therefore, a need exists in the art for a method for organizing icons on a computer desktop in which the user is able to define the criteria for organizing the icons.  
      Another problem associated with a multiplicity of icons is that the number of icons may actually exceed the desktop space. When this occurs, the icons are placed on top of other icons. Placing icons on top of other icons is not preferable because the user is unable to run an application using an icon when the icon is covered by another icon. Therefore, a need exists for a method of arranging icons on a computer desktop in which the icons do not cover one another.  
      With the increased usage of digital cameras, it is becoming more common for computer users to use their computer desktop as a place for photographs. In other words, computer users place pictures of family, friends, and/or travel on their computer desktop. One of the other problems with placing icons on a computer desktop is that the icons cover the user&#39;s wallpaper. The user is then faced with the choice of deleting the icons to see the picture better, or leaving the icons on the desktop and obscuring the picture. Therefore, a need exists in the art for a method of placing icons on a computer desktop in which the icons do not cover the user&#39;s wallpaper.  
      The prior art has previously attempted to address the needs identified above. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,784,061 (the &#39;061 patent) entitled “Method and Apparatus for Collapsing and Expanding Selected Regions on a Workspace on a Computer Controlled Display System” discloses a method for maximizing desktop space by representing a plurality of icons as a single icon. The single icon in the &#39;061 patent can be opened to reveal the plurality of collapsed icons. However, the method in the &#39;061 patent requires the user to undertake the additional step of opening the single icon in order to run the application using one of the collapsed icons. Therefore, a need still exists for organizing icons in which the user does not have to open a plurality of icons in order to run an application.  
      U.S. Pat. No. 5,977,973 (the &#39;973 patent) entitled “Window Linking” discloses a method for linking a plurality of windows together in the WINDOWS® operating environment. The window linking method allows the user to reduce the number of open windows, thereby reducing the cluttered appearance of the desktop. However, the linked windows still obscure the user&#39;s wallpaper to the same extent as the unlinked windows. Therefore, a need exists in the art for a method to reduce clutter on a desktop without obscuring the user&#39;s wallpaper.  
      U.S. Pat. No. 6,426,761 (the &#39;761 patent) entitled “Information Presentation System for a Graphical User Interface” discloses a method for arranging icons in a fractal pattern. The method in the &#39;761 patent allows the user to manipulate the icon size such that the user never runs out of desktop space. However, the icons in the &#39;761 patent, while reduced in size, still obscure the user&#39;s wallpaper. Therefore, a need still exists in the art for a method of organizing icons on a desktop in which the user&#39;s wallpaper is not obscured.  
      Consequently, a need exists in the art for an improved method and system for organizing icons on a computer desktop. The need extends to an improved organizational method in which the user can define icon groups and in which the icons are automatically placed into the icon groups based on the application associated with an icon. Finally, the need extends to an organizational method in which the icons do not obscure the user&#39;s wallpaper on the computer desktop.  
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      The present invention, which meets the needs stated above, is a method of organizing icons on a desktop into groups and displaying the icon groups in segments on the desktop. The software embodiment of the present invention comprises a Configuration Program (CP), an Icon Grouping Program (IGP), and an Icon Organization Program (IOP). The CP allows a user to define at least one segment on the desktop. The user defines the segment location, the segment size, the types of icons associated with the segment, the icon organization within the segment, and whether the segment covers the desktop wallpaper. The IGP analyzes the icons and places the icons into the proper segments based on the type of application associated with the icon. The IOP organizes the icons within each segment using the icon organization specified by the user in the CP. The IOP also organizes new icons that are added to the desktop. The present invention may also be applied to a web portal or home web page.  
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
      The novel features believed characteristic of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:  
       FIG. 1  is an illustration of a computer network used to implement the present invention;  
       FIG. 2  is an illustration of a computer, including a memory and a processor, associated with the present invention;  
       FIG. 3  is an illustration of the logic of the Configuration Program (CP) of the present invention;  
       FIG. 4  is an illustration of the logic of the Icon Grouping Program (IGP) of the present invention;  
       FIG. 5  is an illustration of the logic of the Icon Organization Program (IOP) of the present invention;  
       FIG. 6  is an illustration of the Graphical User Interface (GUI) displaying the configuration window of the present invention; and  
       FIG. 7  is an illustration of the desktop of the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
      As used herein, the term “analyze” shall mean to examine the code of an icon and determine the type of application associated with the icon.  
      As used herein, the term “application” shall mean a computer program designed to assist in the performance of a specific task or function, such as by way of example an not limited to, word processing, accounting, or inventory management.  
      As used herein, the term “classify” shall mean to group a plurality of icons together into an icon group using the types of applications associated with the icons.  
      As used herein, the term “computer” shall mean a machine having a processor, a memory, and an operating system, capable of interaction with a user or other computer, and shall include without limitation desktop computers, notebook computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), servers, handheld computers, and similar devices.  
      As used herein, the term “desktop” shall mean an on-screen work area that uses icons and menus to access files.  
      As used herein, the term “icon” shall mean an image displayed on a computer desktop which runs an application when clicked.  
      As used herein, the term “icon group” shall mean a plurality of icons with common attributes, which are placed into a segment.  
      As used herein, the term “organize” shall mean to arrange a plurality of icons in a specific manner.  
      As used herein, the term “segment” shall mean a portion of a desktop which contains an icon group.  
      As used herein, the term “wallpaper” shall mean a pattern or picture displayed on the desktop, which can be chosen by a user.  
       FIG. 1  is an illustration of computer network  90  associated with the present invention. Computer network  90  comprises local computer  95  electrically coupled to network  96 . Local computer  95  is electrically coupled to remote computer  94  and remote computer  93  via network  96 . Local computer  95  is also electrically coupled to server  91  and database  92  via network  96 . Network  96  may be a simplified network connection such as a local area network (LAN) or may be a larger network such as a wide area network (WAN) or the Internet. Furthermore, computer network  90  depicted in  FIG. 1  is intended as a representation of a possible operating network containing the present invention and is not meant as an architectural limitation.  
      The internal configuration of a computer, including connection and orientation of the processor, memory, and input/output devices, is well known in the art. The present invention is a methodology that can be embodied in a computer program. Referring to  FIG. 2 , the methodology of the present invention is implemented on software by Configuration Program (CP)  200 , Icon Grouping Program (IGP)  300 , and Icon Organization Program (IOP)  400 . CP  200 , IGP  300 , and IOP  400  described herein can be stored within the memory of any computer depicted in  FIG. 1 . Alternatively, CP  200 , IGP  300 , and/or IOP  400  can be stored in an external storage device such as a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or a USB storage device. Memory  100  is illustrative of the memory within one of the computers of  FIG. 1 . Memory  100  also contains display settings  120  and icons  130 . The present invention may interface with display settings  120  and icons  130  through memory  100 . As part of the present invention, the memory  100  can be configured with CP  200 , IGP  300 , and/or IOP  400 . Processor  106  can execute the instructions contained in CP  200 , IGP  300 , and/or IOP  400 . Processor  106  is also able to display data on display  102  and accept user input on user input device  104 . Processor  106 , user input device  104 , display  102 , and memory  100  are part of a computer such as local computer  95  in  FIG. 1 . Processor  106  can communicate with other computers via network  96 .  
      In alternative embodiments, CP  200 , IGP  300 , and/or IOP  400  can be stored in the memory of other computers. Storing CP  200 , IGP  300 , and/or IOP  400  in the memory of other computers allows the processor workload to be distributed across a plurality of processors instead of a single processor. Further configurations of CP  200 , IGP  300 , and/or IOP  400  across various memories are known by persons of ordinary skill in the art. The present invention may be a method, a stand alone computer program, or a plug-in to an existing computer program. Persons of ordinary skill in the art are aware of how to configure computer programs, such as those described herein, to plug into an existing computer program.  
      Turning to  FIG. 3 , the logic of Configuration Program (CP)  200  is illustrated. CP  200  is a computer program that allows a user to define a segment on the desktop by using a dialogue box or similar user input feature. CP  200  starts ( 202 ) when CP  200  is invoked by the user. The user then defines the location of the segment ( 204 ). The segment may be located at the top, the bottom, the left side, the right side, or in the center of the desktop. Alternatively, the user may define the location of the segment using the (x,y) coordinates of the Cartesian coordinate system for the desktop. The user then defines the size of the segment ( 206 ). The segment size may be defined as a percentage of the screen size or as a number a pixels. Alternatively, the user may define the length and width of the segment using the (x,y) coordinates of the Cartesian coordinate system for the desktop. The user then defines the icon group within the segment ( 208 ). Possible icon groups within a segment are documents, games, web pages, development tools, and other. Persons of ordinary skill in the art are aware of other icon groups for desktop icons.  
      The user then defines the icon organization ( 210 ). The icons may be organized in one of several manners. For example, one manner of organizing icons is to shrink all of the icons down to the smallest possible size that the icon source code supports and place the shrunken icons as close together as possible within the segment. When referring to icon size herein, the reference is to the visual dimensions of the icon on the Graphical User Interface (GUI) rather than the amount of memory used to store the icon. Another manner for organizing icons is to adjust the size of the icons to fill the segment. A third manner for organizing icons is to place the icons in the segment at their normal size, but if all of the icons do not fit into the segment, reduce the icons in size until the icons fit into the segment. A fourth manner for organizing icons is to place the icons in the segment at their normal size, and to add scroll bars to the segment if there is insufficient room in the segment for the icons. Persons of ordinary skill in the art are aware of other methods for organizing icons within a segment.  
      The user then defines whether the segment covers the wallpaper ( 212 ). The wallpaper is defined in the display settings, which may be like display settings  120  in  FIG. 2 . The wallpaper may be a .bmp, .jpg, or .gif file. Persons of ordinary skill in the art are aware of other types of files that can be used for desktop wallpaper. If the segment covers the wallpaper, the icons are placed directly on top of the wallpaper. If the segment does not cover the wallpaper, the wallpaper is reduced in size so that the segment does not cover the wallpaper. CP  200  then determines if the user desires to create another segment ( 214 ). If the user desires to create another segment, then CP  200  returns to step  204 . If the user does not desire to create another segment, CP  200  runs IGP  300  ( 216 ) and ends ( 218 ).  
      Turning to  FIG. 4 , the logic of Icon Grouping Program (IGP)  300  is illustrated. IGP  300  is a program that classifies the icons into groups. The icons may be like icons  130  in  FIG. 2 . The specific steps of IGP  300  will depend on the types of icon groups defined by the user. The steps illustrated in  FIG. 4  are for the following icon groups: games, documents, web pages, and other. IGP  300  starts ( 302 ) when invoked by CP  200 . Alternatively, IGP  300  can start whenever a new icon is added to the desktop. IGP  300  analyzes the first icon ( 304 ). In analyzing the icon, IGP  200  determines what type of application the icon is associated with. For example, if the icon is associated with a MICROSOFT® INTERNET EXPLORER® or NETSCAPE® NAVIGATOR®, then the icon is a web page. If the icon is associated with MICROSOFT®WORD® or COREL® WORDPERFECT®, then the icon is a document. Persons of ordinary skill in the art are aware of how to determine what type of application an icon is associated with.  
      IGP  300  then determines whether the icon is a game icon ( 306 ). If the icon is a game icon, then IGP  300  places the icon in the games segment ( 308 ) and proceeds to step  320 . If the icon is not a game icon, then IGP  300  determines if the icon is a document icon ( 310 ). If the icon is a document icon, then IGP  300  places the icon in the documents segment ( 312 ) and proceeds to step  320 . If the icon is not a document icon, then IGP  300  determines if the icon is a webpage icon ( 314 ). If the icon is a webpage icon, then IGP  300  places the icon in the webpages segment ( 316 ) and proceeds to step  320 . If the icon is not a webpage icon, then IGP  300  places the icon in the other segment ( 318 ). IGP  300  then determines if there are icons remaining ( 320 ). If there are icons remaining, IGP  300  analyzes the next segment ( 322 ) and returns to step  306 . If there are not any icons remaining, then IGP  300  ends ( 324 ).  
      Turning to  FIG. 5 , the logic of the Icon Organization Program (IOP)  400  is illustrated. IOP  400  is a program that organizes the icons within the segments on the desktop. The icons may be added during the initial configuration of the present invention by CP  200 . The icons may also be added at a later time when the user installs additional software programs on the computer associated with the present invention. Persons of ordinary skill in the art are aware of other times when icons are added to a segment. IOP  400  starts ( 402 ) whenever an icon is added to a segment ( 404 ). IOP  400  then determines if the icon organization defined in CP  200  is the smallest possible icons ( 406 ). If the icon organization is the smallest possible icons, then IOP  400  shrinks the icons to their smallest possible size allowed by the icon source code and reduces the space between icons until all of the icons fit into the segment ( 408 ). IOP  400  then ends ( 432 ). If at step  406 , the icon organization is not the smallest possible icons, IOP  400  determines if the icon organization defined in CP  200  is to adjust the icons to fill the segment ( 410 ). If the icon organization is to adjust the icons to fill, IOP  400  adjusts the icon size so that the icons fill the entire segment ( 412 ) and ends ( 432 ).  
      If at step  410 , the icon organization is not adjust to fill, then IOP  400  determines if the icon organization defined in CP  200  is normal size but shrink to fit if necessary ( 414 ). If the icon organization is normal size but shrink to fit if necessary, then IOP  400  determines if there is sufficient space in the segment for the present icon ( 416 ). If there is sufficient space in the segment for the present icon, IOP  400  places the icon in the segment at normal size ( 418 ) and ends ( 432 ). If there is insufficient space in the segment for the present icon, IOP  400  shrinks the icons in the segment until all of the icons in the segment, including the present icon, fit into the segment ( 420 ). IOP  400  then ends ( 432 ).  
      If at step  414 , the icon organization is not normal size, but shrink to fit if necessary, IOP  400  determines if the icon organization defined in step  422  is normal sized icons with scroll bars if necessary ( 422 ). If the icon organization in step  422  is not normal sized icons with scroll bars if necessary, then IOP  400  returns to step  406 . If the icon organization is normal sized icons with scroll bars if necessary, then IOP  400  determines if there is sufficient space in the segment for the present icon ( 424 ). If there is sufficient space in the segment for the present icon, IOP  400  places the icon in the segment at normal size ( 426 ) and ends ( 432 ). If there is insufficient space in the segment for the present icon, IOP  400  adds a scroll bar to the segment ( 428 ) and adds the present icon to the segment ( 430 ). Persons of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that only some of the icons in a segment will be visible if a segment contains a scroll bar. IOP  400  then ends ( 432 ).  
      Turning to  FIG. 6 , Graphical User Interface (GUI)  500  is illustrated. GUI  500  depicts define segments menu  504 , which may be invoked by clicking define segment menu selection  502 . Define segments menu  504  contains a plurality of segment location choices  506 , which may be top, bottom, left, right, or center. Define segments menu  504  also contains a plurality of segment size choices  508 , which may be defined as a percentage of the screen or a specific number of pixels. Define segments menu  504  also contains a plurality of icon categories  510 , which may be documents, games, web pages, development tools, or other. Define segments menu  504  also contains a plurality of icon organizational options  512 , which may be smallest possible icons, adjust icons size to fill segment, normal size but shrink icon size to fit into segment if necessary, and normal size with scroll bars if necessary. Define segments menu  504  also contains an area which the user may define to have the segment cover the wallpaper  514 . The user may submit the selections made using submit button  516  or cancel the selections using cancel button  518 .  
      Turning to  FIG. 7 , desktop  600  of the present invention is illustrated. Desktop  600  comprises four segments: top segment  602 , bottom segment  604 , left segment  606 , and right segment  608 . Top segment  602  contains icons which are organized in the smallest possible icon organization. Bottom segment  604  contains icons that are organized in the normal sized icons with scroll bar. Left segment  606  contains icons that are expanded to fill the segment. Right segment  608  contains icons that are shrunken to fit the segment. Desktop  600  also contains wallpaper  610 . The four depicted segments do not cover wallpaper  610 .  
      In an alterative embodiment, the present invention can be applied to a web portal or home web page. The web portal is a web page that is similar to the user&#39;s computer desktop. Web portals are fully configurable by the user and allow the user to navigate the Internet with greater ease. Persons of ordinary skill in the art are aware of how to configure the HTML of a web portal to accept the novel features of the present invention. In another alternative embodiment, the user can modify the size of the segment by dragging the cursor over the segment wall. Resizing by dragging a cursor over the segment wall is similar to resizing a window by dragging the cursor over one of the sides of the window.  
      With respect to the above description, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function, manner of operation, assembly, and use are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art. The present invention encompasses all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification. The novel spirit of the present invention is still embodied by reordering or deleting some of the steps contained in this disclosure. The spirit of the invention is not meant to be limited in any way except by proper construction of the following claims.