Importance

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Abstract

In a computer human interface an adjustable 'window' enables the user to view a portion of an abstract, device-independent 'picture' description of information. More than one window can be opened at a time. Each window can be sized independently of another, regardless of the applications running on them. The human interface creates a separate 'object' (represented by a process) for each active picture and for each active window. The pictures are completely independent of each other. That is, none is aware of the existence of any other, and any picture can be updated without reference to, and without affect upon, any other. The same is true of windows. Thus the visual entity seen on a user's screen is represented by two objects: a window (distinguished by its frame title, icons, etc.) and a picture which is (partially) visible within the boundaries of the window's frame. Multiple pictures can be updated simultaneously, and windows can be moved around on the screen and their sizes changed without the involvement of other windows or pictures. Also, such operations are performed without involving the application updating the window.

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First Claim