CN1080421C - System for annotating software windows - Google Patents

Abstract

A system for creating annotations from user input text. Annotations are permanently associated with a title text in a viewport and are shown or hidden along with the viewport with the associated title text. The window title, annotation position and annotation text are stored in non-volatile memory. Thereafter, as each new titled window is displayed, the system compares the title of the new window with the previously recorded note title. If both are the same, the comment text is displayed at the comment position. When a window is closed or changed in some way that affects the way the annotation should be displayed, the system searches the annotation records to find all annotations displayed on the particular window and processes accordingly. For example, if the viewport is closed, all associated annotations are hidden.

Description

The system and method that is used for annotating software windows

The present invention relates to the method and system in computer graphical user interfaces field, more particularly, relate to the method that allows the user to come annotating software windows.

In general, the user-computer interface environment of the figure that provides of personal computer and workstation is made of desktop, form and the icon (icons) of simulation.To the user keyboard is provided and such as the cursor moving device of Genius mouse or trace ball so that handle data on the display screen.The desktop of simulation is set up desktop pel (metaphor) to user interface.The desktop of this simulation is screen or the surface that the user can carry out work.Should " desktop " but be the background of drop target (icon and form).

Icon: icon is the little figure of expression effective target.They can be directly on the table resident or desktop on form in.An icon can be represented file, a program or the catalogue etc. that the user is writing.Object content by this iconic representation can be seen by form.This icon can lead to a form.

Form: form is one to be used to observe the framework of certain target.Generally to the form standardization with provide to the various information of being used by the user public framework.The standard component of a form is window title bar and frame.This title bar illustrates the exercise question of this specific window.This exercise question is the current information (target) that just is being presented in the form of sign usually.

The user can be by at the mobile on every side form of desktop (screen) and change its size and handle form.When form was carried out its work, the user can open or close form.The content of each form is not controlled by the user generally, and the control of being set up the program of this window.The user can write note on the form on the table, just looks like that a people can write note equally on a piece of paper on the true desktop, and this helps the user.

The special-purpose word processing system that is used to obtain the note (text or sound) of file is known.For example, people such as CLARKE (U.S. Patent number 4424575) have described a kind of word processing system, and this system allows to show the text that has the additional comments that separately writes down.A kind of interactive text disposal system described in the article (" be used for and will explain the method that data interaction enters document ") that people such as BA Barker are published on the ibm technology communique 02-85 P5119, this system allows the user to import the note data selectively, and these data are normally invisible on the desired point of text.When the user when the menu that is shown by text disposal system is selected this notes option, this system is inserted in a form so that note can enter in the destination with a null.When the operator finishes this note, this system inserts the icon of this note of expression in the destination.In these technology, explain and handled and stored by the program of this application form of management, therefore, this technical requirement is revised each application program to carry out this annotation function.

T.G.Holzman (ibm technology communique 03-92, " emphasis mark and margin are explained " of P481-484) has described a kind of user interface that the mode of explaining by the frame that uses " skidding off form " (slide-out window) to make and observe these documents is provided for the user.Explain for inserting margin, the user just begins with Genius mouse, and the sign margin is explained the document areas that will quote.The user enters the option of " the margin note " that edit pull-down menu, then margin is explained to be typed into to skid off form, by push margin explain on the form " preservations " (save) button preservation one page marginal not separate.Margin is explained once closing, and this note " cunning " is returned and withdrawed from once in the outer document of view.One " mark " (tab) makes an addition to the frame of the document main viewfinder.Corresponding margin is explained and can " be skidded off " at any time, and the user can be by the designator that just can see on the main viewfinder frame for twice in striking on this mark simply.

This note is explained as true margin and is connected the document specific part and keeps off storage with this article.Owing to explain and to be stored as a document part, so this technology can not be applied to any target of being controlled by the program that can not revise.

GP Seaburg (ibm technology communique 07-91, " background of OS/2 desktop is write note " of P155-157) program of " writing note " has been described a kind of being called, this program is given directions device by using system Genius mouse or other, in system's " background " district (desktop), provide a place to write note, produce computerized conventional desktop memo pad.

Gluing note version 3 .0 is the productivity instrument that provides as an OS/2 part.This instrument allows to write to be explained or note.Yet limited on this instrument ability, because its note is inconsistent in the whole session phase, it depends on only existing OS/2 form processing when form is opened.Gluing note allows note is adhered to form, but is subject to the state of this form, and therefore, in case this form is closed, this note just loses with getting in touch of this form and stays on the desktop.For example, be used simply as the prompting letter that the user leaves documents location if user explains, when the user closes session and returns in next day, just explain no longer and document associations, the user can not rely on this position mark note.This user must remember this association and related according to the related reconstruction note of note and desktop and correlation window.

Company of Microsoft (Microsoft) commercial ready-made " note it " (Note-it) program creation be different from note consistent in the whole session process of handing over sticking note, yet they lack versatility.The note of the Note-it of Microsoft can only produce in the Microsoft environment of applications and show that above-mentioned environment allows Object linking and embedding (OLE).This means that in fact the application programmer must make some codings, so that can use the Note-it of Microsoft.Like this,, not general to any one in the application that its form of controlling oneself shows.

Commercial ready-made Threadz Click-It program creation replaces target's center with the note center.This means that the people must know and explain and therefrom understand work, rather than be the center with task or target.For example, Threadz Click-it user can see the bulletin board that shows note.But readable each note of this user and the associated objects of mentioning according to each note access note.

In the portion application (EP477173) of the EUROPEAN PATENT OFFICE that announces, humans such as Levine are given birth to the DPS (Document Processing System) that assembly combines sound and visual note in the syllable by document and keyboard.The document that is used for explaining is produced in the form of many forms support program of data handling system note program by independent operating.The note of Levine and any aims of systems are irrelevant." document " be from the form content capture to the display screen image." document " can be kept in the permanent storage, but " document ' and original form content between do not have association.Therefore, the invention of Levine is not general, and can not be used to explain arbitrary target.

Like this, prior art can not be provided at explain and target between produce one general and be absorbed in the note program of target.

The present invention is a system that is used for producing from the text of user's input a note.This note is permanent and continue as one man to be associated with title text in the form, and it both can show together by the form related with this title text, and also can not show with it.The operation of the present invention in computer system comprises graphical pointer steady arm (for example Genius mouse), execute key (for example mouse button) and to showing the support of a plurality of forms.In case detect user-selected action, just enter " new pattern of annotated information ".This action can be to touch by (Click) mouse button or any equivalent action when pointer is positioned at the instruction hurdle of drop-down menu.This system allows the user pointer to be moved on to the position of wanting note then.This position can be in the inside of the standard windows with " title " text, perhaps on the end or root screen of the system that is called " desktop ".When system detects that mouse buttons is pressed or during other equivalent action, the title of this form is recorded as the note title, and with respect to the pointer position of this form as location of annotated information record in addition.This system's reception and demonstration are by the text as narrative text of user's input then.The blank note form that shows at location of annotated information will help the user to import this note text.In case finish the input of narrative text, explain title, position and text just as the note recording storage at nonvolatile memory, preferably and all other notes write down and form a note dictionary together.Finish new pattern of annotated information in this point.After this, when showing headed each new form or when showing a desktop, this system will this new window title and each note title of precedence record compare.Identical as new title with arbitrary note title in the dictionary, then show narrative text at location of annotated information.When a form is closed or to look into can influence behavior change one form of text display mode the time, this system's retrieval note record to find all notes that just showing on specific window, is then handled.For example, be closed as this form, then all associated annotations are hidden.

The present invention is graphical user's computer interface control system, and this system can provide annotation information to computing machine " target ".The present invention realized note and any target by form or iconic representation being associated, keeping that this is related in long-time memory, show related the note and hiding this association annotation is combined into one when this target is closed function when this target is opened automatically.General, lasting and object-oriented mode provides the ability of explaining the speech breath with one for computer object in the present invention.

The present invention has overcome the shortcoming of prior art by lasting, general, object-oriented association is provided.The association that the present invention creates is for the target that can watch by form rather than form situation, and therefore lasting association is provided during whole dialogue.The invention provides lasting association and be that the form that is associated can close by any way, dwindles or handle, promptly system can be closed, and continues related.This makes the user can remain this association.This also can alleviate user management or remember this related burden, because system can automatically be these associations of user management.

Note association of the present invention is general to any form.Any additional support that need not other service facility.Note of the present invention is object-oriented rather than towards note.Allow the user with a kind of natural way focus point in target, and show the note of precedence record automatically.Term " target " can be used for representing an object, a scenery or an object view combination.For example, target can be respectively document, text editor or the document seen in text editor.For example, the user who sees big document in form can be attached to note on this form to remind their document position when reading the document.Next day is in case when watching same document, can occur this note automatically.

Present invention is described below in conjunction with accompanying drawing, wherein

Fig. 1 is the block diagram of system of the present invention and operating environment thereof;

Fig. 2 is the generation of new note and additional high level flow chart;

Fig. 3 be note automatic demonstration, hide and the high level flow chart of other processing;

Fig. 4 is the high level flow chart that starts the note control procedure;

Fig. 5 stops the high level flow chart that note was controlled post;

Fig. 6 is an example of user's desktop of explanation annotation system form;

When Fig. 7 is input one note, an example of user's desktop.

Specific embodiment of the present invention can be used as note in the os/2 operation system and controls and realize.In most preferred embodiment, in computer program, carry out note control, this program allows the user to create the note that is associated with the target of seeing by form.Fig. 1 is used for illustrating the main component and the operating environment thereof of system of the present invention.Cpu system 14, disk 19, display 11, keyboard 12 and Genius mouse 13 constitute a typical personal computer or a workstation system.Cpu system comprises microprocessor, RAM and general ROM.Operating system 17 comprises the function support of many forms.Os/2 operation system is this type.Application program 18 is sources of one or more forms, but operating system also can produce form.Note control system (or annotation system) 15 is by obtaining the information of system message form from operating system, be independent of application program and move.These message are hunted down and make initial treatment by hook management system 23, and described hook management system 23 is responsible for installing and removing " the system's hook " that allows the note control system to intercept this message.Note produce and the interconnected system 22 new notes of generation and with they be associated by seen target on the form.21 increases of dictionary management system, deletion and the retrieve stored note record in dictionary 16.Note form management system 20 shows and hiding annotations window.Note is created and is additional

Note is created and added is following realization.When the user sent an order establishment one new the note, the note control system entered new pattern of annotated information.For example, the user can move past graphic cursor (Genius mouse pointer) icon and maybe the control strip of appointment moved on to new note role and press mouse button (being called " touch by " click on) to carry out new annotation function.Preferably, the note program makes cursor change this conduct of its outward appearance and has entered a kind of vision indication of new pattern of annotated information.For example, pointer becomes similar with little paper book.Also a predetermined keystroke sequence might be distributed to new pattern of annotated information, for example, make the user can press operating key (Ctrl) and " n " key starts it.After beginning new pattern of annotated information, the user can move on to the Genius mouse pointer selectively and show new position of explaining on desktop or the form, touches then by mouse button to trigger the demonstration of blank note form.When mouse button is touched on time the form that is positioned at the band title as the Genius mouse pointer, the title of note program search form and produce a new note record so.This record comprises location of annotated information, has the content as the note of the window title that writes down key.In most preferred embodiment, this record is added in the data structure that is called the note dictionary, but but all can works with any device of retrieval mode storage data.

Process flow diagram shown in Figure 2 has provided the new principle general picture of creating and adding operation of explaining among the present invention.The user starts new pattern of annotated information 100.The note control system is touched by (102) at Genius mouse and is waited in " new note " mode before.During this period, the user can navigate to this pointer the location point of the note of wanting in case of necessity.Genius mouse touched by after, whether note programming check Genius mouse pointer is in (104) on headed form or the desktop, then, the retrieval form title bar text (108).If the Genius mouse pointer is not having on title form or the desktop, then cancellation " new note " mode.Heading message, form sign and Genius mouse pointer position are the standard information parts, and they are provided to application program by callable interface by Windows.The practical technique of acquired information can change with operating environment, but is known to those skilled in the art.In case obtain the title bar text, just create a new note, its content is initialized to space (110).The new note of this blank is displayed on Genius mouse position (112).The new note record of creating comprises location of annotated information and has the notes content (114) that the title bar text of key is write down in conduct.Note writes down to be added to and preferably is stored in such as in the note dictionary in the nonvolatile memory of disk file (116).

Form 1 provides the false code realization that note is created and added.

Table 1 is used for that new note is created and the false code L100 of the process of interpolation: as Genius mouse during " new note " mode touched by

/ ^*New note is created ^*/ L102: then begin a theatrical performance L104: be on band title bar form or the desktop window as the Genius mouse pointer

/ ^*Check the Genius mouse pointer position ^*/ L106: then begin

/ ^*Show new note and be stored in the note dictionary ^*/ L108: the title bar text L110 that obtains form or desktop: create a new note, notes content is initialized as blank L112: at the new note L114 of Genius mouse position display: creates one and comprise location of annotated information and have notes as the title bar text that writes down the key word

Release the new note record L116 of content: the note record is added to the note dictionary.L118: finish L120: cancellation " new note " mode L122 finishes

Be used to create and to add the false code program segment operation of new note as follows.During " new note " mode, when mouse button is touched on time (row L100), if the Genius mouse pointer on band form of title bar or desktop window the time (row L104) then, the title bar text (row 108) of retrieval form or desktop, content creating one new note (row L110) then to be initialized as a space.Show this new note (row L112) at mouse position.Then produce a new note record, comprise location of annotated information, have notes content (row L114) as the title bar text of recording key.Then the note record is added to (row L116) in the note dictionary.Not on band title bar form or desktop window, then cancel " new note " mode as the Genius mouse pointer, and be not for further processing (row L120).

Note record in most preferred embodiment comprises following content:

1. window title bar text is associated.

2. the time and date created of note

3. notes content

4. with respect to the location of annotated information and the size of windows relating

5. the form of windows relating is handled

6. the note form form of notes content (show)

7. the minimized state of note form (form is to icon)

8. the minimized state (form is to icon) of form is associated

The note record will be made general and lasting note information needed and offer the note control system.By being associated with window title, each note supports the persistence of note, the target rather than the form itself that show in its expression form.A form is temporary transient, just exist when only being opened, and the target that shows in the form is permanent, is present in during the whole session.Each note is also supported the note versatility with the related of window title, because window title is a standard component of typical form.The automatic demonstration of note, hiding and processing

The automatic demonstration of note, hide and being achieved as follows in detail of handling described.After the user started the note control system, selected all operations system form message was to the route of note control system.These message signalings comprise the system event of the establishment and the elimination of form.The note control system is retrieved each form message, determines whether corresponding form has a title bar, if any, judge then whether this title is included in the note dictionary.Be included in the note dictionary as this title, check that then form message is to determine its type.Point out as message: form produces, and then the note control system causes showing the related note of any and shown title.Point out that as message a form is eliminated, then the note control system will be hidden any note related with this title.The title of pointing out a form as message changes, then hides and the corresponding any note of old title, and demonstration and the corresponding any note of new title.Point out that as message this form is maximized, minimizes, repaints, activates, moves or varying sized, so, the note control system is suitably handled any note related with this title.For example, be moved if message is pointed out form, then with the note of the related any demonstration of this form same direction and with mobile seeming of the amount of movement identical with form itself just look like that note is attached on the form by actual.

Process flow diagram shown in Figure 3 has provided and has been used for note is shown automatically, hides and the principle of operation general survey of other processing.Process shown in this process flow diagram is to carry out for each the form message that is arranged in system message queue.Retrieve next window message in this formation, retrieval and the title bar text of the corresponding form of this message (if any words) (200).If corresponding form has a title block, and this title is contained in the note dictionary as recording key, then determine further to handle by the conditional statement of the specific window message control that retrieves.There are not title block or its not to be included in the note dictionary as corresponding form, then retrieval next form message (200) from system message queue.

If form message points out to produce a form (208), then show the whole notes (212) corresponding with this window title.If form message is pointed out a form and disappeared (218), then close (promptly hiding) all notes (222) corresponding with the mistake window title.If form message points out that window title changes, then close all notes related with the presbyopia window, show and new related all notes (230) of window title.If form message is pointed out a form and is maximized, minimizes, repaints, activates, moves or change size (240), then handles the note related with window title, to be suitable for specific form message (254).When handling this message, perhaps, as form message can not with 4 conditions in any is complementary, then control turns back to the section start (200) of the next form message of retrieval.

Table 2 provided note automatic demonstration, hide and the false code implementation procedure table 2 handled be used for note automatic demonstration, hide and the false code L200 of the process of other processing: to each form message L202 of system message queue: if form has a title bar

/ ^*Whether check standard windows ^*/ L204: and window title is contained in the note dictionary as recording key

/ ^*Whether the check window title is in the note dictionary ^*/ L206: then begin the sundries statement

/ ^*Condition (case) statement ^*/ L208: condition 1: form has produced L210: then begin L212: show the note L216 corresponding to window title: termination condition 1L218: condition 2: form destroyed L220: then begin

/ ^*Hide association annotation ^*/ L222: close the pairing note L226 of window title: termination condition 2L228: condition 3: window title is changed L230: then begin

/ ^*Hide be associated with old title note and the demonstration note that is associated with new title ^*/ L232: close and the corresponding note L234 of presbyopia window title: show and the new corresponding note L238 of window title: termination condition 3L240: condition 4: form is maximized

Or be minimized

Or repaint

Or be activated

Or be moved

Or be changed big or small L252: then begin

/ ^*Handle the note that is associated with window title ^*/ L254: handle and the matched note L258 of message: termination condition 4L260: finish/ ^*Conditional statement ^*/ L262: finish/ ^*The for statement ^*/

Be used for to note show automatically, hide and the false code program segment operating process of other processing as follows.Each the form message that is positioned at system message queue is carried out this code.Next form message in the retrieval formation (row L200).If corresponding form has a title block (row L202), and title is included in (row L204) in the note dictionary as recording key, is then determined further to handle by the conditional statement that depends on the particular type that retrieves form message (row L206-L260).

If form message is pointed out a form and is produced (row L208), then show all notes corresponding to the generation window title, and control turns back to the capable L200 of the next form message of retrieval.

If form message is pointed out a form destroyed (row L218), then close the capable L200 that all notes corresponding with the title of destruction form (row L222) and control turn back to the next form message of retrieval.

If form message is pointed out a window title and is changed (row L228) then close all notes related with presbyopia window title (row L232), and show all notes related (row L234) with new window title, and control turns back to the capable L200 of the next form message of retrieval.

If form message points out that form is maximized, minimize, repainted, be activated, be moved or change size (row L240), then handle the note related to be suitable for specific form message (row L254), return the capable L200 that retrieves next form message and control with window title.If form message can not with 4 conditions in any is complementary, then control directly return the retrieval next form message capable L200.

The note program is so that note is associated with window title rather than form itself is supported the note persistence.This makes when form is opened, automatically retrieves annotation.This program with allow the user focus on the target relevant with its task, and when the target that is associated is presented in the form any note of automatic demonstration, rather than require user's initial focus in note and must its target that is associated of MS manual search support goal-orientation.Start the note control system

This joint is described the process that is used to start the note control system.Send one when starting the order of note control system when user or program, carry out one or more standard operation systems instructions so that allow the note control system can intercepting system formation form message.This allows the note control system automatically to show, hide and handles note.Then from disk file, read the note dictionary.The note dictionary is a data structure that comprises each note record.Each record comprises by window title with by a note and constitutes the key word that numerical value constitutes.Each note is by notes content, and size reaches the compositions such as position with respect to form.To each record in the note dictionary, finish following work.If had the form of opening that has the title corresponding, then shown corresponding note with recording key.

Process flow diagram shown in Figure 4 provides the principle overview of the process that is used to start the note control system.When the user sends an order startup note control system 300, carry out an instruction so that can intercept compiling system formation form message in the note control system.In specific embodiment, by the intercepting that hook is finished message is installed in OS/2 system queue 303.From disk file 304, read the note dictionary.Whether each record (306) is seen in the check note dictionary has the form that has the title bar text corresponding with note record header territory to show (310) on screen.If a form of opening corresponding to note dictionary record header territory is arranged, then at the position display of its record all records (312) corresponding to note dictionary record.In case all records are processed in the note dictionary, just withdraw from this program.

The false code that has provided the process that starts the note control system in table 3 is described.Table 3: the false code L300 that is used to start note control system process: L302 when the user provides order and starts the note control system: then begin a theatrical performance L303: allow note control system intercepting system formation form message

/ ^*Allow pending system form message so that note is automatically shown, hides etc. ^*/ L304: read note dictionary L306: to each writes down L308 the note dictionary from disk file: beginning/ ^*Show association annotation ^*/ L310: if opened form L312 corresponding to the title bar text of note dictionary recording key is arranged: then in position show note L314 corresponding to note dictionary record: finish L316: finish

The false code usability of program fragments operation that is used to start the note control system is as follows.When the user gives an order startup note control system (row L300), carry out an instruction that is suitable for the concrete operations environment, make note control system energy intercepting system message queue form message (or its equivalent) (row 303).Then read note dictionary (row L304) from disk file.This most preferred embodiment uses the file of band key word to this dictionary, but also can use any standard method of writing down with retrieves annotation that is used to store.Whether each record in the check note dictionary (row L306) has the form that has with corresponding to the title bar text of note dictionary recording key to show (row L306) to find out on the screen.For the open form that has corresponding to note dictionary key word title, use positional information and text in the note record, show note corresponding to note dictionary record.(row L312).Stop the note control system

Process flow diagram shown in Figure 5 provides the principle summary of the process that is used to stop the note control system.When user or program are given an order when stopping note control system (400), each record (404) in the check note dictionary is to find out that this note record is whether corresponding to the note (408) of current demonstration.If then hide this note (410).In case finish the processing of writing down, the note dictionary write disk file (414) in the note dictionary.At last, carrying out an instruction makes the note control system forbid the intercepting system queue message.This is forbidden by removing hook realization (415) in the system queue.

Table 4 provides the false code enforcement that is used to stop the note control system.Table 4: the false code L400 that is used to stop the process of note control system: remove to stop note control system L402 if the user provides order: then begin/ ^*Stop the note control system ^*/ L404: each note dictionary is write down L406: beginning/ ^*Hide the note of all demonstrations ^*/ L408: if record comprises the note L410 of current demonstration: then hide note L412: finish L414: the note dictionary is write disk file L415: forbid note control system intercepting system formation form message L416: finish

The false code program segment operation that is used to stop the note control system is as follows.(row L400) carries out following operation when stopping the note control system when being given an order by the user.To each record in the note dictionary (row L404), comprise the note (row L408) of current demonstration as record, then hide this note (row L410).Behind the record in having handled the note dictionary, the note dictionary is write disk file (row L414).At last, carry out an instruction and make no longer intercepting system formation form message (row L415) of note control system.Use the example of note control system

The below use of explanation note control system in the word processing example.Fig. 6 illustrates and has some targets commonly used, printer icon for example, an example of user's desktop of shredder image and driver icon.Some icons of representative of consumer work are shown in addition, for example file 1, file 2 and manager's writing pad.The icon of expression file 1, file 2 and manager's writing pad can be opened and show its content in form.The user has started the note control system 501 by title " note is thin " (note pad) expression.

Fig. 7 shows how note produces and an example related with form.The icon that the user will indicate file 1 is opened at title and is started from new note of note book form generation by select the selection of " new note " from " Pad " standard drop-down menu for (602), user in the form of " file 1 ".This makes the Genius mouse pointer occur (605) as band by the note of following closely.Then, the user arrives the desired position of note with the Genius mouse pen travel.In this case, the user will add a note to form display file 1.The user touches by the mouse button on this form, and shows a blank note.The user carries out note by text being keyed in this note to file then.The user creates a new note 630 like this, and it is added on title is file shown in the form of file 1.When the user closes title when being the form of file 1, will automatically hide the note that is associated (630).When the user reopens file 1, will show this note again.If the user changes window title by starting another file of editor, then hide any note related, and show and the new related any note of window title with presbyopia window title.

Use above stated specification, the available standards program design and (or) engineering realizes the present invention.The program that draws thus can be stored in disk, and flexible plastic disc is in storage card, ROM or any other memory storage.During execution, this program is reproducible in the RAM of computing machine.Those of ordinary skills can be easy to described establishment software and suitable universal or special computer hardware combined, implement computer system of the present invention to set up.Although described most preferred embodiment of the present invention in detail, yet obviously those skilled in the art may make apparent various modifications and the improvement that breaks away from the scope of the invention of following claims proposition again to embodiment.

Claims (18)

1. A method for annotating software windows in a computer system having a processor, memory, non-volatile storage, text input, pointer positioning, execution keying, display and for A device for displaying multiple windows on a simulated desktop, the method comprises the following steps Once the action selected by the user is detected, it will enter the new annotation mode; detect the press of the execute key when the pointer is located on a part of the window with an associated title; Record the window title as the note title; Record the pointer position relative to the viewport as the annotation position; display the text entered by the user as comment text at the comment position; storing the note title, note location, and note text as note records in non-volatile memory; Exit the new comment mode; For each new window displayed with a title, the new window title is compared with the comment title, and if the new title is the same as the comment title, the comment text is displayed at the comment position. 2. The method as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that comprising a comparison step for each closed window, that is, comparing the title of the window with the comment title of each comment record in the comment dictionary, if the title of the closed window and the comment title are equal, the comment text is removed from the display. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of entering the new annotation mode further comprises the step of detecting user presses of the execute key while the pointer is positioned over a designated portion of a window associated with the annotation generation program. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of entering a new annotation mode further comprises detecting user presses on a specified keystroke sequence. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of entering a new annotation mode further comprises: changing the default pointer display in a selected mode to visually indicate the new annotation mode; and the step of exiting the new annotation mode Also includes restoring the default cursor display. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of displaying the annotation text further comprises: displaying the annotation text using a selected visible display characteristic to distinguish the annotation text from other text in the window or on the desktop . 7. A method for annotating software windows in a computer system comprising a processor, memory, non-volatile storage, text input, pointer positioning, execution keying, display and A device for displaying multiple windows on a simulated desktop, the method comprising the following steps Once the action selected by the user is detected, enter the new annotation mode; detects the press of the execute key when the pointer is on a part of a window with an associated title, or on a simulated desktop; Responsive to the pointer position, recording the desktop indicator or window title as the note title; Responsive to the pointer position, recording the pointer position relative to the window or desktop as the annotation position; display the text entered by the user as comment text at the comment position; storing the note title, note location, and note text in the non-volatile storage device as a note record in a note dictionary containing note records; To exit this new annotation mode, For each new window displayed that has a title, compare the new window title with the comment titles in the comment dictionary, and if the new title is equal to the comment title, display the comment text in the new window's comment position, and Each time the desktop is displayed, for each comment record that has a comment title indicating the desktop, the comment text is displayed at the comment position. 8. The method as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that comprising a comparison step for each closed window, that is, comparing the title of the window with the comment title in each comment record in the comment dictionary, if the title of the closed window and the comment title are equal, the comment text is removed from the display. 9. The method of claim 7, wherein the step of entering the new annotation mode further comprises the step of detecting the press of the execute key while the pointer is positioned over a designated portion of a window associated with the annotation generating program. 10. The method of claim 7, wherein the step of entering a new annotation mode further comprises: detecting the pressing of a specified keystroke sequence. 11. The method of claim 7, wherein the step of entering a new annotation mode further comprises: changing the default pointer display in a selected mode to visually indicate the new annotation mode; and the step of exiting the new annotation mode Also includes restoring the default cursor display. 12. The method of claim 7, wherein the step of displaying the annotated text further comprises: displaying the annotated text using a selected visible display characteristic to distinguish the annotated text from other text in the window or on the desktop. 13. A system for annotating software windows having a processor, a memory, a non-volatile storage device, a text input device, a pointer positioning device, an execution keying device, a display device, and a device for displaying a plurality of windows device, characterized in that it comprises: means for entering a new annotation mode upon detection of a user-selected action; means for detecting the pressing of the execute key when the pointer is positioned over a part of the window having an associated title; means for recording the title of the window as the annotation title, means for recording the position of the pointer relative to the viewport as the position of the annotation, means for displaying text entered by the user as annotation text at the annotation location, means for storing note title, note location and note text in non-volatile storage means as note records, means for exiting the new annotation mode; means for comparing the title of the new window with the title of the annotation for each new titled window displayed, and Means for displaying the annotation text at the annotation location in response to the compare device. 14. The system of claim 13, comprising: second means for comparing the window title of each closed window with the comment title recorded in each comment in the comment dictionary, and means for dismissing the annotation text from the display in response to the second means for comparing. 15. The system of claim 13, wherein the means for entering the new annotation mode further comprises: means for detecting the pressing of the execute key when the pointer is positioned over a designated location of the window associated with the annotation generating program. 16. The system of claim 13, wherein the means for entering the new annotation mode further comprises means for detecting the pressing of a specified keystroke sequence. 17. The system of claim 13, wherein the means for entering a new annotation mode further comprises means for changing the default pointer display in a selected mode to visually indicate the new annotation mode and for exiting the new annotation mode The means also includes means for restoring a default pointer display. 18. The system of claim 13, wherein the means for displaying the textual mode further comprises means for displaying the annotated text with selected visual characteristics to distinguish the annotated text from other text on the window or desktop.

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