Abstract: Improved systems and methods for navigating media via a user interface, such as a user interface provided on a handheld or portable computing device, are provided. The methods for navigating media of the invention extend the navigation experience by allowing bi-axial context shifts, e.g., with respect to substantially orthogonal directions, allowing a user to conceptually preserve context associated with the navigation experience, context that is lost in one-dimensional hierarchical navigation experiences. In one embodiment, the bi-axial navigation mechanism of the invention includes a drill down twist, i.e., the transformation of a parent list of a parent screen from a vertical list to a horizontal band when moving from the parent screen to the child screen and a horizontal browsing mechanism allowing a user to browse multiple lists using a continuous band of headers.

Abstract: In a number of embodiments, a method of displaying data to a user includes: (a) displaying an ordered list, wherein the ordered list includes: (1) at least a first letter of a first entry of at least two entries of data; and (2) at least one character appended after the at least the first letter of the first entry of the at least two entries of the data, where the at least one character is absent from the first entry; (b) retrieving one or more second entries of the at least two entries of the data; and (c) displaying the one or more second entries of the at least two entries of the data. Other embodiments are disclosed herein.

Abstract: A list managing method and apparatus that manage a list of content in a portable terminal having a touch screen according to multi-touch signals are disclosed. The method includes: detecting multi-touch signals input to a list on a touch screen; determining whether the multi-touch signals are input for a period of time equal to or greater than an activation time period; designating, if the multi-touch signals are input within the activation time period, the entire list with a selection area for altering a structure of a list; identifying a gesture generated by the multi-touch signals; expanding or contracting the structure of the entire list according to the gesture; and displaying the altered structure of the entire list on the touch screen.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for using menu functions of an electronic device are presented. The electronic device provides the menu functions in a menu layer structure that comprises a top menu layer and at least one lower menu layer. One of the lower menu layers is a bottom menu layer. The top menu layer overlaps at least partially the lower menu layers. A user of the electronic device selects a menu layer to be provided as a top menu layer from the lower menu layers by giving a first command and the user selects a function to be performed from the top menu layer by giving a second command.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for navigating a menu shown on a display unit of an electronic device is provided. By measuring a time for moving a cursor on the menu and determining whether the measured cursor input time exceeds a pre-set threshold, one or more cursor moving methods may be applied in order to increase user convenience.

Abstract: A method for organizing data according to a time based parameter displayed on a linear axis includes providing a visual user interface. The interface has a first area and a second area. The first area is larger than the second area. The second area has at least one bar extending horizontally and illustrates a time-line wherein earlier times are farther to the left and later times are farther to the right. The image illustrated in the first area is determined based on selection by the user of a portion of the various times illustrated in the bar in the second area.

Abstract: A display apparatus and a control method are provided in which a size menu item is changed, when the menu item is directed by a user. A display apparatus includes a user input part; a menu generator generating a user menu including at least one or more items; a display part displayed with the user menu generated from the menu generator; and a controller controlling the menu generator so that a size of a directed item according to an operation of the user input part among the items of the user menu displayed at the display part is reduced into a predetermined size and then is returned to an original size.

Abstract: An information reading apparatus such as a handheld personal device comprises a memory having a plurality of cells arranged in a two-dimensional array of rows and columns. Each cell stores a symbol image to be displayed on a screen. When a matrix array of cells is displayed, a cursor key is used to select one of the displayed cells as a candidate by moving a selection point by one cell at a time in response to a user's operation and is used to enter a user's decision command when a desired candidate is displayed at the center of the screen. A matrix array of cells including the selected cell and its neighbor cells are read from the memory and displayed so that the selected cell is positioned at the center of the screen. The processes of reading and displaying are repeated in response to a user's operation until the user's decision command is entered.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed that provides for displaying on the screen of a handheld electronic device, an extended menu or a short menu, which is a subset of the corresponding extended menu. The system and method include an application displayed on a screen. If the application is currently running, and no menu is displayed, the user may initiate an ambiguous request. Various short menus, including those with solely one menu item, are provided with their respective menu items being dependent and adjustable based upon the position of a cursor on the display page, the currently opened application, and/or the previous selections. Further, a selection from the short menu is capable of displaying the extended menu corresponding thereto.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for controlling a display of a data processing system. According to one embodiment of the invention, a method of controlling a display of a data processing system includes: displaying a first list as a scrollable view of items in a first mode; receiving an input to switch from the first mode to a second mode; and displaying, in the second mode, a representation of a command which when activated causes a display of a second list of the items. The first list is displayed within a window and the representation is displayed within the window.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for controlling a display of a data processing system. According to one embodiment of the invention, a method of controlling a display of a data processing system includes: displaying a first list as a scrollable view of items in a first mode; receiving an input to switch from the first mode to a second mode; and displaying, in the second mode, a representation of a command which when activated causes a display of a second list of the items. The first list is displayed within a window and the representation is displayed within the window.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for displaying multiple sets of items on a single page comprising rendering a selection graphic for each set of the multiple sets of items, wherein the rendered selection graphics are arranged adjacent to one another, in response to choosing one of the selection graphics, moving one or more of the adjacent selection graphics away from the chosen one to create a space between the chosen one and the moved one or more of the adjacent selection graphics, and inserting the set of items associated with the chosen one of the selection graphics in the space.

Abstract: A method of updating item information of a specific site on an information providing site is provided. The method includes displaying the specific item information of the specific site, receiving user input for selecting one item among the displayed specific items, and when the selected item information displayed on the information providing site is not the same as the information about the selected item provided on the specific site, updating the selected item information into the information provided on the specific site and displaying the updated information.

Abstract: An information display apparatus comprises a plurality of sensing devices, a signal processing block, an information display block, a menu storage block, a rotary control like a rotary encoder and a menu display block. The information display apparatus presents selectable menu items relating to images displayed on-screen together with information on hierarchical level of the menu items so that a user can easily recognize the hierarchical level of the currently presented menu items. The rotary control permits the user to select a desired one of the presented menu items by simple operation.

Abstract: In a method for providing partial layout synchronization in a teleconferencing system, a conference client application enters a presenter participant mode and accepts a layout modification from a local user. The layout modification alters a selection or arrangement of conference components in a user interface. The conference client determines whether the layout modification is a significant layout modification or an insignificant layout modification and transmits a command to a conference server containing a representation of the layout modification only when the layout modification is a significant layout modification.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a way of handling multiple text fields on user interfaces that are associated with relatively small screens, such as touch screen displays. Multiple text fields are presented in the same horizontal line. Contents of the currently selected text field are displayed in the horizontal line. The other text fields are indicated by a label or flag. Alternatively, the text fields may be presented in a tabbed format or with the use of pop-up windows.

Abstract: The present invention envisages a GSM mobile telephone in which a line of icons is displayed on a display. As a user navigates through the displayed line of icons, the positions of the icons alter so that the selectable icon moves to the head of the line. This approach makes it very clear (i) which icon is selectable at any time and (ii) where that icon sits in relation to other icons at the same functional level (e.g. only first level icons will be present in one line). First level icons typically relate to the following functions: phonebook; messages; call register; counters; call diversion; telephone settings; network details; voice mail and IrDA activation.

Abstract: A method for operating a computer through a touch sensitive display interface includes displaying a computer generated graphical image on a touch sensitive display using display software. The display software includes programs used to display the graphical image (e.g., display driver and web browser), and is responsive to inputs at a first, active portion (e.g., coinciding with toolbars, hyperlinks) of the touch sensitive display when the graphic image is displayed, and is non-responsive to a second, inactive portion. In the method, an input character is received at the second, inactive portion of the touch sensitive display, and is compared to a stored command character that is associated with a separate corresponding computer command. The separate corresponding computer command is executed if the input character matches the command character.

Abstract: A system and method permits user control of a graphical user interface displayed to the user. The system comprises a user input device communicatively connected to a computing device. The computer device includes a display to display a graphical user interface, and a controller configured to partition the graphical user interface into a plurality of objects. The controller sets a focus to one of the objects responsive to a user input signal, and is configured to change the focus between the objects provided a user generates subsequent user input signals before a predetermined period of time expires. After the predetermined period of time expires and no user input signals have been received, the controller automatically selects the object having the current focus.

Abstract: Methods and system for electronic communication management are described. In one embodiment, a plurality of electronic communications for a user may be accessed. User relationship information between the user and at least one additional user may be accessed. User interface data for the plurality of electronic communications may be provided based on the user relationship information.

Abstract: A power saving method for self-luminous displays and an apparatus thereof, comprises determining active and inactive portions of a display screen. The inactive portions of the display screen are modified in accordance with criteria to save power by reducing energy consumption of the inactive portions while the active portions remain powered.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus on a network stores data in the form of albums in each of which a plurality of data are archived, and the information processing apparatus provides stored albums to communication terminals via the network in an efficient manner. The information processing apparatus detects the device type of a communication terminal and determines whether a part or all of data included in an album should be provided at a time to the communication terminal, depending on the detected type of the communication terminal. This makes it possible even for a communication terminal having low communication performance to receive data via the network without encountering an error.

Abstract: An operating menu is provided for display with a touch-sensitive display screen (105) in a surgical microscope (100). The operating menu has a first operator-controlled area (106) wherein at least one touch-sensitive actuation field (107) is provided for adjusting a surgical microscope operating mode. In a second operator-controlled area (108) of the operating menu, a touch-sensitive actuation field (109) is provided with a function dependent upon an adjusted surgical microscope operating mode.

Abstract: In menu operating method and device and an image processing apparatus using the same, a setting frame for operating a setting menu is constructed by a setting menu display area and a hierarchical menu display area. A setting menu to be operated is displayed in the setting menu display area, and menu item buttons corresponding to setting menus on respective layers contained in a hierarchical menu are displayed in a listing style according to its hierarchical structure in the hierarchical menu display area. At this time, an operator can obtain information such as the hierarchical structure of menus and the position of a setting menu being operated on each setting frame, and the operability of the hierarchical menu is enhanced.

Abstract: The present invention provides a computer system and user interface that allows a user to readily view and analyze two-dimensional and three-dimensional in vivo images and imaging data. The user interface is well-suited for one or more of the following actions pertinent to in vivo light imaging: investigation and control of three-dimensional imaging data and reconstruction algorithms; control of topographic reconstruction algorithms; tomographic spectral imaging and analysis; and comparison of two-dimensional or three-dimensional imaging data obtained at different times.

Abstract: A content list display apparatus is provided that acquires and displays a content list according to the screen size of a display screen. In this apparatus, a display section (315) has a display screen of a predetermined screen size, and displays a content list. When a user performs an operation and an operation input section (311) outputs a content list transmission request command, a content information operation section (312) commands a display range determining section (313) to determine the content list range. The display range determining section (313) determines the content list range displayable in one screen based on the screen size of the display section (315).

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for reducing a user's operation procedures in a pop-up menu and for effectively locating the user's desired processing. A computer (1) displays a pop-up menu based on a list of at least one processing item stored in advance at a position designated by data indicative of a display request in a display unit (14) in response to receipt of the data indicative of the display request of the pop-up menu through an input unit (13). While continuing the display of the pop-up menu in response to receipt of data through the input unit (13) indicative of one processing item selected from the list, the computer (1) displays a form for receiving a parameter input corresponding to the processing item, receives input data for the form through the input unit (13), and stores the data as parameters of the processing item.

Abstract: A method includes displaying a first tray and a second tray in a display of the portable communications device. The first tray is configured to display one of more characters that were selected by a user using a click wheel. The second tray includes a first plurality of icons that correspond to a set of characters and one or more recommended words. The first tray includes a first region in a graphical user interface and the second tray includes a second region in the graphical user interface. Scrolling through the first plurality of icons and the one or more recommended words occurs in accordance with one or more navigation commands received from a click wheel.

Abstract: A menu user interface providing device and a method thereof are disclosed. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the method of providing a menu user interface by a portable apparatus, including determining whether a main menu icon displayed on a touch screen is selected; determining whether a menu mode is an activation mode or an inactivation mode if the main menu icon is selected; and changing the menu mode into the activation mode if the menu mode is determined as the inactivation mode and forming an expanded menu by radically arranging a submenu of n hierarchies, n being a natural number, corresponding to the main menu icon and displaying the formed expanded menu through a touch screen. Accordingly, with the present invention, a user interface capable of inputting various data with easy manipulation and minimized multi-points can be provided.

Abstract: A method of providing user input values for input controls includes receiving, in a graphical user interface wherein input controls are associated with predefined alternative input values, a first input identifying user selection of at least some of the input controls. The method includes receiving a second input identifying user selection of at least one of the predefined alternative input values that is associated with each of the selected input controls. The second input is made using one of the selected input controls. The method includes entering the selected predefined alternative input value in each of the selected input controls. The value may be automatically entered upon receiving the second input. A third input, for example made with a context menu, may be required to enter the value in the selected controls.

Abstract: A printer has a display for selectively displaying a plurality of menu screens for setting various printing conditions. The menu screens include a standard menu screen and a specific-purpose menu screen. The standard menu screen includes a plurality of menus selectable for setting the printing conditions. The specific-purpose menu screen is, for example, a CD-R menu screen including some of the menus of the standard menu screen, or the menus related to printing conditions of a CD-R. The printer includes an insert opening into which the CD-R, or a printing medium, is inserted and a CD-R guide selectively opening or closing the insert opening. When the CD-R guide is open, the CD-R menu screen is automatically displayed on the display.

Abstract: A portable terminal for presenting status data of a plurality of devices in a proximate environment, wherein the portable terminal includes a display for displaying operating status data of anyone of the devices and a means for selecting anyone of these devices. The portable terminal contains an array of objects representing individual devices being at least partially displayed on the display and movable along a marker, or vice versa, in response to an operator actuating an operating element. The display image is so configured that the array of objects or the marker appears to be an integral part of the operating element.

Abstract: A hands-free device (1) that is linked via a short range radio frequency (RF) communications link (2) to a mobile communications device (3) supports and provides a number of functions, such as user actions and internal events, such as incoming calls. The user operable functions of the hands-free device (1) are arranged in a hierarchical menu structure that a user can navigate through and around and select from using a user operable input means of the hands-free device (1). Each function or option that can be selected in the menu structure has associated with it a spoken prompt that is automatically provided to the user via the hands-free device (1) when that function is reached in the menu structure.

Abstract: A curved-listing file hierarchy and a preview window for more efficiently displaying file hierarchy information on a data processing device. Curved-listing file hierarchies may allow more elements of a file hierarchy to be displayed in a smaller space. This may be especially useful for the smaller screens of some data processing devices like Personal Digital Assistants and cellular phones. A preview screen may allow a user to view preview information on a file in the hierarchy without actually opening the file.

Abstract: Methods, devices and systems are provided that display images in a manner that provides for effective space management. At least one item is horizontally displayed in a first display area. Upon selection by a user of at least one item from the first display area, an indication of the at least one item is vertically displayed in a second display area.

Abstract: A system and method for scrolling through a list uses control and display algorithms for scrolling through a long list of text strings. The control algorithm interfaces to the user via a rate-based scheme to switch the display through various levels of abstraction where higher levels of abstraction are displayed “in-situ” on the single-line display. These higher levels of abstraction display as starting characters or words that are common to a group of entries in the alphabetized list. Multiple levels of abstraction are supported, where lower levels of abstraction are displayed as longer strings of characters, representing smaller groups of entries in the given list of text strings. Higher levels of abstraction are displayed as shorter character strings. The rate of user movement is detected for the display to change to a previous or next item in the list if below a predetermined threshold while increasing the abstraction level if the user rapidly selects different options.

Abstract: Copied and source files are tracked so that authors of these documents can selectively update these files. Stale copied files can be eliminated. A control is provided to mediate copying of files among servers that have differing security policies. Metadata of a file being copied is downloaded from a server to the control and the control uploads the metadata of the file to one or more servers. A relationship between copied files and source files are memorialized whether or not copied files reside in different namespaces from the namespace of the source files.

Abstract: A user interface system and method of displaying lists of information using a squeezed/semi-collapsed state of the group that shows, for example, a portion of the group (e.g., only the first few items of the group) is provided. The squeezed/semi-collapsed state takes up less room on the screen than an open state but gives the user more information about the group than the closed state, allowing more groups to be visible simultaneously while still providing detailed information about the contents of the group.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for organizing and viewing information in a data processing system is described. According to one embodiment of the invention, a group is created according to a predefined set of rules where the group contains a plurality of icons. The group is displayed on a desktop of the data processing system in a visually distinguishing manner. The group is expanded to display the plurality of icons within the group while a position of a cursor is in proximity to the group.

Abstract: Display of menu items on a display of an electronic device, such as a cellphone or other portable device, is managed by defining first and second menus including respective first and second groups of menu items (e.g., graphic icons and/or text), wherein the first group of menu items is a subset of the second group of menu items. The device transitions from display of the first menu to display of the second menu responsive to user activation of a menu expansion function. Menu items may be organized responsive to user input.

Abstract: A system, a method and computer-readable media for presenting groups of items to a user. Items are divided into groups, and a group header is associated with each group. The items and group headers are presented on a screen display, and the displayed content is subject to navigational requests from a user. When one of the group headers is located near an edge of the screen display, its position is fixed to prevent the header from being removed from the screen display.

Abstract: A method of controlling a display of a data processing system includes displaying a first list as a scrollable view of items in a first mode; receiving an input to switch from the first mode to a second mode; and displaying, in the second mode, a representation of a command which when activated causes a displays of a second list of the items. Another method of controlling a display of a data processing system includes displaying in a first mode, a slider control which can be positioned in one of a plurality of positions to select a corresponding parameter; receiving an input to switch from the first mode to a second mode; and displaying, in the second mode, a representation of a command which when activated causes a-displays of a list of items corresponding to at least a subset of the plurality of parameters.

Abstract: Logical, safe, personalizable, and user friendly computer user interfaces may include: (a) plural branches; (b) plural sub-branches associated with the branches; and (c) an interface control that includes: a branch locking interface, a sub-branch locking interface, a branch display control interface, and/or a sub-branch display control interface. Optionally or alternatively, user interfaces may include: (a) a first section including plural items having a first common visual characteristic; and (b) a second section including plural items having a second common visual characteristic. In this manner, the common visual characteristics may indicate an association between the items sharing the characteristic.

Abstract: An icon display system is provided in which an icon train selectable on an icon menu screen is managed by a display icon management table and non-display icon management table to visualize a part of the entire icon train. This is done by disposing the visualized icon train in an orbit while holding the other part of the icon train as invisible icons on the screen and displaying the invisible icons by moving the icon train in the orbit. Some icons are made to visually disappear at a discontinuity of the orbit by moving the icon train in the orbit and the new icons can be made to appear at the discontinuity to the screen. With this system, patterns of individual icons can be prevented from being indiscernible from each other no matter how many icons are set selectable on the display screen.

Abstract: An integrated diagnostic system includes interface connectors to connect to a plurality of instruments/instrument modules, including engine analyzers, gas analyzers, oscilloscopes, scanners, network connections, and/or other desired peripheral modules. These modules advantageously interface to the system through diverse parts, connections and with various protocols. The system may connect to a network, wired or wireless, for interfacing among processors and modules, and with an internet connection for interaction with remote resources including databases and expert systems.

Abstract: A portable electronic device and a method for accessing information in the electronic device, which includes a display and a graphical user interface for presentation of information on the display. The electronic device comprises a set of information items presentable in an item list on the display, such as a menu list, which set includes a first subset and a second subset. A user input interface is operable to select list items for activation, and a control unit is configured to present only the first subset responsive to a command on the user input interface to present the item list. The list is typically a vertical list which is longer than the display, and the first subset is a number of most important items within the list. Moving a highlight beyond an endpoint item of the first subset may trigger the control unit to unfold the full list.

Abstract: A method for providing a menu screen and a video apparatus adopting the method are provided. The method includes generating a menu screen which displays a selected menu item and a selected sub-menu item of a plurality of sub-menu items of the selected menu item on a reference line, indicates a relative position of the selected sub-menu item with reference to the reference line, and combines the menu screen with a video to be displayed.

Abstract: A method of displaying a relationship between menus and applying a motion to the display, thereby facilitating the use of a menu and attracting the interest of a user. A computer readable recording medium storing a program can be used for performing the method. The method of displaying a menu includes selecting a menu item from an upper menu, obtaining an amount of information related to a lower menu or contents corresponding to the selected upper menu item, displaying a connecting object visually showing a relationship between the upper menu and the lower menu or the contents, and displaying the lower menu or the contents and a motion moving at a speed determined according to the amount of information.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed that provides for displaying on the screen of a handheld electronic device, an extended menu or a short menu, which is a subset of the corresponding extended menu. The system and method include a contact data entry record of an address book application being displayed on a screen. If a contact data entry record is designated through use of the auxiliary user input device and no menu is displayed, the user may initiate an ambiguous request. Various short menus are provided with their respective menu items being dependent and adjustable based upon the position of a cursor on the display page, the currently opened application, and/or the previous selections. Further, a selection from the short menu is capable of displaying the extended menu corresponding thereto.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed that provides for displaying on the screen of a handheld electronic device, an extended menu or a short menu, which is a subset of the corresponding extended menu. The system and method include a list of email messages associated with an email box being displayed on a screen. If at least one email message is designated through use of the auxiliary user input device and no menu is displayed, the user may initiate an ambiguous request. Various short menus are provided with their respective menu items being dependent and adjustable based upon the position of a cursor on the display page, the currently opened application, and/or the previous selections. Further, a selection from the short menu is capable of displaying the extended menu corresponding thereto.