Abstract: A system for consolidating associated buttons on a screen into easily accessible groups includes: a control button and at least one other button that appears when the control button is selected, where the at least one other button is contiguous with the control button. A user can quickly and conveniently select buttons. Furthermore, a significant amount of on-screen real estate is saved because the buttons used are small and square rather than long and rectangular. Further, the configuration of nested menus is such that it takes up little space on the screen. In addition, the menu is ergonomic because the buttons are contiguous, and as such selections can be made without the mouse pointer needing to move very far across the screen.

Abstract: A graphic programming system for associating distinctive arrow appearances to specific transaction(s) that the arrow may convey among and between on-screen objects. The distinctive appearance features include arrow color, arrow style, and double-headed arrows, among many other possibilities. The system provides default relationships between specific arrow transactions and arrow appearance, so that, for example, a arrow of a particular color is recognized by the system (and easily identified by the user) to carry out a particular transaction. These relationships may be selectively varied by the user to suit individual needs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus with improved operatability. With the information processing apparatus in which the user is capable of watching a television program and connecting to the Internet, the index panel 1 shows channel buttons 2 to be operated to select a desired program, a site button 71 to be operated to make an access to site A available on the Internet and a site button 72 to be operated to make an access to site B on the Internet. The present invention allows the user to watch a television program and can be applied to an information processing apparatus such as a personal computer, which can be connected to the Internet.

Abstract: A computerized trading system for trading a tradable product at stock exchanges having a user terminal connected to a data communication system being able to provide a graphical user interface (GUI) to the user terminal through which a user can define a number of criteria to be met in order for the system to allow/indicate a trade order of a selected Symbol or allow/indicate a pair trade of two selected Symbols. A method to format a data stream providing a novel result used for the calculation of technical indicators and the derived criteria and/or used for visual presentation of price movements of the tradable product in the computerized trading system by determining the time to close a bar. Product data having product prices is received at different times at the computer system, and the computer system for each closed bar holds corresponding bar data buffers with data representing time of close of bar and last received product price at close of bar.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus includes a touch panel monitor configured to provide an operation unit and a display unit for imaged image on the same screen. The apparatus displays a plurality of buttons corresponding to a plurality of imaging methods, and displays with a focus a first button corresponding to a first imaging method that has entered an imaging ready state. When imaging by the first imaging method is completed, the apparatus displays an imaged image on the display unit, displays the first button in a form that shows that imaging is completed, cancels the focus of the first button, and transfers the focus to a second button corresponding to a second imaging method that next enters an imaging ready state.

Abstract: A computing device displays a multi-button menu icon and a group of application icons associated with one of the buttons of the multi-button menu icon. User input is received to activate the multi-button menu icon and to identify a first button of the multi-button menu icon associated with a location of the user input. A group of application icons, associated with the identified first button of the multi-button menu icon, is displayed. A second button of the multi-button menu icon is identified based on a changed location of the user input, and a different group of application icons associated with the identified second button are displayed. The multi-button menu icon is deactivated upon removal of the user input, allowing one of the application icons to be selected with a second user input.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of entering of data in a data processing system. A first linear sequence of top-level icons is displayed. A second linear sequence of second-level icons for a selected one of the top-level icons is also displayed such that the position of the leading icon of the second linear sequence is aligned with the selected one of the top-level icons of the first linear sequence. At least one data entry field for a selected one of the second-level icons is also displayed.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and software are presented for a device to provide information about operation of a button during operation of the button. The button performs a first action if the button has been operated a first way, and performs a second alternative action if the button has instead been operated a second way. The user is provided with information, during the operation of the button, indicative of the second way.

Abstract: A client computer system, method and software tool for displaying portlet content are provided. The system comprises a user interface, a portlet server and a portlet view tool. The user interface allows the display of a page including one or more view window(s), each displaying content provided by a component of the computer system. The portlet server processes requests for portlet content, and has one or more portlet(s) installed thereon. The portlet view tool is associated with a portlet installed on the portlet server, and controls the associated portlet. A web browser is used to display content from the associated portlet in a view window on the display.

Abstract: A system and method is provided that generates and transmits images over a communication network to an end user. The system and method includes a zoom and pan (ZAP) feature that offers a user the ability to see all available detail of a displayed image despite the limited image display area. Specifically, images presented within a zoom and pan interface allow the user to zoom in to a particular area of a displayed image to see additional detail, pan to view various areas of the displayed image, and to zoom out again to view the whole displayed image in context. The ZAP feature is applied to a dynamically generated image that includes at least one dynamic image feature, and viewing-region-tracking information is generated enabling user viewing characteristics to be tracked and analyzed.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus which is capable of executing a processing flow without changing the contents thereof even when the processing flow includes a process that cannot be executed by itself. When a processing flow includes an unexecutable process, the apparatus transmits a request for confirming whether or not the processing flow is executable, to other image processing apparatuses, and receives a response indicating that the processing flow is executable, from any of the other apparatuses. The apparatus determines a transfer destination of the processing flow from the other image processing apparatuses. The apparatus generate from the processing flow a first cooperation processing flow including executable processes and a second cooperation processing flow including at least one unexecutable process, and transfers the second cooperation processing flow to the determined transfer destination. The apparatus displays an execution button for executing the first cooperation processing flow.

Abstract: A system method and device for predicting navigational decision-making behavior is provided. The location of a device is used to generate the current location of the device, and a history of past locations of the device. A behavior predicting application predicts the route a drive is going to travel based on driver preferences, such as left-hand turns, avoidance of bridges, etc., as well as the preferred destinations and/or routes traveled in the past. The preferences of a particular driver can be learned by the system to be implemented in the behavior predicting application, or manually input by the driver. The system can employ GPS or other positioning technology to determine the location of the device. The device can be a standard GPS-enabled in-car device, or other portable device such as a cell phone or PDA.

Abstract: Techniques are presented to display values for a set of icons by controlling their assignment to a set of rows and their placement within these rows. A plurality of icons to be displayed is determined. An abacus attribute taking a finite set of values is associated with the set of icons. Icon groups are formed for each abacus attribute value and optionally ordered based on each of one or more sorting attributes. Inter-group indicators such as display characteristic changes, spacing and the like are determined. The inter-group indicators separate each group of icons within a row. An ordering of the icons is determined based on the abacus attribute value and the one or more optional sorting attribute values. The icons are laid out in the display space ordered by the values of the primary abacus attribute and the secondary optional sorting attributes.

Abstract: A graphical user interface (GUI) presents a primary icon in a minimal visual area of a video display screen of a computer. Selecting the primary icon directs the computer to display a line of segments, where each segment associated with one or more software programs or electronic documents. The GUI allows a user to directly access items of visual and/or audio media by selecting one or more documents or software programs associated with a selected segment. The GUI optionally allows selected a line or segment for transmission from the computer to another computer, wherein copies one or more documents or software applications are transmitted to the second computer.

Abstract: A method of providing a ubiquitous navigation and program guide user interface that is common across a heterogeneous multitude of digital media devices. A navbar user interface persistently displays across a topmost portion of a display for each of the heterogeneous multitude of digital media devices when the digital media device is operating in a mode other than a full screen display of digital media content. The navbar user interface presents a limited set of icons associated with a navigation and media guide user interface for different kinds of digital media content and device operations that are common across the heterogeneous multitude of digital media devices. The navbar user interface is operated in a scrolling manner to display and select a navigation and media guide interface for a desired one of the different kinds of digital media content and device operations by selecting an associated one of the limited set of icons.

Abstract: A BD-ROM stores a video stream and a graphics stream. The video stream represents a moving picture. The graphics stream is used for overlaying a multi-page menu on the moving picture, and includes interactive control information (ICS) and graphics data (ODS) used for generating the multi page menu. A PTS attached to a PES packet containing the interactive control information shows timing for the first presentation of a main page the multi-page menu in accordance with the proceeding of the video stream playback. In addition, the interactive control information includes information (selection_time_out_pts) showing a timeout upon which a button on a page of the multi-page menu is automatically activated, and information (user_time_out_duration) showing a timeout upon which a sub-page of the multi-page menu is automatically removed.

Abstract: A remote control device comprising a touch screen, a mode module, and a programming module. The touch screen is configured to display a plurality of buttons for interaction with a television. The mode module is configured to receive a mode request and to populate the touch screen with one of a plurality of button layouts based on the mode request. The programming module is in communication with the touch screen and with the mode module, and is adapted to receive a user defined button layout and to store the user defined button layout in the mode module.

Abstract: Computer-readable media, computerized methods, and computer systems for alerting a user that an operating system has entered a secure mode is provided. Initially, inputs are received at an operating system residing in a default mode. Typically, the default mode allows applications running on the operating system to access the inputs. If the inputs are identified as a call to perform a protected operation, the operating system is transitioned from the default mode to the secure mode. Typically, the secure mode restricts the applications from intercepting the inputs. The transition to the secure mode is automatically communicated to the user via an indicator device. Generally, automatic communication includes providing a message from the operating system to the indicator device over a secure pathway that triggers the indicator device to generate a user-perceivable output. Accordingly, the operating system exerts exclusive control over the operation of the indicator device.

Abstract: Techniques are described for displaying a list of items while simultaneously depicting how the items satisfy multiple criteria. A list of visual indicators is displayed in an order. The order indicates how the items satisfy a first criteria. For example, the list of items may be books displayed in alphabetical order. The order indicates how the titles rank alphabetically. While retaining the order, information is displayed to visually indicate how the items satisfy other criteria selected by the user. The user may select other criteria, and information is displayed to indicate how the items satisfy the other criteria. A page is downloaded by a browser on a client. The browser executing a page generates visual indications of how items satisfy the multiple criteria in response to user selection of the criteria.

Abstract: Optical storage media often contain data structures for a menu suitable for selection of a title, a chapter, a parameter or others. Such menus usually comprise a number of buttons to be displayed, with each button having a state. Possible states of buttons are “unselected”, “selected” or “activated”. According to the invention, the representation of a menu button may vary, depending on its state. An image or an image sequence, e.g. cartoon, may be associated to a buttons state, providing user animation. Further, a sound or sound sequence, e.g. melody or click, may be associated to a buttons state, and may be played back when the button enters this state. A data structure is disclosed which allows storage of such menu data e.g. on a Blu-ray disc.

Abstract: A computer implemented method for displaying a plurality of web pages within a single web browsing display area includes determining a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) for each of the plurality of web pages to be displayed. Each of the URLs may be determined from user inputs or predefined settings. The method may also include allocating a display region within the web browsing display area to define an allocated display region and displaying the one of the plurality of web pages within the allocated display region.

Abstract: In an engineering tool, the control logic is divided into the plurality of logic sheets to be edited, a connection having sheet connection information for defining a connection relationship between the logic sheets is described on the logic sheet, and the control logic is displayed on the display screen of a display device so as to begin a new page of the logic sheets of the control logic in units of the logic sheet in the control logic. In the engineering tool, a button function operable on the display screen is provided to a button function. When the connection is operated with a pointer, one of the logic sheets defined by the sheet connection information possessed by the operated connection is used as a new-page candidate, and a reduced list of the logic sheets of the new-page candidates is displayed on the display screen.

Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus, including computer program products, for docking toolbars and moving buttons from one toolbar to another toolbar on a graphical user interface. In calculating an adapted presentation for the destination toolbar, the destination toolbar constraints determine the size of moved buttons such that the destination toolbar size does not change and all the toolbar buttons on the destination toolbar are a uniform size.

Abstract: Information relating to intellectual property, across one or more intellectual property applications having various types of intellectual property data, can be provided and/or accessed in an integrated manner. Commonality(ies) are determined between disparate intellectual property applications, that may be applied by the intellectual property applications in accessing the intellectual property information. Responsive to a user request, which may include a specified commonality, stored information regarding the disparate data corresponding to the disparate intellectual property applications is retrieved. The commonality is utilized in bridging the gap to the intellectual property data for the disparate intellectual property applications. The bridging is provided by use of a commonality and by an IP engine.

Abstract: A method and system is provided, in which an interfacing device is distributed free by a value net integrator to end users, or supporting parties, whose normal use thereof may benefit a soliciting entity, such as a charity or social group, through various forms of interactive advertising, combined with an interactive and good will based referral incentive program. The interfacing device may comprise a special toolbar to identify and locate the participating third party vendors; to enable supporting parties to access a search engine partner for Internet searches, where the search engine partner agrees to provide a commission to the value net integrator on a per-click basis; and to allow supporting parties to easily make direct contributions to the soliciting entity. The special toolbar may provide additional value to encourage its use by the supporting parties, such as providing an intelligent pop-up blocking capability.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention provide a method of accessing a data set. The data set includes a set of data elements. The method collects the data elements of the data set. The method receives a lens item. The lens item provides a set of parameters for searching the data set. The method searches the data set by using the lens item to identify a data subset. The method sorts a list of data elements based on the data subset. The sorting generates an ordered list. The method filters the data subset. Filtering the data subset comprises excluding the data elements that are not relevant to the lens item. The method presents the ordered list in a first column of a matrix. The matrix has several cells. The cells of the matrix are based on the data subset. The method selects column headings for the matrix and populates the cells of the matrix. Some embodiments provide a system for providing access to a data set. The system has a set of data elements that comprises a first data source.

Abstract: A software control mechanism is disclosed for use with a plurality of media applications. The software control mechanism comprises a media control panel structured for use with a plurality of media applications. The media control panel is independent of each media application. Each media application is displayed within a computer screen. The software control mechanism is structured to control a function of a presently interfaced media application on the display screen. Further, as the presently interfaced media application changes on the display screen, the media control panel for that media application is displayed along a same boundary of the computer screen.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a method and system for improved clinical workflow using wireless communication. A system for remote image display includes a data source with image data, wherein the data source is capable of transmitting the image data. The system also includes an identifiable display device capable of displaying image data transferred from the data source and a portable device capable of identifying the display device and requesting image data transfer from the data source to the display device without the transfer of the image data between the portable device and the data source. The system may also include an access point for relaying communication between the portable device and the data source. Communication between the portable device, the data source, and/or the display may include wireless communication, for example.

Abstract: A method for managing a plurality of network storages on a computer device includes: receiving login commands in response to the users' operations; simultaneously transmitting a first access request to get read/write authority with respect to the first network storage, and a second access request to get read/write authority with respect to the second network storage in response to the login commands; receiving and combining first information from the first network storage and second information from the second network storage after the first and the second access requests being authorized by the network storages; displaying the combined information on a single graphical user interface.

Abstract: A method of the interactive features on a DVD utilizing restricted user inputs e.g. reduced number of key pad buttons. The DVD menu may be collapsed to form an indexed linear list of the menu buttons. A user then sequentially navigates through the menu using a one or two directional input to find the desired menu choice, which is then selected using a predetermined user input.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for selecting and reserving seats using a touch screen device. The system or method transmits first data to an application running on a personal computing device, the first data including information descriptive of available individual seats at the venue, the first data processed by the application to generate a graphical user interface on the personal computing device that comprises an interactive seating map representing individual seats at the venue. The system or method also receives from the personal computing device second data representing one or more seats selected by a touch screen input. In addition, the system or method receives over the network from the personal computing device third data representing payment information.

Abstract: A display method for displaying content menus for use in a mobile device is disclosed. The method comprises the following steps. First, a user request is received. Second, display brief of actual data is acquired from an entry of an index file of a non-volatile storage medium according to the user request. Thereafter, a content menu comprising a menu item with the display brief is generated. Then, the generated content menu is displayed, wherein the entry further comprises information pointing to a location which the actual data stores in the non-volatile storage medium, the display brief is a reduced form of the actual data, and the actual data is displayed when the menu item is selected.

Abstract: A portable electronic device may display one of a plurality of soft keyboards in a first display area and input characters in a second display area. The user may select a key on the soft keyboard, causing a plurality of objects corresponding to the plurality of soft keyboards to be displayed. The user may then select one of the objects, and the soft keyboard corresponding to the selected object is displayed and made operational. The soft keyboards corresponding to the objects not selected are not made operational.

Abstract: A method of operating a mobile phone implementing a plurality of functions is provided. A communication mode is provided in the mobile phone, when in the communication mode, a communication control interface is configured as an idle screen when none of the functions is in use. A function application mode is provided in the mobile phone, when in the function application mode, an application control interface corresponding to one of the functions is configured as the idle screen when the one of the functions is in use. A first selection is received, directing the mobile phone to switch between the communication mode and the function application mode. The mobile phone is operated in the communication mode or the function application mode according to the selection.

Abstract: A method of adaptively suggesting directories when saving files receives a request to save a file. The file has a file name and the file was prepared with an application. If a portion of the file name and the application with which the file was prepared are associated in the table with a single directory, the method suggests the single directory for saving the file in the single directory. If the portion of the file name and the application are associated in a table with multiple directories, the method suggests one of the multiple directories having a greatest count value for saving the file. If a user saves the file in the single directory, the method increments a count value in the table for the single directory and updates a time and date in the table for the single directory.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for modifying a standard Windows image viewer, including loading an image editing module into an address space of the standard image viewer that does not support plug-ins with added toolbars; integrating the image editing module into the standard image viewer; and displaying a toolbar of the image editing module to a user. The toolbar can include any of the following functions: red eye remover, color correction, caricature effects, lighting effects, retouching, re-sizing, cropping, removal of artifacts. An instance of the image editing module can be loaded for each instance of the standard image viewer. The image editing module maintains modality with the standard image viewer. A file name and file extension corresponding to an image being viewed can be displayed based on a file properties dialog window, or based on a current folder of the image being viewed. The standard Windows image editor can be forced to display the most current edited version of the image.

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: The present invention provides a three-dimensional user interface for a computer system that allows a user to combine and store a group of windows as a task. The image of each task can be positioned within a three-dimensional environment such that the user may utilize spatial memory in order remember where a particular task is located.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selecting a view mode and a preferred setting within that view mode for displaying one or more items in a screen display. A single user input indicates the selected view mode. The input mechanism can be a hardware device, such as a keyboard or mouse, or a software control presented in a graphical user interface. The software control includes a graphical depiction of the current view mode. A preferred setting for each available view mode may be stored and activated by the software control.

Abstract: A navigation device is configured to allocate display setting such as color schemes and screen contents to at least one ambient lighting condition, monitors and evaluates a signal indicative of ambient lighting conditions and determines whether display settings for the current ambient lighting conditions are already in use and to change display settings so that they suit current ambient lighting conditions if needed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an information processing apparatus capable of improving the operability of an installation screen. The information processing apparatus of the present invention starts up an application on an operating system to perform information processing. This information processing apparatus includes: installation means for installing the application; display means for displaying, when the application is installed, an installation screen on which a plurality of buttons, each associated with each of a plurality of setting items and operated by a user, are arranged; detection means for detecting a use environment of the information processing apparatus; and display control means for allowing, among the buttons arranged on the installation screen, the button relevant to the use environment detected by the detection means to be displayed on the display means so as to be relatively increased in display level with respect to the other buttons.

Abstract: The described embodiments of the present invention provide a video database client application configured to execute on a wireless communication device or a device with a small display screen. The video database client application includes a user interface including user interface components designed to access video information and view videos using the wireless communication device. The video database client application includes a video player module to integrate and control a native video player within the user interface. The video database client application further includes a video database interface module adapted to retrieve videos and video information from the video database. The video database interface module functions to pre-fetch information from the video database based on anticipated user information needs.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a display section to display an operation screen having a plurality of buttons each of which shows each type of operation instruction, a first input section to input a selecting instruction of at least any one button among the buttons based on a pushed signal on the operation screen, a second input section to input the selecting instruction of the one button by a structure different from the first input section and a control section to make the display section display an operation supporting screen which supports to input the selecting instruction without finalizing an operation instruction indicated by the one button to which the selecting instruction is given when the selecting instruction is input by the first input section in the operation screen which is structured so as to assume that the selecting instruction of the one button is inputted by the second input section.

Abstract: A distributed color selection and coordination system including a remote computer communicatively coupled to a server. The remote computer configured to select a starting color and access a database in the server to find one or more complementary colors. The colors in the database are arranged in a predetermined relationship with other colors in the database, the relationship between colors based on color theory. The remote computer is capable of storing personal information and color selections on the server. An in-store kiosk is communicatively coupled to the server and configured to execute color selection and coordination software. The in-store kiosk is further capable of retrieving stored personal information and color selections from the server which were previously stored from the remote computer.

Abstract: A system, method, and medium for enhancing a GUI and viewing environment for a computer user is disclosed. Enabling a user to fully navigate and operate a computer through the use of a remote control device, the present invention includes at least a PC mode of operation and a theater mode of operation, wherein the theater mode is designed for distance use with the remote device. While operating in theater mode, received function key signals are interpreted by the computer system to operate various functions which have been modified to accommodate remote viewing and control. To enable the remote device to fully control the applications executable on the computer, the disclosed process notifies the various applications of the current operating mode.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a computer-implemented method at a computing device with a touch screen display includes: displaying a first set of a first plurality of icons in a first area of the touch screen display, wherein the first plurality of icons includes a plurality of sets of icons that are separately displayed in the first area of the touch screen display; displaying a second plurality of icons in a second area on the touch screen display, wherein the second area is different from the first area; detecting a first finger gesture on the touch screen display; in response to detecting the first finger gesture, initiating a user interface reconfiguration process, and varying positions of one or more icons in the first set of the first plurality of icons about respective average positions.

Abstract: A palmtop computer system that incorporates mechanical buttons that combine the task of turning the palmtop computer system on and starting a particular application program. Furthermore, the same mechanical button can be used to navigate the application program to find the information that is most likely needed by the user. Additionally, external devices can be coupled to the palmtop computer system in a manner that allows the external hardware device to initiate specific application programs that cooperate with the external hardware device.

Abstract: Menu items are displayed on a screen, for example in the form of user-activatable on-screen buttons. A root menu is displayed, including a “more” button that allows the user to navigate to one or more sub-menus. Each menu can contain function buttons, menu buttons, or any combination thereof. Function buttons provide direct access to functions. Menu buttons provide access to sub-menus, which may be provided in a hierarchical arrangement. In some sub-menus, a menu title button replaces the “more” button and provides access to a previously displayed menu. The user can activate a displayed function button in any menu or sub-menu to perform an action associated with the function button. In one aspect, all menus are displayed in the same area of the screen. When a menu is to be displayed, it replaces the previously displayed menu. By presenting only a limited set of buttons at any given time, the present invention provides access to functions without obscuring the workspace.

Abstract: A system and method on a computing device that significantly reduces the average time required to locate and select a desired command of the device. A two-dimensional menu (grid) of commands is provided, in combination with improved selection techniques including simultaneous hardware button usage. Pressing and holding a menu button causes display of the command menu, with the center, default item initially selected. A directional control button may be used to change the selection, and scroll the display if more commands are available than presently displayed. When the menu invoke button is released, the currently selected item is invoked, thereby rapidly enabling selection and invocation of a command. The method and system may be enhanced with a menu locking feature to facilitate single-handed command selection.

Abstract: A system and method is described for managing phone calls initiated from a phone device of a personal digital assistant. In one example, a system for managing a phone call is described. The system comprises, among other things, a personal digital assistant. The personal digital assistant includes the following: a display device; a phone device; a call device configured to control the phone device and to display a selectable interface on the display device; a hard button configured to initiate the call device; and a selection mechanism configured to receive user selections from the selectable interface.