Timothy E Lowery

US Patent:

6356284, Mar 12, 2002

Filed:

Mar 29, 1999

Appl. No.:

09/280410

Inventors:

Debra Manduley - San Diego CA
Timothy Lowery - San Diego CA
Joseph Nebel - San Diego CA

Assignee:

Powerware Corporation - Raleigh NC

International Classification:

G06K 1500

US Classification:

345779, 345805

Abstract:

Systems, methods and computer program products are provided for displaying a graphical user interface (GUI) within a display device of a computer, wherein GUI functions are provided independently of the computer operating system. GUI controls are configured to inherit at least one style property, such as color, shape and typography, from the operating system in order to maintain the look and feel of the particular operating system. A first panel, having a display area configured to display information associated with an application program executing within the computer, is displayed within the operating system desktop (or browser window). A second panel is displayed within the desktop (or browser window) and is positioned beneath the first panel. The second panel is movably associated with the first panel between a hidden position beneath the first panel and an exposed position adjacent the first panel.