USER CUSTOMIZABLE DROP-DOWN CONTROL LIST FOR GUI SOFTWARE APPLICATIONS

摘要

An extended computer graphic user interface (GUI) component is described which comprises a drop-down list of currently selected items displayed after a selection icon is clicked in a conventional manner, e.g., by left- clicking with a pointing device when a cursor is moved over the selection icon. The drop-down list comprises an input line, used to enter a new item to be added to the list of currently selected items, and a second selection icon that displays when any item of the list of currently selected items is highlighted while the cursor is moved over it. The second selection icon causes a pop-up menu of options to display if clicked in a conventional manner. The pop-up menu is aimed at further customizing the extended GUI component. Options of the pop- up menu include the possibilities of deleting an item, choosing an item to become a default item and restoring an initial list of items. The selection of the pop-up menu is alternatively obtained in right-clicking over the highlighted item. An extended computer graphic user interface (GUI) component according to the invention is fully compatible with the mode of operation of standard drop-down lists while offering the extra possibility of being customizable by the user.