Showing papers on "Graphical user interface published in 1994"

Dynamic queries for visual information seeking

Abstract: Considers how dynamic queries allow users to "fly through" databases by adjusting widgets and viewing the animated results. In studies, users reacted to this approach with an enthusiasm more commonly associated with video games. Adoption requires research into retrieval and display algorithms and user-interface design. The author discusses how experts may benefit from visual interfaces because they will be able to formulate more complex queries and interpret intricate results. >

Improved graphical user interface with method and apparatus for interfacing to remote devices

Abstract: An intuitive graphical user interface is based upon a geographic map structure, and includes a system for controlling remote external electronic devices. In the defined graphical user interface, each Space of the geographic map structure is rendered on a touch screen display as a graphic image of a geographic space. Within each Space are colored cartoon-like icons called "objects" which can be Selected and manipulated by the user. Certain objects, referred to as portals, transport the user from one Space to another Space when Selected. Other objects, referred to as buttons, perform associated actions or functions when Selected. The graphical user interface is displayed on a hand-held display device used to control remote devices. Each remote electronic device transmits a user interface program object that defines a graphical user interface to the display device. The hand-held display devices displays the graphical user interface associated with the remote device when a user selects an icon associated with the remote device on the display device's touch screen display.

Method and apparatus for indexing, searching and displaying data

Abstract: A computer research tool for indexing, searching and displaying data is disclosed. Specifically, a computer research tool for performing computerized research of data including textual objects in a database or a network and for providing a user interface that significantly enhances data presentation is described. Textual objects and other data in a database or network is indexed by creating a numerical representation of the data. The indexing technique called proximity indexing generates a quick-reference of the relations, patterns and similarity found among the data in the database. Proximity indexing indexes the data by using statistical techniques and empirically developed algorithms. Using this proximity index, an efficient search for pools of data having a particular relation, pattern or characteristic can be effectuated. The Computer Search program, called the Computer Search Program for Data represented in Matrices (CSPDM), provides efficient computer search methods. The CSPDM rank orders data in accordance with the data's relationship to time, a paradigm datum, or any similar reference. An alternative embodiment of the invention employs a cluster link generation algorithm which uses links and nodes to index and search a database or network. The algorithm searches for direct and indirect links to a search node and retrieves the nodes which are most closely related to the search node. The user interface program, called the Graphical User Interface (GUI), provides a user friendly method of interacting with the CSPDM program and prepares and presents a visual graphical display. The graphical display provides the user with a two or three dimensional spatial orientation of the data.

Graphical user interface for interactive television with an animated agent

Abstract: A graphical user interface for displaying and selecting video programs, such as video on demand, includes a video on demand server coupled to a communication medium. A plurality of settop box receivers are coupled to the communication medium for receiving digitized programming in the form of movies and the like from the video on demand server. The settop box includes a central processing unit (CPU) coupled to a memory and other electronic modules. The CPU generates and displays the graphical user interface on the subscriber's television. The graphical user interface is based upon a metaphor in which a world of spaces are organized as part of a studio back lot through which a user may navigate. The back lot includes a Poster wall which presents to the user a series of movie posters representing available selections. When a user touches a Poster on a touch sensitive screen of the television, the CPU generates an animation which displays the Poster coming off of the wall and appearing in the foreground of the screen. If a subscriber selects the Poster to view a feature presentation, the video on demand server downloads the selected video which is displayed on the television. The interface of the present invention further includes Extras which appear in animated form on the interface and move freely between spaces within the studio back lot metaphor. If a user selects an Extra, the Extra is transformed into a movie poster or advertisement. The user may then select the Poster and view the feature presentation.

The genetic data environment an expandable GUI for multiple sequence analysis.

Abstract: An X-Windows-based graphic user interface is presented which allows the seamless integration of numerous existing biomolecular programs into a single analysis environment. This environment is based on a core multiple sequence editor that is linked to external programs by a user-expandable menu system and is supported on Sun and DEC workstations. There is no limitation to the number of external functions that can be linked to the interface. The length and number of sequences that can be handled are limited only by the size of virtual memory present on the workstation. The sequence data itself is used as the reference point from which analysis is done, and scalable graphic views are supported. It is suggested that future software development utilizing this expandable, user-defined menu system and the I/O linkage of external programs will allow biologists to easily integrate expertise from disparate fields into a single environment.

Design grid for inputting insurance and investment product information in a computer system

Abstract: A computer implemented graphical user interface for receiving instructions and information relating to insurance products, and for displaying insurance proposals relating thereto. The graphical user interface has an insured section for receiving personal information about a person to be insured and a product design section for receiving information specifying an insurance product and the insurance products components. The product design section has a design grid which is a matrix enabling input of product information, premium information and dividend information relating to a selected insurance product. The design grid enables a user to select a solve procedure and variable as the subject of the selected solve procedure.

Roller mouse for implementing scrolling in windows applications

Abstract: A computer mouse having a roller which implements a scrolling function for computer programs, particularly those running a windows format. In one embodiment, scrolling is implemented by sending messages to a queue associated with a windows kernel. The kernel interprets scrolling messages from the roller in the same manner as messages generated in the usual way from a graphical user interface. Rapid turning of the roller generates pulses which are stored in a buffer and interpreted as energy which is drawn from the buffer even after the roller stops turning so that scrolling continues until stopped or until the buffer is depleted.

Authoring tools for multimedia application development and network delivery

Abstract: An apparatus for authoring multi-media assets into a final interactive multi-media application includes a storage device which stores one or more multi-media assets and one or more program objects. A display is provided for displaying a plurality of timelines. A graphical user interface allows the user to place icons representing one or more multi-media assets on a first of the timelines and icons representing one or more program objects on a second of the timelines. A processor integrates multi-media objects from the multi-media assets associated with the first timeline with the program objects associated with the second timeline to produce an interactive multi-media application. The processor also controls the playback or execution of the objects associated with the first and second timelines in a time sequence indicated by their position on a timeline.

The alphaslider: a compact and rapid selector

Abstract: Research has suggested that rapid, serial, visual presentation of text (RSVP) may be an effective way to scan and search through lists of text strings in search of words, names, etc. The Alphaslider widget employs RSVP as a method for rapidly scanning and searching lists or menus in a graphical user interface environment. The Alphaslider only uses an area less than 7 cm x 2.5 cm. The tiny size of the Alphaslider allows it to be placed on a credit card, on a control panel for a VCR, or as a widget in a direct manipulation based database interface. An experiment was conducted with four Alphaslider designs which showed that novice Alphaslider users could locate one item in a list of 10,000 film titles in 24 seconds on average, an expert user in about 13 seconds.

Table driven graphical user interface

Abstract: A Graphical User Interface (GUI) is provided for workstations on a network in which a complex operation is controlled. At least one node on the network has a Desktop Management Interface (DMI) with an object oriented database for storing data objects for the complex operation. Objects are organized according to the DMI into components, groups and attributes. The GUI is generic to any complex operation but requires the DMI for access to data. The GUI enables the user to manage information in the database in whatever manner the user has interest through the provision of report definitions through which specific component, group, and attribute data are obtained in accordance with row and column definitions for table display. The DMI interface is probed with appropriate commands generated by the GUI to obtain and display the requested data. Provision is made for displaying data in chart format and a chain feature is provided to move from one report to another. Various other features are provided.

Group-oriented communications user interface

Abstract: A system and methods are provided for displaying and processing communications via a variety of communications media using a personal computer. Messages received either wirelessly, for example, wireless e-mail, or over telephone wireline, such as voice mail or facsimile, are segregated and presented for review by the subscriber according to whether the originator is within a select group of routinely contacted individuals and also by type of media. The system includes a graphical user interface to provide an intuitive and efficient message processing capability. In alternative embodiments the apparatus and methods are self-documenting and facilitate communication to the system manufacturer.

Distributed enterprise print controller

Abstract: A system and method for transferring and printing files originating on mainframe computer systems, workstations, or personal computers connected within a heterogeneous computer network is disclosed. The printer controller coordinates the distribution of print files across multiple computer systems to attached printers for printing. In response to incoming files received from another computer system within the network, the system utilizes file mask attributes to automatically generate transfer requests and print requests. In response to user inputs through a graphical user interface, the system updates various file databases, print attribute and transfer attribute libraries, and system configurations before generating a transfer or print request. Support for multiple page description languages and multiple printers is provided.

Method and apparatus for synchronizing, displaying and manipulating text and image documents

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for extracting, synchronizing, displaying, and manipulating text and image documents in electronic form for display. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, text and image files for documents, such as for example patent documents, are initially stored on separate magnetic tape media. These data files are extracted from the respective tapes and placed onto a faster medium, such as a hard disk drive. The text and image files are synchronized to produce Equivalent Files using heuristic algorithms to create an approximate equivalence relationship between the text and the image files. The Equivalent Files and image files residing on, for example, a hard disk drive or compact disk (CD), are coupled as a resource to a computer display system. The graphic user interface of the present invention permits the user to display, manipulate, and edit the Equivalent File created using the process of the present invention, and to simultaneously view the image file on the display. Using the graphic user interface of the present invention, a user may create libraries of patent Equivalent Files and image files or documents of another type, as well as open cases to include a plurality of different patents or other documents. The Equivalent File may be selectively viewed on the display in an equivalent window. Simultaneous with the viewing of the Equivalent File within the equivalent window, the user may view any portion of an image file within one or more image windows on the display. A variety of other features and functions are provided by the present invention for the manipulation and display of patent documents and other documents on the user interface.

Method for modeling a physical system of elements using a relational database

Abstract: An information model based on a physical system, such as the physical equipment in a power system. An object-oriented information model provides a generic power system model that may be applied to any of several specific applications. In the invention, physical pieces of equipment are represented as objects with attributes that can be verified (primary data) and relations including connectivity, grouping, and location. The model handles all known configurations of power systems and is extensible to new configurations. Attribute input is supported from primary sources and is used to calculate data required by applications programs. A window-based graphical user interface uniquely simplifies operation of the database. Thus, the present invention provides a single, easy to use, source for all proprietary application databases at a utility.

A selective undo mechanism for graphical user interfaces based on command objects

Abstract: It is important to provide a recovery operation for applications with a graphical user interface. A restricted linear undo mechanism can conveniently be implemented using object-oriented techniques. Although linear undo provides an arbitrarily long history, it is not possible to undo isolated commands from the history without undoing all following commands. Various undo models have been proposed to overcome this limitation, but they all ignore the problem that in graphical user interfaces a previous user action might not have a sensible interpretation in another state.Selective undo introduced here can undo isolated commands by copying them into the current state “if that is meaningful.” Furthermore, the semantics of selective undo are argued to be more natural for the user, because the mechanism only looks at the command to undo and the current state and does not depend on the history in between. The user interface for selective undo can also be implemented generically. Such a generic implementation is able to provide a consistent recovery mechanism in arbitrary applications.

Dynamic presentation of contextual help and status information

Abstract: A method and apparatus of displaying contextual help or status information to the user of a computer system in a graphical user interface. When a help facility is enabled, the system determines the position of a pointer, such as a mouse pointer, relative to the objects in the graphical user interface. If the pointer is over an object, the system refers to one or more tables which correlate objects with help and/or status information. The information is then displayed proximate to the pointer, preferably in a semitransparent window at a predictable offset from the pointer to allow the information presented by the graphical user interface to be viewed. As the pointer is moved across the graphical user interface, the information text associated with the pointer changes dynamically. In one preferred embodiment, at least one of the tables which correlate objects with the information is updated to reflect details about objects which change dynamically.

Nonvisual presentation of graphical user interfaces: contrasting two approaches

Abstract: Users who are blind currently have limited access to graphical user interfaces based on MS Windows or X Windows. Past access strategies have used speech synthesizers and braille displays to present text-based interfaces. Providing access to graphical applications creates new human interface design challenges which must be addressed to build intuitive and efficient nonvisual interfaces. Two conmasting designs have been developed and implemented in the projects Mercator and GUIB. These systems differ dramatically in their approaches to providing nonvisual interfaces to GUIS. This paper discusses four main interface design issues for access systems, and describes how the Mercator and GUIB designs have addressed these issues. It is hoped that the exploration of these interfaces will lead to better nonvisual interfaces used in low visibility and visually overloaded environments.

Integrating communication, cooperation, and awareness: the DIVA virtual office environment

Abstract: DIVA, a novel environment for group work, is presented This prototype virtual office environment provides support for communication, cooperation, and awareness in both the synchronous and asynchronous modes, smoothly integrated into a simple and intuitive interface which may be viewed as a replacement for the standard graphical user interface desktop In order to utilize the skills that people have acquired through years of shared work in real offices, DIVA is modeled after the standard office, abstracting elements of physical offices required to support collaborative work: people, rooms, desks, and documents

Graphical user interface for multimedia call set-up and call handling in a virtual conference on a desktop computer conferencing system

Abstract: A graphical user interface, i.e., multimedia communications application program, for setting up and handling a multimedia call is disclosed that employs realistic metaphors of real life face-to-meetings in setting up and handling a multimedia call to establish a virtual meeting which is automatically reconfigured in response to user action. This is realized by taking advantage of prospective virtual meeting participants' already existing knowledge of how real life face-to-face meetings operate. To this end, the multimedia communications application program enables the virtual meeting participants through direct manipulation of the realistic graphical metaphors to establish a realistic virtual meeting room which is displayed on the screen of their workstation monitor. The virtual meeting room includes a table and chairs arranged in a realistic manner in the virtual meeting room. The virtual meeting room and table are automatically configured in response to user action in such a manner as to minimize the screen area displaying the virtual meeting room and, thereby, maximizing the screen area available for multimedia collaboration by the meeting participants. An empty chair is displayed at the table which indicates that at least one more participant can be added to the virtual meeting. Once a predetermined maximum number of participants have been included in the virtual meeting, the empty chair is no longer displayed.

Method and system for specifying method parameters in a visual programming system

Abstract: A method and data processing system for efficiently creating a program in an object oriented environment using a graphic user interface. An object is graphically displayed within the graphic user interface, wherein the object includes a method written in an object-oriented language. The method has a number of parameters. Each parameter is graphically displayed in the graphic user interface. Such display may be in response to a selection of the graphically displayed object. Each parameter is visually associated with the graphically displayed object. A list of selections is displayed for a parameter in the plurality of parameters in response to a selection of the parameter. Specification of the parameter using the list of selections by the user is permitted, wherein the parameter is specified using the list of selections is propagated to the method in the object oriented language used to create the object. A tree structure may be used to display associations between the parameters and displayed objects.

Method and apparatus for importing and exporting archive files for a graphical user interface

Abstract: A method for use in an object oriented programming (OOP) based computer system which utilizes a first application program having interface objects for building a second application program having additional interface objects is provided. The method includes storing objects in a hierarchical locale tree in a storage device. The locale tree has a root locale level and at least one other locale level associated with the second locale. A first plurality of user interface objects having one or more interface object control and a second plurality of user interface objects not having interface object controls of the first locale are created. The second plurality of user interface objects are stored in the other locale level associated with the second locale. The locale tree is traversed, starting at the other locale level associated with the second local and proceeding to the root locale level, to assemble a set of available user interface objects from the user interface objects stored in the other locale level and the root locale level. User interface objects are utilized to develop a third application program derived from the first and second application programs. In addition, objects are imported and exported during processing for use in other program applications by segmenting an object into a human readable and a binary representation. In addition, a storage device readable by a computer system for implementing the method and a user interface object archive system which implements the method are provided.

Method and system for providing access security to controls in a graphical user interface

Abstract: A system and method for providing restricted access to controls of a graphical user interface. An object-oriented subclass is selectively applied to individual controls, so that upon creation or opening of a window having any such controls, a region of obscuration is defined which shields control information from view. Access may then be obtained by entry of an authorized password. Alternatively, a determination may be made during the creation or opening of a window as to whether the user or terminal is authorized, and if not, a region of obscuration is defined and displayed over the control information. Different levels of access to the control information may also be provided, such as view only and view and manipulate.

Graphical user interface for creating database integration specifications

Abstract: The present invention provides a method, and corresponding apparatus, for interactively creating database integration specifications comprising a workflow specification, communication scripts, and data translators. The invention includes steps and means for interactively creating a workflow specification which graphically depicts the flow of control and data among the various communication scripts and data translators. Each communication script, data translator, or other integration object that is part of the overall workflow specification is graphically represented by corresponding, cursor-sensitive display objects. These display objects are then interactively interconnected so as to depict the desired flow of control and data. The method further includes steps and means for specifying content for the actual communication scripts and data translators. Specifying a particular communication script or data translator is preferably initiated by interactively selecting the cursor-sensitive display object corresponding to that particular communication script or data translator. In a further feature of the invention, software data objects representing the communication scripts, data translators, and the workflow specification are stored in an object-oriented database. The database integration specification is ultimately compiled into executable form.

Improved graphical user interface with method for interfacing to remote devices

Abstract: An intuitive graphical user interface is based upon a geographic map structure, and includes a system for controlling remote external electronic devices. In the defined graphical user interface, each Space of the geographic map structure is rendered on a touch screen display as a graphic image of a geographic space. Within each Space are colored cartoon-like icons called "objects" which can be Selected and manipulated by the user. Certain objects, referred to as portals, transport the user from one Space to another Space when Selected. Other objects, referred to as buttons, perform associated actions or functions when Selected. The graphical user interface is displayed on a hand-held display device used to control remote devices. Each remote electronic device transmits a user interface program object that defines a graphical user interface to the display device. The hand-held display devices displays the graphical user interface associated with the remote device when a user selects an icon associated with the remote device on the display device's touch screen display.

Method and apparatus for adding functionality to computer programs executing under graphical user interfaces

Abstract: A system for adding functions to an existing application program executing in a computer system having a graphical user interface that includes a clipboard. The invention displays menu options either on an added menu within the application program or on a menu separate from the application program. The invention intercepts communications between the operating system and the application program and determines when the user is invoking one of the added functions. Simulated user input commands are issued to the operating system to capture information from the application program to the clipboard. The information in the clipboard is processed to provide additional features such as on-the-fly spell checking or translation and the modified information is replaced in the application program by transferring from the clipboard using more simulated user input commands.

Graphical user interface control for replicating data fields in forms

Abstract: Disclosure is made of a menu-driven computer interface system employing a graphical user interface for the entry of text data in a data store. The system receives user inputs for controlling the graphical user interface, which interface provides a document form display including at least one data entry field for text entry. The system generates a moveable cursor or pointer in the display which is positionable in response to a first control input from a user. The system responds to a second control input from a user by replicating one or more data fields.

Teleporting - Making Applications Mobile

Abstract: The rapid emergence of mobile computers as a popular, and increasingly powerful, computing tool is presenting new challenges. This subject is already being widely addressed within the computing literature. A complementary and relatively unexplored notion of mobility is one in which application interfaces, rather than the computer on which the applications run, are able to move. The Teleporting System developed at the Olivetti Research Laboratory (ORL) is a tool for experiencing such "mobile applications". It operates within the X Window System, and allows users to interact with their existing X applications at any X display within a building. The process of controlling the interface to the teleporting system is very simple. This simplicity comes from the use of an automatically maintained database of the location of equipment and people within the building. This paper describes the teleporting system, what it does, and how it is used. We outline some of the issues of making applications mobile that have arisen during its implementation.

Conceptual versus procedural software training for graphical user interfaces: a longitudinal field experiment

Abstract: Graphical user interfaces (GUIs) are rapidly becoming ubiquitous in organizations. Most of what we know about software training comes from studies of command line interfaces. This paper compares concept-based versus procedure-based content of training materials. Concept-based materials define the nature and associations of the objects in the interface, while procedure-based materials define how specific tasks are carried out. This comparison was done using a field experiement. Eighty-two volunteers participated in a three-week Windows training program and completed a follow-up questionnaire seven months later. The results show that the amount learned in such sessions is a function of neither concept-based nor procedure-based training. GUI training should provide both kinds of information because trainees need to learn both. In addition, trainers should be aware of an apparent early pateau in learning of the Windows GUI.

Application control module for common user access interface

Abstract: An application management system for achieving a common user access (CUA) interface throughout multiple applications of a computer system is described. The system includes an operating environment having an application control module (ACM) that is run-time bound and executable by the applications. The ACM furnishes generalized procedural codes for each application. The application uses data structures to define the appearance and operation of the application to the ACM. The system also integrates the application program interfaces (API's) of an operating environment graphic user interface (GUI) system and a database management system (DBMS) within the ACM. The invention reduces the programming required for applications and improves consistency in programming across multiple applications.