Showing papers on "Graphical user interface published in 1999"

The context toolkit: aiding the development of context-enabled applications

Abstract: Context-enabled applications are just emerging and promise richer interaction by taking environmental context into account. However, they are difficult to build due to their distributed nature and the use of unconventional sensors. The concepts of toolkits and widget libraries in graphical user interfaces has been tremendously successtil, allowing programmers to leverage off existing building blocks to build interactive systems more easily. We introduce the concept of context widgets that mediate between the environment and the application in the same way graphical widgets mediate between the user and the application. We illustrate the concept of context widgets with the beginnings of a widget library we have developed for sensing presence, identity and activity of people and things. We assess the success of our approach with two example context-enabled applications we have built and an existing application to which we have added context-sensing capabilities.

Graphical user interface for configuration of a storage system

Abstract: A storage server architecture supporting virtual devices and virtual circuits for storing data is provided. The storage server includes a plurality of communication interfaces. A first set of communication interfaces in the plurality is adapted for connection to all kinds of users of data. A second set of communication interfaces in the plurality is adapted for connection to respective devices in a pool of storage devices. Data processing resources in the server are coupled to the plurality of communication interfaces for transferring data among the interfaces. The data processing resources comprise a plurality of driver modules and configurable logic linking driver modules into data paths. Each configured data path acts as a virtual circuit that includes a set of driver modules selected from the plurality of driver modules. A data storage transaction which is received at a communication interface is mapped to one of the configured data paths. A display and a user input device are included with data processing structures to manage images displayed on the display. The images include a first image arranged to prompt a user to input configuration data concerning host systems coupled to one of the plurality of communication interfaces, a second image arranged to prompt a user to input data concerning storage resources coupled to one of the plurality of communication interfaces, and a third image arrange to prompt a user to input data concerning logical addresses used by the host systems to access the storage resources accessible using the server.

The design and implementation of SnB version 2.0

Abstract: SnB is a direct-methods program based on the Shake-and-Bake methodology. It has been used to solve difficult or large structures that could not be solved by traditional reciprocal-space routines based on the tangent formula. Recently, it has also been used to determine the Se sites in large selenomethionyl-substituted proteins. SnB version 1.5 has been available for several years and is being used regularly in many laboratories. In this paper, we introduce SnB version 2.0, which incorporates a graphical user interface written in Java, a dynamic histogram display, and an interactive Java/VRML-based visualization facility. In addition, it provides the user with several utility routines and a variety of new algorithmic options.

Using the OMNeT++ discrete event simulation system in education

Abstract: The intent of this paper is to contribute to the teaching of computer networks, parallel and distributed systems and discrete event simulation by presenting a simulation system that is ideally suited for educational use. OMNeT++ is a C++-based discrete event simulator which uses the process-interaction approach. An OMNeT++ model consists of modules communicating by message passing. Modules can be arbitrarily nested. Model topology is specified by a topology description language which supports separation of interface and functionality and facilitates model reuse. One of the strengths of OMNeT++ is that one can execute the simulation under a powerful graphical user interface. The GUI makes the internals of a simulation model fully visible to the person running the simulation: it displays the network graphics, animates the message flow and lets the user peek into objects and variables within the model. The use of the tracing/debugging capabilities does not require extra code to be written by the simulation programmer. The combination of these features make OMNeT++ a good choice for use in the education. OMNeT++ is open-source and free for non-profit use. The CD-ROM contains the full source distribution, the manual in HTML format, and a Win95/NT executable with several sample simulation models and their sources.

Method and apparatus for selectively augmenting retrieved information from a network resource

Abstract: An apparatus and corresponding method for selecting multimedia information, such as video, audio, graphics and text residing on a plurality of Data Warehouses, relational database management systems (RDMS) or object-oriented database systems (ODBA) connected to the Internet or other network, and for linking the multimedia information across the Internet, or other network, to any phrase, work, sentence and paragraph of text; or numbers; or maps; charta, and tables; or still pictures and/or graphics' or moving pictures and/or graphics; or audio elements contained in documents on an Internet or intranet web site so that any viewer of a web site, or other network resource, can directly access updated information in the Data Warehouse or a database in real time are disclosed. The apparatus and corresponding method each: (i) stores a plurality of predetermined authentication procedures (such as user names and passwords) to gain admittance to Data Warehouses or databases, (ii) stores the Universal Resource Locators of intranet and Internet addresses of a plurality of expert-predetermined optimum databases or Data Warehouses containing text, audio, video and graphic information, or multimedia information relating to the information on the web site or other network resource; (iii) stores a plurality of expert-predetermined optimum queries for use in the search engines of each of the pre-selected databases, each query representing a discrete searchable concept as expressed by a work, phrase, sentence or paragraph of text, or any other media such as audio and video on a web site, or other network resource; and (iv) presents to the user the results of a search of the Data Warehouse or database through a graphical user interface (GUI) which coordinates and correlates viewer selection criteria with the expert optimum remote database selection and queries.

User interface for interacting with online message board

Abstract: A program and graphical user interface is provided for facilitating user interactions with an online message board system. The interface provides multiple levels of filtering and screening capability with query parameters presented within a first portion of the interface to permit comprehensive and flexible selection of message entries of interest to a user. The message entries are compiled into intelligent sets corresponding to logical constructs tailored for the community of users for the online message board system, so that the need for reviewing messages to locate relevant subject matter is substantially eliminated. After the user specified message entries are retrieved, they can be displayed in list form in a second portion of the interface, and then reviewed in depth in yet a third portion of the interface. The query and reviewing operations by the user can all take place therefore, within a single screen, providing the user with a simplified but powerful tool for perusing subject matter of interest from a large collection of message postings. Collections of messages can be pre-compiled and downloaded to the user in advance, based on predictive logic, resulting in faster perceived response times from the user's viewpoint. In a preferred embodiment, the present interface is used in connection with a financial information based message board system, where it is used by members of an online electronic community to capture and share individual user rationales and logic for purchasing or selling financial instruments such as securities, options, etc.

A personal news agent that talks, learns and explains

Abstract: Most work on intelligent information agents has thus far focused on systems that are accessible through the World Wide Web. As demanding schedules prohibit people from continuous access to their computers, there is a clear demand for information systems that do not require workstation access or graphical user interfaces. We present a personal news agent that is designed to become part of an intelligent, IP-enabled radio, which uses synthesized speech to read news stories to a user. Based on voice feedback from the user, the system automatically adapts to the user’s preferences and interests. In addition to time-coded feedback, we explore two components of the system that facilitate the automated induction of accurate interest profiles. First, we motivate the use of a multistrategy machine learning approach that allows for the induction of user models that consist of separate models for long-term and short-term interests. Second, we investigate the use of "concept feedback", a novel form of user feedback that is based on our agent's capability to construct explanations for the reasons that have led to a specific classification. Users can then critique these explanations which, from a machine learning perspective, allows for more direct changes to an induced concept than through the inclusion of additional training examples. We evaluate the proposed algorithms on user data collected with a prototype of our system, and assess the performance contributions of the system's individual components.

Eye tracking the visual search of click-down menus

Abstract: Click-down (or pull-down) menus have long been a key component of graphical user interfaces, yet we know surprisingly little about how users actually interact with such menus. Nilsens [8] study on menu selection has led to the development of a number of models of how users perform the task [6, 21. However, the validity of these models has not been empirically assessed with respect to eye movements (though [l] presents some interesting data that bear on these models). The present study is an attempt to provide data that can help refine our understanding of how users interact with such menus.

Graphical user interface touch screen with an auto zoom feature

Abstract: A graphical user interface 'touch screen' having an entire collection of icons displayed at a scale in which the individual function of each icon is recognizable, but too small to easily access features of the function, and wherein upon touching the screen area accommodating an area of the icon, the screen provides a zoomed in version of that area so that the user can select a desired feature.

Photogrammetry engine for model construction

Abstract: A system and methods for accessing 2D digital images and 3D geometric models over a network (preferably the Internet) and transforming and composing that media along with 2D digital image and 3D geometric model media, acquired by other means, into enhanced 2D image and 3D model representations for virtual reality visualization and simulation is disclosed. Digital images and models from a network and other sources are incorporated and manipulated through an interactive graphical user interface. A photogrammetric media processing engine automatically extracts virtual sensor (camera) and geometric models from imagery. Extracted information is used by a reconstruction processor to automatically and realistically compose images and models. A rendering system provides real-time visualization and simulation of the constructed media. A client-server processing model for deployment of the media processing engine system over a network is disclosed.

Dynamic organization model and management computing system and method therefor

Abstract: The present invention provides a dynamic organizational database as an underlying information system to support collaborative computing in a global enterprise (58) This information system is built based on the Organizational Modeling and Management model (OMM) (90) and provides a system architecture (Fig 8) and a graphical user interface (Fig 10) for easy manipulation of organizational objects (70) Contrary to traditional approaches (38), the present invention separates the organization model (42) from the process model (44), the application model (36) and the data model (32) Thus, independent and flexible enterprise modeling and design is allowed to reflect more realistically a rapidly changing business environment

Information presentation system for a graphical user interface

Abstract: Information presentation system comprises a computer device having a display terminal for providing a graphical user interface (GUI), capable of generating a cluster of items comprising graphical or textual elements for display thereof according to a fractal appearance. Each item in a cluster represents information having a degree of relatedness with information represented by other items in a cluster. A control mechanism is provided for controlling the spatial extent, nesting and arrangement of items within a cluster according to a specified criteria, which spatial extent and arrangement is controlled to provide optimal display and conserve screen display space on the display terminal. Users may manually enter a criteria for organizing and adjusting the spatial extent of a cluster in order to provide continuous display space on the computer display terminal. The invention may be implemented in text editors to provide a multiresolution annotation feature for portable and lap/palm-top computer devices having pen-based or keyboard based inputs.

Proposal based architecture system

Abstract: A proposed based architecture system that converts a transaction submission process into a generic object in a computer environment. A preferred embodiment of the invention provides a tool set which allows the user to create a set of Proposal Specifications which define the structure of the possible components of a Proposal. The Proposal is accessed via multiple User Interfaces (UI), and allows the user to add a Web or Graphical User Interface (GUI) front-end without having to rewrite a back-end application. A UI coordinator maps user input fields to components of the Proposal and communicates with different user interfaces. A set of Transaction Processing/Data Processing (TP/DP) interfaces are provided to communicate with back-end transactional interfaces such as Database Management Systems (DBMS), Transactional Processing (TP) Monitors, and Object Oriented Databases.

Graphical interface components for in-dash automotive accessories

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an automobile computer system having a computer that runs an open platform operating system configured to support multiple applications, including applications that can be installed by a user. The system includes an operator interface that is mountable for viewing by an operator of an automobile. A plurality of application icons are scrollable across the visual operator interface by a user. The application icons correspond to applications supported by the operating system. The operator interface has a fixed focus position, wherein any application icon that is scrolled to the fixed focus position becomes focused and can be activated to select the application corresponding to the focused application icon. In some cases, icons are activated by leaving them focused for a predetermined timeout period. The system also includes a visual control that is available to application programs. The control includes any specified combination of items of the following types: (a) an edit item having a variable that is editable in response to a user select command; (b) an adjustable item having a variable that is changeable through a series of predefined values in response to user adjustment commands; (c) a selection item that opens a secondary control in response to a user select command; and (d) a combination item having a variable that is changeable through a series of predefined values in response to user adjustment commands, the combination item opening a secondary control in response to a user selection command.

Multimedia delivery system

Abstract: A computerized multimedia delivery system designed to simultaneously display multiple streams of multimedia content is disclosed. The interactive delivery system is capable of (1) providing multiple streams of content to users of the system, (2) allowing users to interact with the system, (3) providing information concerning such users to a centralized computer for processing, (4) providing users with the ability to perform financial transactions, and (5) provide a printed receipt or redemption coupon. Content is digitally stored on a medium suitable for storage and retrieval by the computer system such as large capacity hard disk drives. The content to be displayed is selected either using a scheduling device or by user interaction. A user can interact with the system through a touch-screen graphical user interface on a video display. Once the content is selected, the system reads the configuration information for that particular content. The digital data representing the selected content is sent to a series of suitable digital to analog converters capable of converting the digital representation of the content into an analog signal which can be transferred to analog devices capable of audio and video reproduction. A device capable of financial transactions such as a magnetic stripe reader, smartcard reader, or currency validator is connected to the computer through input/output interfaces allowing the user to perform financial transactions through the system. An attached printer has the ability to provide the user with printed material related to the selected content. Two-way communication between the user and the system allows the system to collect user information directly related to specific content and transmit such information to a centralized data management center through a modem connected to the system. The system's multimedia content can be upgraded through an optical disk or data transmission by satellite.

System for interactive chat without a keyboard

Abstract: of the Disclosure A user interface device has a graphical user interface that can simultaneously display a combination of television and related Internet content, along with predetermined responses to the television or video content. The predetermined responses may offer a set of choices, and selecting one of the choices results in sending the chosen response to a chat room to be added to the chat stream. Selecting a choice may alternatively cause a second set of responses to be displayed, the second set corresponding to the choice that was selected. The predetermined responses may be standardized responses that are broadcast to many user interface devices, or the predetermined responses may be customized responses input by the user. Alternatively, the user may define a profile that provides a subset of the available predetermined responses, the subset having a particular style selected by the viewer. The predetermined responses may take the form of text communications, static or dynamic graphic icons, audio or video. Having the predetermined responses available allows for interactive communication without the need for a keyboard to type in responses.

Authentication framework for multiple authentication processes and mechanisms

Abstract: An authentication framework subsystem enables a computer system to authenticate a user with a selected one of a plurality of authentication processes. Each of the authentication processes has a distinct sequence of steps and a unique input/output (I/O) interface for exchanging authentication information with the computer system. The invention includes an authentication framework in the computer system. An application program interface in the authentication framework provides an interface to an I/O component, such as a graphical user interface (GUI), of the computer system. A plurality of authentication modules interface with the framework. Each module has a conversation function driver defining a programmed sequence of steps to authenticate a user with a distinct authentication process. A conversation function in the application program interface, defines a programmed sequence of steps for controlling the I/O component in response to generic instructions that have the same format but different sequences for each of the authentication modules.

Method and apparatus for determining an identity of a network device

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing the availability and assignment of data in a storage system that is coupled to a network. A user interface is provided that executes on a host processor that is coupled to the storage system over the network. The user interface communicates with a configuration database in the storage system to identify host processors that are logged into the storage system over the network, to identify storage volumes on the storage system, to identify whether access to a particular storage volume on the storage system is permitted from a particular host processor, and to identify a network path by which host processors are logged into the storage system over the network. In one embodiment, a graphical user interface is provided that can be used to graphically represent host processors, host bus adapters, storage systems, and storage system adapters and storage volumes on the storage system. The graphical representation provided by the graphical user interface permits a user to graphically view a topology of the network at varying levels of detail, selectable by the user. The graphical user interface also permits a user to allow or deny access to storage systems or a particular storage volume on storage system from one or more of the host processors, host bus adapters, etc., by selecting and manipulating graphical representations thereof. In another embodiment, a command line user interface is provided with similar functionality.

Method and system for displaying graphical objects on a display screen

Abstract: A control program or operating system ( 28 ) manages a graphical user interface ( 21 ) of an electronic device ( 27 ) in such a way that substantially all of the screen of data ( 25 ) remains visible irrespective of whether toolbars or graphical objects ( 39 ) are displayed or hidden. The program or operating system rescales or resizes the data screen ( 25 ) to fit in whatever size display region ( 37 ) is available, such region ( 37 ) being generally smaller when graphical objects ( 39 ) are displayed on the display screen ( 31 ) and generally larger when the graphical objects ( 39 ) are hidden therefrom. The user displays graphical objects ( 39 ) in a corresponding tool area ( 55 ) defined in the display screen ( 31 ) by moving a cursor or other pointing device ( 33 ) into a control region ( 35 ) defined in the display screen ( 31 ). The control program or operating system ( 28 ) is useful not only with personal computer systems, but also with so-called “advanced” televisions, PC/TVs, and on manufacturing tools, office equipment, consumer electronic devices, and other devices having display screens and associated graphical user interfaces.

Mutatably transparent displays

Abstract: Mutatably transparent controls are disclosed. In one embodiment of the invention, a system includes an operating environment, and at least one computer program. The operating environment has a graphical user interface. Each computer program has at least one display displayable within the graphical user interface. The system is configured so that the opacity of the at least one display changes in response to a particular event. Desirably, each display comprises a control.

Automatic display script and style sheet generation

Abstract: A system for automatically generating a style sheet includes a parser for generating a document type graph in accordance with an input structure, a graphical user interface tool for interactively mapping the document type graph to form a display template in accordance with user requirements and a script generator for generating and storing the style sheet in accordance with the graphical user interface and the design template.

User interface for speech recognition system grammars

Abstract: A graphical user interface allows a speech recognition system user to browse available grammars and their topics. A dialog box interface displays the currently active grammar, grammar searching mode, and a current input. A list of valid word phrases of at least one word also is generated and displayed. Using the interface, a user additionally may select an active grammar and a method of searching and displaying valid examples from the grammar based on the current input.

Data processor controlled display system with audio identifiers for overlapping windows in an interactive graphical user interface

Abstract: There is provided a user friendly display interface system for the interactive handling and sorting out of windows in complex window hierarchical graphical user interfaces. The system provides for the storage of a hierarchy of windows which are displayable to overlap each other in a selected order whereby a plurality of said windows are partially visible. Apparatus is provided for displaying on a display screen a plurality of these partially overlapping windows. A different audio identifier is provided and stored for each of these windows. Further apparatus is provided for moving around and positioning a pointing device, such as a cursor on the display screen, in combination with means responsive to the pointing device for announcing the audio identifier for each window which said pointing device enters. The pointing device may be a user controlled cursor, a stylus or even a finger in touch sensitive display systems. The audio identifier may conveniently be the name in the title bar of the window.

Network-based three-dimensional multiple-user shared environment apparatus and method

Abstract: A client computer program provides instructions for a processor to locate and retrieve rich media and HTML files for running in a three-dimensional graphical user interface. The program provides instructions for the processor to generate a three-dimensional (3D) graphical user interface on a display. Then, the processor generates a metaphorical user object for navigating and interacting in the three dimensions within the environment via navigational and interactional inputs, respectively, from a user. The processor also integrates an HTML object into the environment, and interacts the user object with the HTML object in response to an interactional input from the user. Preferably, the processor generates one or more additional user objects for additional users. Each of the additional user objects can also interact with the HTML object, the first user object and/or each other within the environment in response to interactional inputs from the additional users. In addition, the first user object may interact with any or all of the additional user objects in response to interactional inputs from the first user. The interactional inputs may be proxy expressions from one user to another.

System and method for linking an audio stream with accompanying text material

Abstract: A system enables a user to query for key words and phrases a text document, such as a presentation slide file, and an associated audio stream, such as can be derived from an audio-video recording that is made of a presenter contemporaneously with the showing of the slides to an audience. A graphical user interface is presented in which query results for both the text document and the audio stream are displayed in a time-aligned format, to enable a user to easily and conveniently browse the text document and accompanying time-aligned audio stream based on the key words/phrases.

Validating data within container objects handled by view controllers

Abstract: A method and apparatus in a data processing system for performing validation of user input. User input is received in a container displayed in a graphical user interface, wherein presentation of the container and the user input to the container are handled by a view controller. Responsive to receiving the user input, a call is sent to a validation object by the view controller. Responsive to the call, the validation object tests the user input using a criteria, wherein the rule is separate from the view controller.

Speech enabling labeless controls in an existing graphical user interface

Abstract: A method for speech enabling labeless controls in an existing graphical user interface can comprise the steps of: identifying controls in a window contained in the graphical user interface; testing each identified control for an associated label; for each identified control having an associated label, adding the associated label to an active grammar of a speech recognition system; for each identified control not having an associated label, creating a label based upon an object property of a contextually relevant user interface object; and, further adding each created label to the active grammar. In testing each identified control for an associated label, an accessibility interface query can be applied to each identified control in the window. In addition, in creating the label, each contextually relevant object can be searched for an object property descriptive of the identified control not having an associated label. Subsequently, a label can be formed based upon the descriptive object property found in the searching step.

A navigation system character input device

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for a graphical user interface for a navigation system. The graphical user interface includes a display having several groups of symbols with each group arranged in a unique pre-determined direction relative to a start position. A user manipulatable directional input device permits a user to select any one of the groups with a single keystroke. Once a group has been selected, the directional input device permits a user to activate any one of the symbols within a group with a single keystroke. An activated symbol can be selected with one keystroke by the user. Selection of a symbol then re-activates the start position.

User interface component

Abstract: A user interface component. One or more embodiments provide a framework to develop a graphical user interface (GUI) for applications and to present information to a user. The framework provides a common look, feel, and usage with a layout that may follow a designated style guide. Aspects of a business (e.g., customers, vendors, or invoices) are created in the form of business objects. An editor that provides the ability to display and modify attributes of each business object (e.g., the address, name and phone number may be attributes of a customer object) is created. A set of commands that implement the changes made in an editor and that are executed upon execution of an event (such as the selection of a button on a display, e.g., a “save” button) are also defined. One or more embodiments of the invention provide for the defining of information relating to a GUI's menu bar, tool bar, and action bar. Such user interface information may be provided in a properties file. One or more embodiments of the invention utilize the properties file to build the GUI menu bar, tool bar, and action bar. One or more embodiments of the invention utilizes information from the properties files and automatically maps the options from the different GUI bars to the appropriate command. Subsequent changes to the GUI bars may be done by updating the properties file without the need for recompilation.

Multi-panel route monitoring graphical user interface, system and method

Abstract: The present invention relates to a graphical user interface (GUI) for displaying historical and current performance information for a route in a communications network, the route having several paths between two end points. Performance data from the network is collected and processed to generate route and path performance data. The processed data is stored in a database. The GUI is embodied in a network management device which draws upon information stored in the database. In a preferred embodiment, the GUI displays a route panel showing the structure of the route, a timebar showing the time period for which information is displayed, a paths panel showing information about each path in a tabular format, a selected paths panel showing information about selected paths in a tabular format, and a performance panel showing performance data in a graph.