Operating system program launch menu search

FIELD: information technology.

SUBSTANCE: operating system program launch menu provides various mechanisms for a user to quickly and efficiently locate and launch desired data items such as programs, data files and storage locations. A search box within the program launch menu may be used to quickly locate programs, documents, messages, and other data items. An auto-complete feature may be used when the user restricts the range of locations searched for the user-entered search text. A most commonly used program list may include programs based on various criteria including both frequency of use and recent use, thereby always including a most recently used item. An all programs view may display hierarchy of programs and documents in a hosted-tree view within the original confines of the program launch menu, thereby avoiding the need to open sub-menus occupying a large portion of the desktop displayed on the display device.

EFFECT: faster searching of a required application or document in an operating system.

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The technical field to which the invention relates.

The invention relates, in General, to computers and computer operating systems. More specifically, the invention provides a method and system for Windows search and search capabilities in the graphical user interface menu, run programs for the operating system.

The level of technology

Computer operating systems have developed considerably in recent years. Typically, these systems have a wrapper that provides a graphical user interface (GUI) to the end user. The shell consists of a single component or a combination of software components that provides direct communication between the user and the operating system. Increase speed of computer hardware, such as memory, hard drives, CPUs, graphics cards, system buses, and the like, allowed to create a richer graphical user interfaces, which are much more user-friendly. At the same time, lower prices on hardware made computer systems more accessible, enabling widespread use of computers as means of production and multimedia systems. Graphical user interfaces allowed for inexperienced users and people who previously who were familiar with computers, quickly and intuitively understand the value of desktop icons, Windows and applications, and how the user can interact with each of these elements.

Desk shown in figure 2, is a standard graphic display of modern graphical user interfaces. The interface is designed like a real desktop. Desk usually takes the entire surface of the single display device or may include multiple display devices and contains subordinate user interface objects, such as icons, menus, cursors and Windows. The desktop is the main work area, where many documents and applications can be in an open state.

Operating system, such as system trademarks of Microsoft Windows XP^®or trademarks Windows 2000^®usually contains a graphical way of launching a new software application within its graphical user interface. Figure 2 depicts a well-known example of how this can be achieved in Windows XP. Shot 200 of the screen displays the desktop 201, bordering on one side with the taskbar 203, and the open window 202. When the user wants to run a new application, the user moves the pointer (also called a cursor controlled by a mouse, oordinates ball or similar device and clicks on the appropriate menu item Menu 204 Start, which was previously invoked by pressing the button 205 Start. Button 205 Start in the General case is provided in its position on the tray 203. The user may adjust the location of the taskbar 203, but being placed in the desired position, the button 205 Start becomes constant and familiar starting point for the user when launching new applications.

When the user clicks on the button 205 Start, shown in figure 2, the Menu 204 Start appears as a pop-up list on top of the currently open window 202 and desktop 201. Subsequent submenu 206 Menu 204 Start, which in this case appears when the user clicks on a list item "Programs" or keep the cursor on the element appears on top and right of the original Start Menu to show more choices.

Start menu programs (for example, Start Menu), which uses a pop-up menu to display the all programs as shown in figure 2, is known from the prior art operating systems are limited in their organization and functions the user can perform. For users it can be difficult to move around very long lists with deeply nested folder structures. Users are often unable to find the desired application or document in the start menu is rogram, because the information in the start menu programs often excessive and disorganized, and users often accidentally open and close the folders to find the application in excess start-up menu. In addition, large pop-up menus often seem to be unattractive and poorly adapted to locate within the start menu programs. Despite the fact that the user can manually organize your start menu programs in order at least to reduce the level of clutter, it can be tedious and time consuming, and not all users have the appropriate level of experience to know how to organize your start menu programs.

One organizational feature that was used in the start menu programs, is to display a list of shortcuts to the most frequently used (MFU) or most recently used (MRU) items. However, the lists MFU and MRU does not always accurately reflect the applications and/or documents that are currently required by the user. The MFU list, for example, will not necessarily display the recently used document or application, and the MRU list does not necessarily reflect the commonly used document or application.

Thus, the improvement in the art would be the provision of the operating system of the computer, which allows him more effectively the search is necessary, application, or document.

The invention

Below is a simplified description of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the invention. This description of the invention is not advanced overview of the invention. It is not intended to identify key or critical elements of the invention or to indicate the scope of the invention. The following description of the invention represents in simplified form some of the concepts of the invention as an introductory part to the more detailed description presented later.

To overcome the above limitations inherent in start menu programs, known from the prior art, as well as other limitations that will be apparent upon reading and understanding this description, the various illustrative aspects of the present invention depicting the start menu programs and improvements thereto, for example, including, but not limited to, improved search tool within the start menu programs, improved navigation capabilities of selectable items within the menu, run programs and improved heuristics select items that appear in the list of commonly used items within the start menu programs.

According to an illustrative aspect of the invention, the computer can help in the implementation of the method of displaying the list of historically selected items in a menu of a computer program. The method may include determining the most frequently used element (MFU), the definition of recently-used element (MRU) and display on the computer display device element MFU and MRU item in the menu list. Such a menu may be a menu, run programs, such as the Start Menu. The choice of the MRU and MFU can be based on the number of points of use associated with each selected item, and items with the highest number of points of use included in the list. The number of points of use can be determined by adding points if the item is used by the user, and subtract points if the item is not used by the user. When an item is used, it can get enough points to use in order to ensure that this item will be included in the list, for example, by adding a sufficient number of points of use for this number was equal to the number of points of use last element previously included in the list.

According to another illustrative aspect of the invention, one or more computer-readable media can store the software to select items to display in the start menu of the operating system programs. The method may include determining the number of pun is tov use, corresponding to each of the many elements that must be included in the start menu programs by setting the initial number of points used for each of the multiple elements. When one of many items running in the operating system, increases the number of points of use of the program corresponding to that element. The software reduces the number of points of use corresponding to any element that is not running in the operating system for one or more specified periods. The software determines the number of elements that have the greatest number of points of use, and displays the specific items in the start menu programs.

According to an illustrative aspect of the invention, start menu programs, such as the Start Menu, displays a dialog box for entering search text within the start menu programs displayed on a computer display device, which can be used to determine the location of user-selected items in a computer system. Various aspects of the invention may provide for the display of search results within the start menu programs, where the search results identifying the selectable items that match the text entered user the LEM through a dialog box for entering search text. The search results can be grouped according to the type of each selected element that matches the search criteria, for example, an application, document, Internet, message, etc. and can be ranked within each group based on one or more secondary criteria like date of last change. According to various aspects of the invention, the search may be performed on the metadata of each selectable element or, on the contrary, in the form of full-text search on the content of selected elements, respectively.

According to an illustrative aspect of the invention, one or more computer-readable media can store the software in order to provide a shortcut to run the item stored in the computer system. After detecting that the user has pressed the menu key run programs directly or indirectly associated with the computer system, the computer displays the start menu programs on the display device, either directly or indirectly associated with the computer system. After the show start menu programs the computer automatically provides the input focus to the dialog box for entering search text within the start menu programs displayed on a computer display device. The computer displays the search results within the plant and the area of the start menu programs where the search results contain the selectable items corresponding to the search text entered by the user through a dialog box for entering search text, and automatically focuses the selection on the search result that best matches the search criteria. The computer starts, select the item that best matches the search criteria, after receiving the set command from the user, such as pressing <Enter>, while the selection is focused on the search results most relevant to the search criteria.

According to another illustrative aspect of the invention, one or more computer-readable media can store the software to display the start menu programs. The software can display the start menu programs on the display device of the computer system, where the start menu programs capable of displaying at least three species. The first view can display all application programs in the structure being viewed by the user. The second type can display commonly used selectable elements, including the element that has been viewed in the last previous time, and the most frequently used item. The third type can display the search results, select al the elements in accordance with the search text, entered by the user through a dialog box for entering search text displayed within the start menu programs. The user can switch between views using the control switch displayed on the computer screen. If the user enters text in the search box, the search results may be displayed automatically.

According to another illustrative aspect of the invention there is a method of displaying on a computing device display a list of selectable items in the start menu programs the operating system running on the computer system. The method may include displaying on a computer display device, a start menu programs, having established the area in which you may see many of selectable items and the selectable items included in this set are placed according to the hierarchy, and where each element includes one disclosed and single startup items. The method may include the initial display in the prescribed region of the first subset from the set of selectable items, where each selectable element in the first subset is at the top level of the hierarchy. In response to the user selection of the first expandable element in the first subset in this way can the t to change the order of items within the specified area, to provide a venue for display in hierarchical order in the prescribed region of the second subset from the set of selectable items, where the second subset contains one or more elements of the first expandable element. According to this method, in response to the user selecting any startup item that appears in the installed pane, you can perform a software application associated with this startup item. The hierarchy of selectable items may be displayed either by displaying relevant hierarchy level on top of the other levels, either in the form of a tree.

According to another illustrative aspect of the invention, one or more computer-readable media can store the software to display the hierarchy of the set of selectable items or by displaying relevant hierarchy level on top of the other levels, either in the form of a tree in the prescribed area of the start menu programs displayed on a computer display device.

According to another illustrative aspect of the invention, a computer system may include saved the software to display a set of selectable items in a tree view within the established field of start menu programs, the size of which cannot be changed is the computer. In response to the user selecting the first expandable member in a hierarchy of elements, presented in the form of a tree, the software changes the order of items within a set area to allocate space for display in hierarchical order in the prescribed region of a subset of the set of selectable items, where the subset contains one or more elements of the first expandable element. The software can run the application program corresponding to the user-selected startup item from the set of selectable items displayed in a fixed area.

Brief description of drawings

A more complete understanding of this invention and its advantages may be obtained by reviewing the following description with regard to the attached drawings, in which reference numbers correspond to certain elements and in which:

Figure 1 illustrates an operating environment in which can be executed one or more illustrative aspects of the invention;

Figure 2 is a screenshot of the desktop and start menu programs, known from the prior art;

Figure 3 is a screenshot of the desktop, which displays the start menu programs according to one or more illustrative aspects of the invention;

Figure 4 illustrates the start menu programs according to one or more illustrative aspects of the invention;

Figure 5 illustrates the start menu programs according to one or more illustrative aspects of the invention;

6 illustrates the start menu programs according to one or more illustrative aspects of the invention;

7 illustrates a state diagram for use with the start menu programs according to one or more illustrative aspects of the invention;

Fig illustrates an alternative state diagram for use with the start menu programs according to one or more illustrative aspects of the invention;

Fig.9 illustrates the method of determining the elements to be included in the list of the most frequently used elements according to one or more illustrative aspects of the invention;

Figure 10 illustrates the hierarchy of menus, which can be used according to one or more illustrative aspects of the invention;

Figa and 11B illustrate an alternative menu hierarchy, which can be used according to one or more illustrative aspects of the invention;

Fig is a screenshot of the start menu programs, displaying all program according to an illustrative aspect of the invention;

Fig illustrates the decision rules for search results according to an illustrative aspect of the invention;

Fig illustrates decisive government is and for the search results according to an illustrative aspect of the invention.

The implementation of the invention

In the following description, various embodiments of the invention reference is made to the attached drawings, which are a part of this description and which are shown by way of illustration various embodiments of the invention. You must understand that can be used in other embodiments of the invention and that the invention may be made of structural and functional changes, without departing from the essence of the present invention.

Illustrative operating environment

Figure 1 shows an example of a suitable computing environment 100 that may be implemented invention. Computing environment 100 is only one example of a suitable computing environment, and its use as an example does not impose any restrictions on the possibilities of use or functionality of the invention. The use of computer environment 100 in an example also does not mean that any component or combination of components illustrated in the operating environment 100 is depending on the operating environment or imposes any requirements.

The invention is capable of functioning in conjunction with many other universal or special computer system environments or con is imprezy. Examples of well known computing systems, environments and/or configurations that may be suitable for use with the invention include, but are not limited to, personal computers, server computers; portable and handheld devices such as personal digital assistants (PDAs), tablet PC or laptops; multiprocessor systems; systems based on microprocessor; console TV; programmable consumer electronics; network PC; minicomputers; universal computers; game consoles; distributed computing environments that include any of the above systems or devices, and so on

The invention can be described in the General context of computer executable commands, such as program modules, executed by the computer. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that perform specific tasks or apply specific abstract data types. The invention may also be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules may be located in local and remote computer storage media, is including in itself the memory of the memory device.

Depicted in figure 1 illustrative system for implementing the invention includes a universal computing device in the form of a computer 110. Components of computer 110 may include, but are not limited to, the processor module 120, system memory 130, and a system bus 121 that couples various system components including the system memory 130, a processor module 120. The system bus 121 may be any of several types of bus structures including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus and a local bus using any of a variety of options bus architecture. As an example, but not limitation, this architecture includes a bus standard for industrial application architecture (ISA)bus, a microchannel architecture (MCA), extended ISA (EISA), a local bus standard Association standards in the field of video electronics (VESA)bus port an accelerated graphics (AGP) bus standard PCI (PCI), also known as Mezzanine bus.

The computer 110 typically includes a variety of computer readable media. Readable computer storage media can be any available media that can be accessed by computer 110 and includes both volatile and nonvolatile media, removable and non-replaceable media information the purpose. As an example, but not limitation, computer readable media may include computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media include volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-replaceable storage media in which information is stored by any method or technology, for example in the form of computer readable commands, data structures, program modules or other data. Computer storage media include, but are not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, DVD, or other optical disks, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic storage disk, or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to store the desired information and which can accessed by computer 110. Means of communication normally transmit machine-readable commands, data structures, program modules or other data via a modulated signal, in the form of carrier oscillations, or other mechanisms, data and include any means of data delivery. The term "modulated data signal" means a signal which has one or more characteristics change, by encoding information in the signal. By way of example, but not about the constraints means of communication include wired media such as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic, RF, infrared and other wireless communication tools. Any combination of the above means must also be included in the scope of computer readable media.

The system memory 130 includes computer storage media in the form of volatile and/or nonvolatile memory constant memory (ROM) 131 and a memory 132 (RAM). The system basic input-output system 133 (BIOS), containing basic routines that help to transfer information between elements within computer 110, such as during startup, typically stored in ROM 131. RAM 132 typically contains data and/or software modules for immediate access, and/or which is currently running the processor 120. As an example, but not limitation, figure 1 depicts the operating system 134, application programs 135, other program modules 136, and program data 137.

The computer 110 may also include other removable/non-replaceable, volatile/nonvolatile computer storage media. Just as an example, figure 1 depicts the hard disk drive 141 that reads from or writes to nesmeny the nonvolatile magnetic media, magnetic disk drive 151 that reads from or writes to a removable nonvolatile magnetic disk 152, and an optical disk drive 155 that reads from or writes to a removable nonvolatile optical disk 156 such as a CD-ROM or other optical media. Other removable/non-replaceable, volatile/nonvolatile computer storage media that can be used in a rough environment, include, but are not limited to, tapes, magnetic tapes, memory cards, DVD, digital video tape, solid state RAM, solid state ROM, and the like, the Hard disk drive 141 is typically associated with the system bus 121 through a non-replaceable interface memory interface 140, and magnetic disk drive 151 and optical disk drive 155 are typically associated with system bus 121 interface, a removable memory interface 150.

The drives and their associated computer storage media discussed above and depicted in figure 1, provide storage of computer-readable commands, data structures, program modules and other data for the computer 110. In figure 1, for example, depicts a hard disk drive 141 that stores the operating system 144, application programs 145, other program modules 146, and program data 147. It should be noted that these components may be either the same as or different from operating system 134, application programs 135, other p is ogromnyh modules 136, and program data 137. Operating system 144, application programs 145, other program modules 146, and program data 147 are other numbers here in order to show that they, at least, are different copies. The user can enter commands and information into the computer 110 through input devices such as a keyboard 162 and pointing device 161, commonly representing a so-called mouse coordinate ball or touch keyboard. Other input devices (not shown here) may include a microphone, joystick, game pad, satellite dish, scanner, or the like. These and other input devices are often associated with processor module 120 through a user input interface 160, which is connected to the system bus, but may be connected by other interface and bus structures, such as a parallel port, game port, universal serial bus (USB) or serial bus IEEE 1394 (FireWire). At least one monitor 184 or the display device of another type may also be connected to system bus 121 via an interface adapter type 183. Video 183 can support advanced features display characters three-dimensional graphics, in addition to having their own specialized processor and memory. Computer MoE also include digital Converter 185, to allow the user to provide input using the device 186 enter data using the stylus. In addition to the monitor, computers may also include other peripheral output devices such as speakers 189 and the printer 188, which may be connected through the interface 187 external output devices.

The computer 110 may operate in a networked environment using logical connections to one or more remote computers, such as a remote computer 180. The remote computer 180 may be a personal computer, a server, a router, a network PC, a peer device or other common network node, and typically includes many or all of the elements described above relative to the computer 110, although only a storage device 181 memory is depicted in figure 1. The logical connections depicted in figure 1 include a local area network (LAN) 171 and a wide area network (WAN) 173, but may also include other networks. Such networking environments are commonplace in offices, computer networks scale enterprises, intranets and the Internet.

When used in the environment with the LAN, the computer 110 may be connected to the LAN 171 through a network interface or adapter 170. When used in networking the global network, the computer 110 may include a modem 172 or other means for h is usually used to establish communications over the WAN 173, such as the Internet. The modem 172, which may be internal or external, may be connected to the system bus 121 via the user input interface 160, or other appropriate mechanism. In a networked environment, program modules depicted relative to the computer 110, or parts thereof, can be stored in the remote memory storage device. As an example, but not limitation, figure 1 depicts a remote application program 182 as resides in the memory device 181. It should be noted that the network connections shown are exemplary, and may use other means of establishing communication between computers.

One or more aspects of the invention can be made in the form of computer executable commands, for example, in one or more program modules, executed by one or more computers or other devices. In the General case, program modules include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that perform specific tasks or use specific abstract data types when executed by a processor in a computer or other device. Executable computer commands can be stored on a machine-readable medium such as a hard disk, optical disk, removable media, tverdal the I memory RAM, etc. As may be appreciated by the person skilled in the field of technology, the functionality of the software modules may be desired combined or distributed in the various versions of the invention. In addition, the functionality can be implemented fully or partially in firmware or equivalent hardware, such as integrated circuits, programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), etc.

Illustrative embodiments of the invention

Figure 3 depicts a typical snapshot of the screen 301 according to an illustrative variant implementation of the invention. The screenshot in figure 3 displays the desktop 303 bordering one side of the taskbar 309 and displays the open window 307. Desk 303 may include other elements, such as icons 305a, 305b, 305c application, location of storage or other to be run and/or to view items. The taskbar 309 may include additional elements, such as button 313 application associated with window 307 and 314 quick launch.

When the user wants to run a new application, the user moves the pointer (also called a cursor controlled by a mouse, a coordinate ball or the like, and clicks on the appropriate item IU the Yu menu 315 run (also referred to here as the Start Menu), which, in turn, was previously invoked by pressing the button 311 Start. The Start menu may alternatively be initiated by the user by pressing a special key on the connected computer keyboard 162, for example Windows key^®(not shown here). Button 311 Start in the General case is located at a specific location on the taskbar 309. The user can adjust the location of the taskbar, 309, but being placed in the desired position, the button 311 Start becomes constant and familiar starting point for the user when launching new applications.

When the user clicks on the button 311 Start, as shown in figure 3, menu 315 Start appears as a pop-up list of currently open window 307 and desktop 303. Menu 315 Start may include a large number of areas or zones in which different elements, icons, information and/or choices presented to the user. The item may refer to an application program, location of storage, a data file, the navigation URL, or any other selectable or run the reference data. According to one or more illustrative aspects of the invention, the operating system may be adapted to provide enhanced organization and search capabilities within the menu 315 Start. Menu 315 Start may include first about the art 317, storing fixed elements, also called list 317 pinned items. The anchor element is an element that remains in a fixed location on the menu 315 Start regardless of the actions taken by the user regarding the selection and/or run other elements. By default, the list 317 pinned items can be filled with original set of elements of the operating system and original items that are installed by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM). However, the user can adjust the contents of the list 317 pinned items and can add, remove, and rearrange items in the list 317 pinned items, for example, by using the operation GUI "pick and drop". If the user pulls the item from the list 317 pinned items, the operating system may, through a dialog box to prompt the user for confirmation that the user really wants to remove the dragged item from the pinned items list, protecting items from accidental deletion from the list 317 pinned items. According to some aspects of the invention, the elements can be attached/detached through the context menu that appears when a secondary signal input received from input devices, e.g. the, by clicking the right mouse button when the cursor is on the item. Items attached via the context menu, you can, by default, to appear at the bottom of the list 317 pinned items.

Menu 315 Start may include a second region 318, which provides a dynamic list of elements, selected according to various criteria according to one or more illustrative aspects of the present invention. Figure 3 region 318 is a list of 319 items most General use, also called here the list of 319 MCU. Operation and maintenance of the list of 319 MCU is described next. Region 318 may also include a list of 317 pinned items.

Menu 315 Start may include a third region 320, which illustrates commonly used elements, such as locations of main memory, reference information, configuration items, etc. Region 320 may also be mentioned here as a list of quick links 320 or quick links 320. A list of quick links 320 can be divided into two or more sub-regions 321, 323 to distinguish quick links 321, certain operating system, and quick links 323, certain OEM. A list of quick links 320 may include a visual separator between subareas 321, 323, and even between the individual elements or groups of elements within the ka is DOI subregion, to visually distinguish between groups of elements. As in the case with a list of 317 pinned items, the user can control the contents of the list quick links 320, for example, through the control panel of the operating system (not shown here).

Menu 315 Start may optionally include a button or menu 325 type selection, allowing the user to select the data that will be dynamically displayed in the area 318. Button 325 may behave like drop down or pop-up list. Menu 315 Start can provide information in various forms, including a list of 319 MCU list 401 "All Programs" (figure 4), the list 501 "search Results (figure 5) and the list 601 "run List" (6), each of which is described in more detail below. According to an illustrative aspect of the invention, the default information can be presented in list form 319 MCU, or any other list displayed by the operating system in the field 318. Not all lists can be invoked through a button or menu control 325, and instead access to some of the items available on the user's command. Menu 315 Start may also include a search box 327 and controls system 329 (for example, to shut down the computer, put it in sleep mode, restart, or to provide access to other system options). The size of the menu 315 Start can also be altered by region 331 of the control size. The user can resize menu 315 Start using region 331, to regulate the number of search results that should be displayed (the search results are described in more detail below), controlling the height of the window, as well as to regulate the length of the displayed file names and the names of the elements before truncating, by controlling the width of the window.

As shown in Fig.7, the menu view 315 Start may be changed in accordance with the user commands the computer system. Thus, depending on what the user is doing, the dynamic region 318 may display a list of 319 MCU, All Programs 401, the search Results 501, a List of running 601 or Recent Documents (not shown here). Button or menu 325 type selection can be used as a General management tool when switching between views. If there are only two main types (for example, see the description Fig below), the button or menu 325 type selection can be used as a switch between the list of MCU and views of All Programs, without displaying a drop-down or pop-up list. In addition, enter text in the search box 327 can automatically open the search results corresponding to the view that was displayed when entering text (for example, programs, documents, etc. all). Similarly, the clearing of the search window may lead back to the previous view. Exiting by the control keys, such as <Esc> or <Backspace>, can also lead back to the previous view.

7 illustrates a state diagram for the dynamic region 318 of the menu 315 Start. In the illustrative embodiment, the value 701 default is a list of 319 MCU and a list of 317 pinned items in the dynamic region 318. From state 701 when entering text in the search box 327 Start menu dynamically transferred to the state 703, and the view 501 of search results is displayed in region 318. From state 703, if the user clears the text in the search box 327, Start menu returns to the state 701. From state 701, if the user selects "All Programs" button 325, menu 315 Start state is 705, in which the list 401 of available programs and/or software (e.g., including documents or area of main memory) displayed in the area 318. From state 701, if the user selects the type of "Recent Documents" (for example, button 325 or through a list of 320 quick links), menu 315 Start goes to the state 707, in which the list of recently used documents (as opposed to documents and programs) may be displayed in region 318. From the state 705 or 707, the user can select a list of the MCU through a button 325 to return to the state 701.

From the state 703, if the user selects "N the old Documents", menu 315 Start goes to the state 711, which actually filters already displayed the search results to display only the most recently used documents. From the state 707, if the user enters text in the search box 327, menu 315 Start also goes on to state 711, displaying relevant search results, as described here. From the state 711, if the user clears the text in the search box 327, menu 315 returns to the Start state 707. From the state 711, if the user has selected a list of MCU button 325 (i.e unselects all documents, Start menu returns to the state 703. From the state 711, if the user selects "all programs" button 325, menu 315 Start goes to the state 709.

From the state 703, if the user selects "All Programs" or clears the search box 327, menu 315 Start goes to the state 709, effectively filtering the search results to display only the application program, in contrast with all the recently used items. From the state 705, after entering text in the search box 327, menu 315 Start also goes on to state 709, displaying relevant search results, as described here. From the state 709, if the user clears the text in the search box 327, menu 315 returns to the Start state 705. From the state 709, if the user has selected a list of MCU button 325, the Start menu returns to the status the Yu 703. From the state 709, if the user selects Recent Documents button 325 or in the list of quick links 320, menu 315 Start goes to the state 711.

From the state 705 Start menu goes to the state 709 when the text input by the user in the search box 327 and goes on to state 707, if the user selects the "Recent Documents". The Start menu may return to state 705 of the state 707, if the user selects "All Programs".

Specialist in the art must take into account that there may be different ways of transitioning between States, some States may have additional and additional conditions may be added. For example, Fig depicts a state diagram of another illustrative variant embodiment with a reduced set of possible States, namely based on the absence of the "Recent Documents". From the initial state 801 menu 315 Start goes on to state 803, if the user selects "All Programs" button 325. Menu 315 Start moves from state 801 to state 805 when the user enters text in the search box 327.

From the state 803 menu 315 Start can go back to the state 801, if the user selects the list of MCU button 325 (or select "Back", as shown in figure 4), or if the user presses the control key, such as <Backspace> or <Escgt; . From the state 803 menu 315 Start goes on to state 805, when the user enters text in the search box 327; in this state the corresponding results of the search are presented, as described here. From the state 805 menu 315 Start can go back to the initial state 801 after clearing the search text in the search box 327. While the state diagram shown in Fig, represents only one state search results (status 805), individual States may optionally be used to display search results obtained by searching produced out of state 801 and 803, like States 703 and 709 7. Modifications and/or changes can be used additionally or alternatively. For example, when the user selects the type of "All Programs" in any of the above charts, States, menu 315 may automatically change the Start height of the menu 315 Start at the maximum possible height within desktop 303. The Start menu can save the maximum height until the user resizes the menu 315 Start (using area control 331), or menu 315 can Start to go back to the previous height in the case of a state transition back to "All Programs".

According to the aspect of the invention, the transitions can be automatic at the time when the user enters information (e.g., entering text search box 327) or performs an action (for example, selection of the button 325). As described herein, the operating system 134, 144 may control the operation menu 315 Start. Thus, as described above, when the menu 315 Start moving from one state to another, such transfer occurs under control of the operating system 134, 144, or any other program. Thus, the operating system 134, 144 can dynamically update the menu 315 Start in real time as the user interacts with the computer system 100.

The operating system may provide various settings, detailing the species, which can be accessed from the menu 315 Start. For example, the user can disable tracking app tracking fact and frequency selection or run item), thus eliminating the type of MCU list, and type "All Programs" is the original form. If the control settings you select "open submenus when I Navajo and detain them cursor of my mouse, the user only needs to bring and hold the cursor or pointer on the button 325 species management (or on the "back"button if it is displayed)to switch views.

Below is a more detailed description of each of the different species under different conditions.

View the list of commonly used items

Figure 3 shows the region 318 319 list usually IP is alzhemed elements (MCU) and the list 321 of the fixed elements. A list of 319 MCU may include a set number of recently used or frequently used items, such as those that may be included in the MRU list and/or MFU. A certain number of items in the list 319 MCU can be the source installed operating system and/or may be modified by the user. The size of the menu 315 Start can be changed automatically depending on the number of items in the list 319 MCU or in any other area. A list of 319 MCU in a preferred embodiment, not reduced in size, if you use images only a few elements. Instead, it is provided by the ability of the algorithm MCU to determine which items to include in the list 319 MCU, based on the number of points of use, and then based on the dates of use to rank items with any equal number of points of use. According to an illustrative aspect of the invention, the last selected item, or a running application always appears in the list of 319 MCU, for example, due to additions to the rating of this item is the number of points of use equal to or greater than the number of points of use of the item with the lowest rating in the MCU list at the moment. The algorithm MCU is explained in more detail below.

The operating system and/or the user may include the substance of the elements in the list 317 pinned items, to ensure that certain items will always be displayed in the menu 315 Start, regardless of their use. The pinned items list may be populated with default items, such as a browser such as web browser Internet Explorer^®Microsoft, and the item selected by the OEM. However, the user can change the pinned items list, for example, using the context menu to be fastening elements and/or using the drag-and-drop.

The algorithm MCU created in response to various disadvantages inherent in previously used algorithms MFU or algorithm recently used items (MRU). Namely, the MFU list not always include recently used functionality. Thus, recently used the app may not appear in the MFU list, if it is a recently used application is used very infrequently or only recently has become the preferred user application. Similarly, the previously used algorithms do not guarantee that the last running app will be in the MFU list.

Thus, according to the aspect of the present invention, an improved algorithm MCU to determine which items are placed in the list 319 MCU. The algorithm MCU determines which elements to include in the list of MCU, awarded based on the number of points is used. The greater the number of points of use of the item, the higher the item can be placed in the list 319 MCU. When two elements have the same number of points of use, an item with a later end time use or edit (timestamp) can receive precedence.

Initial each item on the computer 110 or the computing environment 100, which could be placed as a list item in the list 319 MCU has the same number of points of use, for example zero. However, in order to populate the list of MCU set of source elements, the operating system may assign one or more elements of the timestamp that is later than the other elements. For example, the training program "Welcome to Windows mail client such as Outlook^®Express, Windows Media Player^®and a library of digital images could be initialized with a timestamp, one minute later than in other documents or applications stored on the computer 100. Alternative or in combination with the time stamp of the source elements can be initialized with a certain number of points of use, to ensure their original location in the list 319 MCU. For example, the training program "Welcome to Windows mail client such as Outlook^®Express, Windows Media Player^®and the library cyfrowy the images can be initialized with 19, 18, 17 and 16 points, respectively, which also provides the order of their placement in the list of MCU. The operating system 134, 144, or other management software can backup one or more source positions in the list for the OEM items, which can also get a timestamp and/or points of use, to ensure their original location in the list 319 MCU. For example, in one illustrative embodiment, the four elements of OEM 15, 14, 13 and 12 of the original points of use, respectively.

Is there an item in the list 319 MCU that you've added it to the list of 319 MCU or removed from the list 319 MCU after defining the initial values depend on the subsequent use of each element by one or more users of the computer system. In the General case, when the user selects and launches the item, the points of use are added to this item; when the items remain unused during the established periods of time, points the use of this element shall be deducted. When the user clicks the button 311 Start, the operating system 134, 144 fills the list 319 MCU set the number of items that have the highest number of points of use, ranging elements with an equal number of points of use by time stamp, as described above. Various the methods and algorithms can be used to calculate the points of use for each item, and a specialist in the art should note that the specific algorithm employed secondary to the results that it produces, as described here. The algorithm described below and used in a computer system is just an example algorithm that can be used, and does not impose restrictions on the features described in the attached claims.

Fig.9 illustrates the General algorithm of the MCU, which can be used according to an illustrative variant implementation of the invention. Initially, in step 901, the operating system 134, 144 calculates the number of points of use associated with each valid element. In this case, a valid item is any item that could be placed in the list 319 MCU, regardless of whether placed in the currently valid item in the list of MCU. Valid elements can be defined as any want to run the application, location of storage, browsed URL etc, or the list may be more limited, for example only the application to run.

In one illustrative embodiment, the valid elements can be restricted folders or files ending with naehe,.msc .scf and not listed in the registry operas the operating system HKLMSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerFileAssociationsAddRemove, and not having a Boolean flag NoStartMenu or NoStartPage under the application key in HKCRApplications, and/or not specified in the saved list "destruction" of applications that should never appear in the list of MCU. Even if the application or the item does not meet the above criteria, your application may still be a valid item, if it's set StartMenu under the application key in HKCRApplications in the registry of the operating system, resulting in a clear mechanism for infrequently used application could be considered as a valid element.

Once defined the list of valid entries, the operating system 134, 144 in step 903 calculates the number of points of use to a valid item. The number of points of use increases when a valid item is selected, and decreases during each period of non-use a valid item. In one illustrative embodiment, the first time a valid item is selected, the operating system will award selected a valid item number of points of use is larger than the set value, for example six (6)or more minimum number of points the use of any valid item in the present time to be displayed in the list 319 MCU. The award of the greater of the two values Gara is continuous, the most recently used item, even if it otherwise does not have the right to display in the list 319 MCU will be included in the list of 319 MCU the next time the operating system 134, 144 generates and/or populates the list 319 MCU.

Each additional time a valid item is selected either directly or through a shortcut or link (e.g., through a search in the Start menu, All Programs, the list of MCU and so on), the number of points using the valid element can be increased by at least a specified number of points of use, for example, 1, 2, 6, etc., again adding at least a sufficient number of points of use, to ensure that the element is included in the list of MCU. When a valid item is selected via the shortcut or link, the number of points of use as a valid item and shortcut or link can be increased. According to an alternative possible implementation, the points of use can be increased to a greater or lesser extent, based on additional factors, for example, depending on the type of element (for example, the number of points the use of application programs increases by a preset number; the number of points of use document - 1/2 a certain number; URL 1/4 certain number, and so on), the location of the element (for example, h is slo points the use of local elements is increased by 1; deleted items - increased by 1/2, and so on), etc.

The decrease in the number of points of use can be based on any algorithm that reduces the number of points of use, based on the General failure to use a valid item longer period of time. The decrease in the number of points of use may be based on the number of completed sessions, during which you have not used a valid element. The session can be any set period of time, or other measurable period. For example, in one illustrative embodiment, a count of sessions is incremented each time the user logs into the system and every H hours use of a computer system. It is established that the value of H=12 works well. "Using" a computer system may be defined in different ways. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, "use" is defined as any use of the computer 110 during the time of H. Thus, when the user interacts with the computer system, the operating system sets the flag "Use" to true. At the end of the period length H hours from the time of entrance into the system (or after H hours from the moment when the flag "Use" was set), the operating system increases the counter of session, p is restaulant flag "Use" to false and reset the hours counter h

For example, if a user goes on vacation for a week and leave your computer on, then no sessions will not be completed, because the computer is not used (although one session would go with the original user logs into the system). On the other hand, if you leave your computer running during the week while at work and using the computer, in the General case, the number of sessions will increase by one per day, assuming that the user is less than H hours per day. Specialists in this field of technology should take into account that you can use other values for H.

As soon as the operating system (or other software control determines how many sessions ended without choices or run a specific valid item, the operating system can reduce the number of points the use of this particular valid element using factor reduction, based on the number of completed sessions. In one illustrative embodiment, the invention can be used the next factor reduction and/or values:

Specialists in this field of technology should take into account that can be used with other numbers of completed sessions to reduce the number of points of use, and can alternatively be used by other factors and/or reducing the number of points of use.

In one embodiment, the number of points using a valid item can be calculated as the cumulative total number of points of use corresponding to the valid elements in addition to items to use any shortcuts or links pointing to a valid item. The new temporary mark perform a valid item and any shortcuts or links to a valid element is used in order to rank items with the same number of points of use, as described here.

In step 905, the operating system 134, 144 selects N of valid elements with the highest values of the number of points of use to populate the list 319 MCU, where N is the number of slots in the list 319 MCU and installed by the operating system 134, 144 (for example, based on the space allocated for the list of MCU on-screen display) and/or may be set by the user. The operating system 134, 144 can filter out the valid elements from the list of MCU, if such a valid items already included in the menu 315 Start, for example in a list of 317 pinned items or list 320 quick links.

As indicated above, the list of destruction" can be used to prevent certain items from the menu 315 Start. For example, setup, documentation, programs, uninstall and antivirus software, as a rule, should not appear in the list 319 MCU. In some versions of the invention the list of destruction may include phrases, the presence of which prevents the inclusion of an item in a list of valid entries. For example, the following phrases, with or without uppercase and lowercase letters can be used as an illustrative list of destruction: Documentation; Help; Install; More Info; Readme; Read Me; Read First; Setup; Support; What's New; Remove. Other embodiments of the image is the shadow may identify a particular application in the list of destruction. For example, the following applications can be prevented from inclusion in the list of 319 MCU: setup.exe; install.exe; isuninst.exe; unwise.exe; unwise32.exe; st5unst.exe; rundll32.exe; msoobe.exe; lnkstub.exe; inoculan.exe; realmon.exe; navwnt.exe; explorer.exe; sndvol32.exe; icwconnl.exe; and mobsync.exe. This list of programs only illustrates the fact that certain applications may be denied the right of inclusion in the list of MCU, and does not limit the range of those application programs which can be denied the right to inclusion in the list of MCU, if so desired.

You can also use combinations of phrases and specific applications. Experts in the art should note that the algorithm described above, including the awarding of points of use and reduction of their number, may be used in any algorithm list MFU/MRU/MCU, and its use is not limited to the Start menu or start menu programs. Any list of previously used items can use the algorithm for filling, as described herein, such as a list of previously visited pages of the web browser, the list of recently launched the audio and/or video files media player, etc.

View All Programs

When the user uses the button 325 species management, as shown in figure 3, to switch to view "All Programs" (i.e. button 325 species management provides an option that allows the shining go to view "All Programs", or the user selects "All Programs" from the pop-up list in the select button 325 species management), menu 315 proceeds to Start referring to "All Programs", depicted in figure 4. In figure 4, menu 315 Start in the dynamic area of 318 displays a list of 401 all available executable applications and/or locations of the main memory. List 401 in a preferred embodiment of the invention shown in alphabetical order, so it's easier to view the list 401 in search of the desired element. In one illustrative embodiment of the invention (not shown here), the user can secure the items in a specific location in the list 401, for example at the top of the list, like fastening elements in the form of MCU, illustrated in figure 3.

In some cases, the computer system stores a lot of applications and storage locations, and to navigate among all of the elements can be difficult. To simplify user management list 401 can scroll through the list of user-401 up or down using the scroll bar, as shown in figure 4, or by using the scroll wheel input devices (like a mouse), while the cursor is on the list 401.

To further facilitate user orientation in a list with the 401, menu 315 Start can provide a list 401 in the form of a tree so that users can easily expand and collapse menus and submenus. In one embodiment of the invention, such as shown in Fig, when the user once or twice clicks on the item in the list 401, if the item can be deployed, the Start menu opens the list to display the items that are subordinate to the previously selected element, as shown in Fig. On Fig, the user selects a list item 'Helper application', in response to that menu 315 Start expands the list 401 to display elements included in the group 'Support programme', including, for example, Accessibility, Administrative Tools, Communications, Entertainment, System Tools, Calculator, Command Prompt, Notepad, Paint, Synchronize, Windows Explorer and Wordpad. The user can again select 'Auxiliary'to collapse the submenu items.

In an alternative illustrative embodiment, a menu 315 Start can provide a list 401 in the form of a tree, on which users can easily expand and collapse menus and submenus using easily recognizable buttons '+' and '-'. When the user selects a control button '+', menu 315 Start expands the storage location that corresponds to the selected control button, showing the items that are in that position the position of storage, and the mode control button is changed to '-'. If the user selects the button control '-', menu 315 Start minimizes the storage location that corresponds to the selected control button, hiding the items in this storage location. Figure 10 shows an example hierarchy menu "All Programs", which can be used in combination with or instead of the top-level hierarchy shown in figure 4. Figa and FIGU, together referred to 11 show an alternative, more flat, hierarchy menu "All Programs", which can be used in combination with or instead of the top-level hierarchy, depicted in figure 4 and figure 10. Flatter hierarchy may be preferable if the space allocated for the list 401 is relatively narrow.

If the user selects an item in the expanded storage location, the operating system 134, 144 launches the selected item or the appropriate application to interact with the selected element, and closes the menu 315 Start. When you re-open menu 315 Start and select the "All Programs" list 401 may appear in a fully collapsed state regardless of its previous state, or the list 401 may receive in the same condition as that in which the user last time unfolded or unrolled list items.

A view of the hierarchy of elements in the tree view, as described above, allows the user a more intuitive orientation in the hierarchy of menu items Start, without accidentally opening unnecessary submenu if the cursor will stay on the item for too long. In addition, the view in the tree view, described above, allows the user to navigate in the hierarchy of items in the Start menu without using so much space on the desktop, as it was previously, and thus the user can see more open Windows or folders on the desktop while watching the Start menu.

Search

Of any type, for example type of MCU is shown in figure 3, or "All Programs", shown in figure 4, the user can enter text in the box 327 search to search for items of the Start menu. After entering text in the box 327 search menu 315 Start automatically switches to view the Results of the s search 501, as shown on figure 5, showing the results that match the text currently entered by the user. Thus, using the box 327 search, the user can, using one character for another, search among programs, user files, Internet links and message in his or her system. As the user enters text in the text box 327 search, the computer system searches for the text entered, as described in more detail below. The system can wait for the moment when the user stops typing to show the search results, or the system may start a new search as the user enters each new symbol.

Menu 315 Start, managed by the operating system 134, 144, or other software management (in each case, when the menu 315 Start performs some action, it implies that it is managed by the operating system 134, 144, or other management software)can use any built-in or well-known search engine to search within computer system 100. The search system in the preferred embodiment of the invention will search in the file system of the computer 110 as well as in the URL and executable files that satisfy the user-defined search path. Sist the mA search may also include search results from other data sources, such as search results on the network using a network search engine, the search results photos on the web site containing pictures, such as Picasa, music search results on music portals such as music portal MSN, or any combination of these and/or other data sources. The search system may display a list of all searchable locations to speed up the search.

In addition, the search system may use a variety of data sources, each of which does not necessarily provide the capability to search for. For certain types of data, the search system can automatically obtain location data storage all relevant information regarding the type of data or files used in the search and then filter the information to find the search results based on the search criteria. Location of data storage, thus, does not search, but only provides relevant information search system that, in turn, led the search/filtering. With the simultaneous use of multiple data sources, the search system may use different sources for different types of search results (for example, one source for programs, one source for e-mail and so on), or the search system can the t to use the same source type, running on other machines on the network to retrieve the search results from other computers (for example, to find files on all computers in the local network). Each data source can be an embedded data source located in a computer system, or secure remote source, which are connected over a network, such as remote data source or data source third party.

In the form of 501 results of the search in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the results are grouped by type, although it is not a requirement. In one illustrative embodiment, the invention uses the following groups: (executable) program, (impossible) files, Internet (URL) and messages (any file that is interpreted as a message, such as e-mail, log files etc. IM). In some versions of the invention, the user can select which categories should be displayed in the search results. For example, the user can delete the search results in the Internet and include the search results in e-mail, depending on user preferences. Due to the amount of time that sometimes you want to search, the search results can be displayed in a two-stage process. In phase 1, while the search prodolzhaet the Xia, each of the four groups has the same number of allocated space on the search results 501. This quantity can be calculated by dividing the total number of places number of groups, and additional space can be allocated from the top down. As the search system identifies the results in phase 1, menu 315 Start displays the results in the appropriate group. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the result is not displayed if there is a possibility to change this result, a more appropriate result of the same type. The search system can guarantee that the result will not be replaced when the search data sources in order of priority. For example, if the application program always have priority over all other types of files, then once the system has finished searching among the programs, files and/or folders, the search system can show all found application program, even if it has not completed the search in other folders, because regardless of what the search system identifies in other folders, such results will not take more priority position among search results than found in the application program. However, any search result can be displayed when it is detected, if necessary.

Step 2 on inalsa, when the search has finished the search. In stage 2 menu 315 Start redistributes the allotted space on the search results 501, removing the group's results and redistributing the space among the groups with the results. The space can be redistributed evenly among the remaining groups, or may be allocated proportionally based on how much has each group. In addition, the allocated space can be reduced to the space that is occupied by the group, having only a small number of search results. For example, if the group only two results, and allocated space enough to display three results, menu 315 Start can select this group enough space to display only two of her element, which search results.

Menu 315 can Start to determine which items to display for each group in different ways. For example, in figure 5, the user has entered the character 'w', which is consistent with many results in each category. Thus, menu 315 Start (or search) must determine the order in which you want to display the results in the same degree of the corresponding user-entered text. In the first illustrative embodiment, a menu 315 Strt may represent n corresponding elements in order of date of the change, in descending order, starting with the current date and/or time, where n is based on the amount of space allocated to a group in which the displayed items. In another illustrative embodiment, menu 315 can Start in the first place to display any items, the name of which begins with the text that matches the text entered by the user, in the second place those items that contain any word, except the first, beginning with the text that matches the text entered by the user, and in third place items containing any text that matches the text entered by the user.

In another alternative embodiment, the menu 315 can Start to rank items with the same degree of conformity according to other criteria, such as validation of the information associated with the item (e.g., metadata), information within an element (e.g., full-text search), the location where the item information associated with the location of the storage element (for example, if both elements identified in the folder you have previously visited URL, the last visited item can receive precedence in relation to another element). In the illustrative embodiment, the invention can be used foul mouth is the service of the order of the elements and rules of ranking items with the same degree of conformity, presented at Fig. Thus, any element stored in the list 317 pinned items on the Start menu (figure 3), corresponding to the search criteria information metadata associated with the item, for example, the element name will be displayed above other elements. If two or more elements that match the search criteria due to their location in the list 317 fixed elements, these two elements of rank, based on their order in the list 317 pinned items.

Specialists in this field of technology should take into account that can be used for additional or alternative rules for ranking and sorting of items with the same degree of consistency and that the rules that are listed on Fig, are just one example of a possible set of rules establishing the order of items and ranking of items with the same degree of consistency.

Displaying the search results, menu 315 Start can display bold, italics, or other means (not shown here) part of the name of the element containing the text, on the basis of which the element corresponds to the text entered by the user. Menu 315 Start when the user hovers the cursor over the item included in the search results may display the metadata on the basis of which the item is relevant to the duty to regulate user-entered text. Additionally, view 501 of the search results may display the number of matching elements in each group (for example, 25 of the respective programs, 512 relevant files 61 corresponding URL in the Internet and 3121 appropriate message in the above example). In phase 1, while the search continues, instead of the number of relevant elements of the appearance of the search results may display the word "searching". As soon as the number of relevant elements is displayed, the user can select the group name or number of matching items to go to a separate search window (not shown here), which shows the search results in the selected category.

If the search produces no results, the search results may display the icon of the lack of results or an error message, or may simply display the most closely related result in the form of the phrase "search <foo>"where <foo> - the text entered by the user. After selecting "search <foo>", computer system 100 may begin a wider search the text the user entered, for example, launching a full-text search or by opening a window full-text search. A full-text search, the user can search for <foo> on your computer, search <foo> online and/or search for <foo> on some other computer or database is s, regardless of where the text <foo> appears.

According to an illustrative aspect of the invention, the user can easily run the item of the search result, clicking on the mouse button when the cursor is on the item, or simply by pressing <Enter>if the selection is focused on the desired search result. By default, type 501 search results allocates the closest line 503. Thus, if the user wants to run the best fit, you can just press (Enter). Since each displayed group is the best fit for the group, the search system or the Start menu should highlight the absolute best fit from among the closest matches from all groups. Thus, each search can select only one best fit. The operating system 134, 144 runs closest match, if the user presses the <Enter>. The absolute best fit can be determined according to the rules establishing the order of the elements and rules of ranking elements with the same degree of consistency, such as that shown in Fig, or other rules, as presented on Fig. Rules on Fig include rules that are not included in Fig, for example, be found, but the HT key shortcut whether the found item URL, and whether the item found the first word that matches the search string. The best fit in a preferred embodiment of the invention is allocated only after the search system has determined that no item will replace it, that is, all search results in a higher priority locations already identified.

In a computer system using a keyboard 162, with key <Windows>, and using the search box on the Start menu, as described here, the user can easily run the elements in an almost unlimited number of keyboard shortcuts. Thus, when the user presses the <Windows> (not shown here), the operating system displays the Start menu, and the window 327 search has input focus by default. The user can immediately start typing the text that he or she would like to find item. Thus, if the user presses the <Windows>, 'w', 'O', <Enter>, then the operating system will launch the text editor Microsoft^®Word^®if it is installed and is the closest match. Does not require any manipulation of the mouse (although, of course, if desired, it is permissible). Learning about what searches give the desired results, users can learn a lot of keyboard shortcuts quick to confuse the ka, to quickly run the desired elements that are displayed as the closest match to the text entered in the search string. If time and desire, the user can learn the keyboard shortcuts quick launch to run most applications and documents on his or her computer without having before this self-set or set a shortcut key quick start, as appropriate to a specific file.

In some embodiment, the invention can be applied shortcuts quick search of causing the set of search results, for example, if the combination of accelerated search is used to start the associated program. So in a system where the combination of keys <Windows> - 'c' starts the control Panel, if the user enters 'c' in the box 327 search, the closest match will default the control Panel until such time as the user enters additional text. Other common shortcut keys quick search may include H-help and support, S-search, R-trigger, L-exit and U-off. Additional or other shortcuts quick search can alternatively be used or installed by the user.

Instead of running the main element, the user p is regedit to another found element, using the cursor keys or clicking the mouse button on another element, thus highlighting another element. Regardless of the currently selected member found the closest match or anything else), menu 315 Start applying any text entered by the user, including <BackSpace>, etc. in the box 327 search, and that is why they say that choice is focused on the closest match. Box 327 search and the currently selected search result can be perceived as a unified element, which focused input, and the input text is directed on box 327 search and selection aimed at the currently selected match, but selected only the selected current line.

According to an illustrative aspect of the invention, the user may limit the issues to be search locations, files and/or file types, using special commands entered in the box 327 search. As shown in Fig.6, the user can limit the issues to be search locations, before entering text in the box 327 search the location ID storage. The introduction of the location ID storage can cause the menu 315 Start will replace view 501 of search results on type 601 automatically populate presented on Fig.6. In this example, '' skidding is carried out to the root directory of the data network of the intranet. Instead, the user can enter 'C:'to specify the storage path, based on the C: drive (instead may be referred to other disks and/or storage location). Limiting the range of location identifiers 'http://' or 'www' can be used, for example, limiting the results list of recently visited URLS or any other URL list. When the user enters the bounding circle location ID, menu 315 Start can display the results 601, using the form of the proposed options or auto-complete, as shown in Fig.6. Thus, each result listed in the list 601 matches the text entered by the user in the window 327 search. The user can either enter a more detailed text to further restrict the results, or to scroll to the desired search result and press <Enter>to start the selected item. Using the possibility of offering options in combination with the box 327 search, Start menu allows the user to run any file without having to use the Start button|Run, as required by previous operating systems.

If the text entered in the box 327 search is a command that is known to the operating system 134, 144, or the computer 110, menu 315 can Start to see the command as the closest match in inavigator, for example bold, first, on the top of the list, at the end of the list, closest to the focal point selection, etc. or as the best fit. Known commands can be limited to the commands found within the location defined by the Path variable of the computer 110.

According to the aspect of the invention, the user can enter the variables command line in the box 327 search, which are introduced when the selected command is executed or run. For example, if the user entered "ipconfig - release" in the box 327 search command "ipconfig" are presented as under. After selecting the "ipconfig" and press <ENTER (or clicking mouse button and so on), the computer automatically inserts the "- release" as a command line parameter. Providing users with the ability to specify command-line options provides increased flexibility and eliminates the need for the user to open the Windows Start|Run or a separate window Command to set the command-line options when you run the file.

As shown in figure 5, when the window 327 search text box 327 search can also display an 'X' 505, which, when selected by the user, remove any text from the window 327 search. When the text box is cleared, for example, by selecting the displayed 'X' 505, the Start menu returns to the previously displayed view, the example to view 319 MCU, or the sight 401 "All Programs". When the box 327 search is empty, it can display the original text of the statement, written less visible, for example in gray, as shown in figure 3.

Menu 315 can Start to display a context menu when the user makes a second choice (for example, by pressing the right mouse button within the window 327 search. Context menu, in addition to well-known commands "Cut", "Copy" and "Paste"can also display the specified number of most recent values of the search, for example, six (6). In an alternative embodiment, a context menu can instead display the name of the last six (or other number) of search results that were running, instead of the value of search, in which they were found.

After selecting the image magnifier 507 (or other icon), the operating system may open a new search window and display the search results in the newly opened window (not shown here).

The keyboard shortcuts can be used to display a view 501 of the search results Start menu, type 601 completion or other species. For example, pressing the <Esc> will clear any text in the box 327 search and return to the previous view (for example, MCI or All Programs); the left and right arrow keys can move the cursor when the in box 327 search is text; the arrow keys can move the selection up and down on the current view or the list (for example, type 319, 401, 501, 601); Ctrl-X, Ctrl-C and Ctrl-V can cut, copy, and paste text in the box 327 search, respectively; key <Tab> can move the input focus from the window 327 search to view 501 of the search results to the list 317 pinned items (when present) and back to the box 327 search; when the focus is in the box 327 search key <Enter> starts the closest match; when the focus is outside the window, 327 search key <Enter> starts the selected item; Ctrl-Enter can start the web browser, opening it to the location specified as the value of the search string, for example 'http://' followed by 'www.<SearchString>.com'; and when the input focus is not in the box 327 search, the character set may cause the input focus moves to an item that starts with the typed character, which is also called the mode Type To.

According to an illustrative aspect of the invention, the box 327 search may be placed outside of the menu 315 Start, for example on the taskbar 309, in the sidebar, or be placed in any position on the desktop, and to provide a search engine for programs, files, and other items without having to use menus 315 Start. The search results and the results of autozap the log can be displayed in a popup window resizable or resizable, the above box 327 search. After selecting any search result runs the selected item, and a pop-up window is removed. Pop-up results window can have a Close button so the user can close the pop-up window without selecting a search result. A pop-up window can also be closed when the input focus is not on the box 327 search or on the pop-up results window.

Conclusion

The present invention encompasses any novel feature or combination of features as disclosed here in detail and shown in any generalized form. While the invention has been described relative to specific examples, which include preferred in the present embodiments of the invention, the specialists in this field of technology should take into account that there are numerous changes and permutations of the above described systems and methods. Thus, the purpose and scope of the invention should be interpreted in a broad sense in relation to what is articulated in the attached claims.

1. The method of determining the location of the selectable items stored in a computer system containing phases in which: display on a computer display device a graphical user interface that contains the Start button;
take user input to display the start menu programs, and user input includes a selection button Start;
in response to the step of receiving display the start menu programs containing many of selectable items, each selectable element corresponds to the application program, with the start menu programs further comprises interface text search; and
display the search results within a predefined field of the start menu programs, and the search results contain the selectable items corresponding to the text input is accepted from the user via the interface text search.

2. The method according to claim 1, in which the start-up menu displays the Start menu.

3. The method according to claim 1, additionally containing a stage on which to perform a new search based on each additional text input by the user via the interface text search.

4. The method according to claim 3, in which the execution phase is the phase in which determines that the predetermined time has passed since the last received text input.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of displaying includes a step in which systematize the search results in one or more groups according to the type of each respective selectable item.

6. The method according to claim 5, in to the m groups contain, at least two groups from a set of groups containing programs, files, location on the Internet and messages.

7. The method according to claim 1, in which the selected element corresponds to the text input when the metadata of the selected item contains a text input.

8. The method according to claim 7, in which the metadata includes the name of the element.

9. The method according to claim 7, in which the metadata of the author element.

10. The method according to claim 1, in which the selected element corresponds to the text input when the contents of the selected element contains a text input.

11. The method according to claim 5, additionally containing a phase in which order the items within each group based on date/time changes of each element.

12. The method according to claim 5, additionally containing a phase in which order the items within each group based on the degree of compliance of each item in the text input.

13. The method according to claim 1, additionally containing phase, which automatically provide the selection to the search result with the closest match.

14. The computer-readable storage medium storing executable computer commands that when executed perform the method according to claim 1.

15. The computer-readable storage medium storing executable computer commands that, when executed on the computer with the system implementing the method of the launch of selectable items, stored in the computer system, and the above-mentioned method comprises the steps are:
(a) upon detecting that the user has pressed the button of the Start menu on the keyboard, directly or indirectly associated with the computer system, display the Start menu on the display device, either directly or indirectly associated with the computer system, while the Start menu contains a variety of selectable items, each selectable element corresponds to the application program, with the Start menu further comprises interface text search;
(b) after displaying the Start menu automatically provide the input focus, which sends a text input in the text input box, search for the user to enter text within the Start menu, displayed on a computer display device, and referred to the text input box of the search takes the above input focus after displaying the Start menu on the display device;
(c) automatically display the search results within the established area of the Start menu every time when receiving a text input from the user through the window text search, the search results contain the selectable items corresponding to the text input is accepted from the user via the window text search;
(d) automatically providing the selection to cut is ltate search the closest match; and
(e) trigger selectable element corresponding to the search result with the closest match, when receiving a set of user input while the selection is on the search result with the closest match.

16. The computer-readable storage medium according to clause 15, the method further comprises determining when the user has finished providing text input before displaying the search results.

17. The computer-readable storage medium according to § 15, and step (C) includes automatically display the new search results within the specified region menu programs start every time, when text input is accepted from the user via the window text search.

18. The computer-readable storage medium storing computer readable commands that, when executed perform a method of providing start-up menu of programs, comprising the steps are:
(a) display the start menu programs on the display device of the computer system, and referred to the start menu programs capable of displaying at least three types:
i) a first view for displaying all application programs in the user's navigation structure
ii) a second view to display the most commonly used selectable items, including the latest about murenny element and the last used item, and
iii) the third type to display search results that contain the selectable items corresponding to the text input is accepted from the user via the interface text search in the start menu programs;
(b) after receiving user input via the selection control type moves between the first and second kinds, when the interface text search does not contain any text input; and
(c) automatically display the third type whenever text input passed via the interface text search.

19. The computer-readable storage medium according p, optionally containing resize the start menu programs only after receiving user input to explicitly resize the start menu programs.