Showing papers on "Graphical user interface published in 2002"

Prototyping graphical user interfaces

Abstract: A method, system, and computer readable medium is described for creating a prototype GUI (500) for conversion into an actual GUI (552, 554) whose appearance when displayed matches the appearance of the prototype GUI. In some situations, multiple personnel may participate in the process, such as a non-technical GUI designer (540b) that specifies the prototype GUI appearance information and a technical GUI developer (550b) that specifies various non-appearance information for a corresponding actual GUI. A prototype GUI is first created based on layout and other appearance information specified for various GUI elements, and corresponding proxy GUI objects (540) are generated that store appearance information but not various non-appearance information used as part of an actual GUI. Proxy GUI objects for a prototype GUI can then be converted into actual GUI objects (550) for use with an actual GUI, and various non-appearance information can be specified for the actual GUI objects in various ways.

Touch screen with user interface enhancement

Abstract: The present invention is a graphical user interface in a computing device having a processor running an operating system and a display. The graphical user interface comprises a touch screen and a driver coupling the touch screen to the operating system. The driver can display a plurality of icons on the touch screen, or a plurality of screen images having at least one icon, with each of the icons associated with operations on the display and/or the touch screen. Other embodiments include the touch screen having unactivated and activated states, as well as the presence of an application programming interface that enables an application to display at least one image on the touch screen.

Method and apparatus for accelerated scrolling

Abstract: Improved approaches for users to with graphical user interfaces of computing devices are disclosed. A rotational user action supplied by a user via a user input device can provide accelerated scrolling. The accelerated nature of the scrolling enables users to scroll or traverse a lengthy data set (e.g., list of items) faster and with greater ease. The amount of acceleration provided can be performed in successive stages, and/or performed based on the speed of the rotational user action. In one embodiment, the rotational user action is transformed into linear action with respect to a graphical user interface. The resulting acceleration effect causes the linear action to be enhanced such that a lengthy data set is able to be rapidly traversed.

User interface for a remote control application

Abstract: A hand-held electronic device having a remote control application user interface that functions to displays operational mode information to a user. The graphical user interface may be used, for example, to setup the remote control application to control appliances for one or more users in one or more rooms, to perform activities, and to access favorites. The remote control application is also adapted to be upgradeable. Furthermore, the remote control application provides for the sharing of operational mode information.

Polaris: a system for query, analysis, and visualization of multidimensional relational databases

Abstract: In the last several years, large multidimensional databases have become common in a variety of applications, such as data warehousing and scientific computing. Analysis and exploration tasks place significant demands on the interfaces to these databases. Because of the size of the data sets, dense graphical representations are more effective for exploration than spreadsheets and charts. Furthermore, because of the exploratory nature of the analysis, it must be possible for the analysts to change visualizations rapidly as they pursue a cycle involving first hypothesis and then experimentation. In this paper, we present Polaris, an interface for exploring large multidimensional databases that extends the well-known pivot table interface. The novel features of Polaris include an interface for constructing visual specifications of table-based graphical displays and the ability to generate a precise set of relational queries from the visual specifications. The visual specifications can be rapidly and incrementally developed, giving the analyst visual feedback as he constructs complex queries and visualizations.

Method and apparatus for use of rotational user inputs

Abstract: Improved approaches for users of computing devices to interact with graphical user interfaces are described. According to one aspect, a rotational user action supplied by a user at a user input device is transformed into linear action with respect to a graphical user interface. According to another aspect, a portion of an extended list of items is displayed by a graphical user interface and, through rotational user actions at a user input device, the portion of the list being displayed can be varied with welcomed ease of use. Although the type of computing device can vary, the improved approaches are particularly well-suited for use with a portable media player.

System and method for building multi-modal and multi-channel applications

Abstract: A system and method are provided for visually building multi-channel and multi-modal applications. The system includes a process design module for designing application workflow, an integration design module for integrating data sources into the application; a presentation design module for designing application views; a media library; and a componentization module, for packaging designed workflow into reusable components. The system further includes an interactive development/design environment (IDE). The IDE provides a graphical user interface for allowing a developer to visually interact with and operate modules. The system allows a developer to design a single application that can operate across multiple network standards, devices, browsers and languages, and that operate in one or more modes, such as real-time, off-line and asynchronous modes.

Control system and user interface for network of input devices

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and systems for centrally and uniformly controlling the operation of a variety of devices, such as communication, consumer electronic, audio-video, analog, digital, 1394, and the like, over a variety of protocols within a network system and, more particularly, a control system and uniform user interface for centrally controlling these devices in a manner that appears seamless and transparent to the user. In a preferred embodiment, a command center or hub of a network system includes a context and connection permutation sensitive control system that enables centralized and seamless integrated control of all types of input devices. The control system preferably includes a versatile icon based graphical user interface that provides a uniform, on-screen centralized control system for the network system. The user interface, which includes a visual recognition system, enables the user to transparently control multiple input devices over a variety of protocols while operating on a single control layer of an input command device. In an alternative embodiment, the control system also enables gated signal pass-through control while avoiding signal jamming.

Industrial plant asset management system: apparatus and method

Abstract: An industrial plant asset management system comprising of a synchronized multiple view graphical user interface combining simultaneous real time and database display capability, a database including a knowledge manager and having input and output interfaces, a normalizing data acquisition module with real time and database interfaces, and a variety of device dependent data collector modules with associated signal conditioning and processing devices for providing an environment for development and deployment of visual models for monitoring plant assets.

System for assisted mobility using eye movements based on electrooculography

Abstract: Describes an eye-control method based on electrooculography (EOG) to develop a system for assisted mobility. One of its most important features is its modularity, making it adaptable to the particular needs of each user according to the type and degree of handicap involved. An eye model based on electrooculographic signal is proposed and its validity is studied. Several human-machine interfaces (HMI) based on EOG are commented, focusing our study on guiding and controlling a wheelchair for disabled people, where the control is actually effected by eye movements within the socket. Different techniques and guidance strategies are then shown with comments on the advantages and disadvantages of each one. The system consists of a standard electric wheelchair with an on-board computer, sensors and a graphic user interface run by the computer. On the other hand, this eye-control method can be applied to handle graphical interfaces, where the eye is used as a mouse computer. Results obtained show that this control technique could be useful in multiple applications, such as mobility and communication aid for handicapped persons.

Method, apparatus and computer readable medium for multiple messaging session management with a graphical user interface

Abstract: A graphical user interface displays a unique graphical indexing element such as a tab for each engaged and non-engaged messaging session. The user chooses which messaging session to make engaged by selecting its graphical indexing element. The graphical indexing elements have various distinctive characteristics to indicate the status of their respective messaging sessions, such as engaged, non-engaged with no unread messages, or non-engaged with at least one unread message. The messaging sessions may all be docked, in which event the engaged messaging session is displayed in a window pane set and the other messaging sessions are not displayed, or may be selectively undocked, in which event the engaged messaging session and the undocked messaging sessions are displayed in respective window pane sets. The engaged window pane set supports the communication of original or predefined messages between the user's digital device and the pal's messaging-enabled digital device, regardless of capability.

System and method for the delivery of electronic books

Abstract: An electronic book on a computer readable medium, e.g., a CD or the like, has “real-life” pre-recorded audio (preferably, in MP3 format) and visual text (preferably, in RTF format) seamlessly linked together via a linking file (preferably, in XML format) such that a reader can switch back and forth “at will” between visually reading on a computer display screen and/or listening to the book being read aloud by an actual narrator. The computer readable medium includes a reader program installed thereon and an automatic installation program. A novel process for creating the electronic book includes a creator program that may have a similar graphical user interface to the reader program. The electronic book may combine advantages of physical hard-cover books with new e-reading functionality developed by the present inventor.

Layout of platform specific graphical user interface widgets migrated between heterogeneous device platforms

Abstract: A scaleable graphical user interface system utilizes a device platform independent model to provide dynamic layout of graphical user interface widgets migrated between any of a plurality of heterogeneous device platforms. The device platform independent model includes at least one platform independent graphical user interface widget. Based on the device platform independent model, platform specific graphical user interface widgets that correspond to each of the platform independent graphical user interface widgets may be laid out on a page and compared to the size of a display screen of a heterogeneous device platform. Where the page does not fit within the display screen, the platform independent graphical user interface widgets may be dynamically rearranged within the page to fit the display screen. In addition, where designated as splitable, the platform independent graphical user interface widgets may be split among multiple pages of a presentation to fit within the display screen.

Graphical user interface having contextual menus

Abstract: A contextual pop-up menu of frequently used commands is displayed by an application whenever a user carries out a particular action. The contextual menu appears at the location of a cursor, so that the displayed commands are spatially very close to an item on which an action is to be performed. The commands which are displayed in the contextual menu are not limited to those provided by an application associated with the selected item. Other commands, such as system level commands, for help items or other types of user assistance features, can be added to the menu before it is displayed to the user. In addition, plug-in modules can be employed to provide other commands associated with the selected item.

Navigation patterns and usability of zoomable user interfaces with and without an overview

Abstract: The literature on information visualization establishes the usability of interfaces with an overview of the information space, but for zoomable user interfaces, results are mixed. We compare zoomable user interfaces with and without an overview to understand the navigation patterns and usability of these interfaces. Thirty-two subjects solved navigation and browsing tasks on two maps. We found no difference between interfaces in subjects' ability to solve tasks correctly. Eighty percent of the subjects preferred the interface with an overview, stating that it supported navigation and helped keep track of their position on the map. However, subjects were faster with the interface without an overview when using one of the two maps. We conjecture that this difference was due to the organization of that map in multiple levels, which rendered the overview unnecessary by providing richer navigation cues through semantic zooming. The combination of that map and the interface without an overview also improved subjects' recall of objects on the map. Subjects who switched between the overview and the detail windows used more time, suggesting that integration of overview and detail windows adds complexity and requires additional mental and motor effort.

Method for dynamically generating a user interface from XML-based documents

Abstract: A method for dynamically generating a graphical user interface (GUI) from XML-based documents. In accordance with the method, visual components or display objects for building a GUI are defined, as well as a layout hierarchy describing layout relationships between the display objects, specifying how related display objects are to be laid out relative to each other on a layout window in the GUI. XML elements in an XML document pertaining to respective display objects are identified. A GUI is generated by rendering the identified display objects on the layout window, wherein the size and the position of each display object is based on layout rules defined by the layout hierarchy and a hierarchical position of the XML element pertaining to the display object within a hierarchy of XML elements of the XML document. The appearance of display objects in the GUI may also be altered through the use layout descriptors.

Method and apparatus for archiving and visualizing digital images

Abstract: A computer based, digital image management system that visually presents an entire archive in a manner that facilitates easy, non-textual, searching for specific images. In one embodiment, the system includes two elements: a file management methodology and a graphical user interface. The file management method utilizes reference files that contain multiple properties (metadata) relating to each image file. Image files are grouped into a multiplicity of collections based on user-defined associations of the properties. The graphical user interface visually represents the groups of image files on 2-dimentional or 3-dimensional graphic metaphors. In addition, the graphical interface uses multiple display variables such as icons, mnemonics, size, movement, color, and luminance to signify relationships between groups, and/or communicate key properties of individual or groups of images.

Automated software testing and validation system

Abstract: An automated software testing system allows automated test script generation, execution, and result correlation in a recreatable and adaptable manner. A software Application Under Test (AUT) is identified and includes a process having a sequence of Graphical User Interface (GUI) windows. A test thread tree is generated corresponding to the windows in the process. A grid is generated to enumerate test cases indicative of the windows and data objects in the thread. Also generated is a script indicative of each of the test cases. The script is executed to apply each of the test cases to the AUT and receive a response for each test case from the AUT. A report of expected responses is generated, and compared to the actual responses to provide a test result indicative of the status for each test case in question.

Automated network configuration of connected devices

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and a system of automatically configuring a network, a device connected to the network, and an information handling system connected to the device through the network so that the device is able to access shared data on the information handling system. For example, a device such as a music player is able to access shared music files stored on the information handling system through the network, and then play such files on speakers or a stereo system attached to the music player. The configuration method may be implemented as a set of instructions or software executed by the information handling system, which provides a graphical user interface such as a setup wizard. Portions of the configuration method may also be implemented as software or firmware executed by the music player, which operates in a non-interactive format such as a hidden daemon.

Method and system for automatically resizing and repositioning windows in response to changes in display

Abstract: Windows in a graphical user interface are automatically repositioned and resized in response to changes in a display configuration. If a window is not capable of being fully displayed within the reconfigured display area, it is constrained to fit the available space. In determining the constraints for the window, the window is given a size which permits an integral amount of information to be displayed to the user. If a minimum required size is not already present in the available display area, the window is moved into the available area until the minimum size is attained. If the visible portion of the window already contains the minimum required area, a determination is made whether additional integral components of the window can be displayed. The window is then appropriately shrunk or expanded to permit an integral number of components to be displayed, and control elements are added to the window. The position of the window is varied so that it conforms to the position it occupied prior to the change in configuration so that, if the user expects to have the window at a particular position, it will remain at that position regardless of changes in the size or resolution of the display device.

Method and apparatus for accessing information, computer programs and electronic communications across multiple computing devices using a graphical user interface

Abstract: A GUI containing a panel along each of its edges is produced within a computer's display. Each of the four panels are always visible and accessible within the GUI and contain items that display or reference network-based information, communication, navigational systems, computer programs, and other items. These items have been assigned to the panels based upon a hierarchal containment system which, in the preferred embodiment of the invention, uses the categories “people, places, things, and home” as its first logical grouping of the various items and services a user would seek to utilize within the GUI. This organizational system, and its associated visual representation within the panels, enables the GUI to be displayed and operated within multiple computer devices, even though the designs of those devices may include a wide range of display and control systems. This consistency across various computing devices enables a user to quickly apply knowledge gained from having used the GUI on another computing device. Furthermore, the items presented within the GUI, as well as the GUI's configuration, are stored in, and retrieved from, a networked “server” computer thereby enabling a user to produce and access their familiar GUI workspace and items using a variety of networked computer devices. The GUI therefore may be accessed within multiple computing devices and provide access to information, computer programs, and electronic communications.

System and method for navigating applications using a graphical user interface

Abstract: A computing device having a graphical interface system for navigating computer programs is provided. The system includes a navigation display showing an organizational model of a computer program that is formed by concentric rings representing levels of options within the computer program. At least one of the rings is an active ring, which is emphasized to show selectable options. The options represent either categories of other options or features of the computer program. The options may be represented by icons or words. A method for navigating a computer program using the organizational model includes using a graphical user interface to select options on an active ring. Selecting a category option activates an inner ring that displays options related to the previously selected option on the next higher ring. The user continues navigating through inner rings until a feature option is selected, which invokes a feature of the computer program.

Dynamically generated mark-up based graphical user interfaced with an extensible application framework with links to enterprise resources

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and article of manufacture for generating a Markup-based Graphical User Interface (application) within extensible application framework and links to enterprise resources based on variety of XML Schema languages such as DTD, SOX, and XSDL. XML Schemas provide a description of application data structures and are used to generate automatically an application interface allowing a user to display and modify conformant data via a web browser or mobile device. While XML Schemas define generic data structure, application specific information is delivered using Schema Adjuncts.

Touch-sensitive input overlay for graphical user interface

Abstract: An improved graphical user interfaces system is disclosed that includes a touch-sensitive input overlay. The touch-sensitive input overlay is configured to enable a flexible complementary or replacement input mode for entering and navigating text and information on a traditional graphical user interface, without the aid of a mouse or keyboard. The improved graphical interface system can be embodied in a specially programmed computer system, a computer implemented method, or a computer readable medium configured to cause a computer to perform the underlying method.

Graphical user interface for a mobile device

Abstract: The invention relates to a mobile device comprising a display. In order to offer a user a more extensive immediate overview over the information available to a specific topic, it is proposed that the mobile device comprises processing means for presenting on the display a three-dimensional polyhedron as graphical user interface. Different pieces of information that are to be presented to a user of the mobile device are associated to different facets of this polyhedron, and the visible facets of the polyhedron present at least a hint on a respectively associated piece of information to a user of the mobile device. It is further proposed that the mobile device comprises means for enabling a user to cause the processing means to rotate the facets of the presented polyhedron. The invention relates equally to a corresponding graphical user interface and to a corresponding method for presenting such a graphical user interface.

Concentric curvilinear menus for a graphical user interface

Abstract: A user interface includes a first menu comprising a first set of selectable options circumferentially disposed on the first menu. In response to a selection of an option from the first menu, a second menu is displayed. The second menu may be concentrically-disposed relative to the first menu. The second menu includes a second set of circumferentially-disposed, selectable options, which may or may not be hierarchically related to the first set of selectable options.

Graphical user interface for displaying and navigating in a directed graph structure

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.

Pdstudio design system and method

Abstract: A policy developer studio comprising: a meta-policy core of network objects, a policy developer graphical user interface (GUI) tool for providing a front end to a policy language, an output in XML, a compiled output for a policy engine, and an output in human readable form is provided.

Method, apparatus, and computer program product for providing a graphical user interface with a linear map component

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method, apparatus, and computer program product for providing a graphical user interface (GUI) with a linear map component. A database that includes data representing transportation segments and point of interest (POI) features is employed. Once the desired location is determined, the data relating to it is extracted from the database and presented to the user in a GUI in which individual transportation segments along the predetermined route or projected path of travel are shown in a linear format. The linear formatted segments are oriented vertically in the map display or printout in order to easily accommodate the display of textual information and/or links associated with POIs along the path of travel. Further information is displayed pursuant to user selection of links or icons in the main GUI screen.