Stop Microsoft

All Things Microsoft => Microsoft Software => Topic started by: mobrien_12 on 26 February 2004, 01:06

Title: MS tries to patent virtual desktop pager
Post by: mobrien_12 on 26 February 2004, 01:06
Found this first on Slashdot (http://yro.slashdot.org/yro/04/02/25/1346201.shtml)

Here's the abstract from their patent application (http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220030189597%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20030189597&RS=DN/20030189597)

 
quote:
MS tries to patent something thats been around for a while.
A method for a user to preview multiple virtual desktops in a graphical user interface is described. The method comprises receiving an indication from a user to preview the multiple virtual desktops and displaying multiple panes on the display. Each pane contains a scaled virtual desktop having dimensions that are proportionally less than the dimensions of a corresponding full-size virtual desktop. Each scaled virtual desktop displays with one or more scaled application windows as shadows if the corresponding full-size virtual desktop has one or more corresponding application windows that are active.


Does this sound familiar to anyone who has used Linux/*BSD?

  :rolleyes:
Title: MS tries to patent virtual desktop pager
Post by: Refalm on 26 February 2004, 02:48
Windows has Virtual Desktop since Windows XP. However, it's a hidden feature, and there's no pager, only buttons.
Title: MS tries to patent virtual desktop pager
Post by: WMD on 26 February 2004, 03:02
KDE has had this a long time now  :mad:
Title: MS tries to patent virtual desktop pager
Post by: hm_murdock on 26 February 2004, 03:48
in which they could easily prove prior art.

they should do so
Title: MS tries to patent virtual desktop pager
Post by: restin256 on 26 February 2004, 05:28
quote:
Originally posted by WMD:
KDE has had this a long time now   :mad:  


..along with every other WM/DE I've used.
Title: MS tries to patent virtual desktop pager
Post by: WMD on 27 February 2004, 01:54
quote:
Originally posted by restin256:


..along with every other WM/DE I've used.


Silly me...how'd I forget that(http://www.dognoodle99.cjb.net/images/doh.gif)