Abstract: A reproduction apparatus for reproducing content data, includes: an inputting section to which content data, a plurality of button images, and button control information including display control information and a command to be executed are inputted. The apparatus further includes: an operation inputting section configured to accept a user operation; and a control section configured to perform display control of some state of the button by the button images based on the display control information and perform execution control of the command in response to the user operation for the operation inputting section.

Abstract: A mobile terminal and idle screen display method for the same are provided. The mobile terminal includes a memory unit for storing an idle screen image, a display unit for displaying the idle screen image, an input means for generating a selection signal to select a zone of the idle screen image, and a control unit for controlling transmission of the idle screen image from the memory unit to the display unit, for zooming-in, and for displaying a selected zone of the idle screen image.

Abstract: A multi-window file editing system, and a multi-window presentation system and their methods are disclosed. The multi-window file editing system provides sessions with multiple windows to edit files among different program formats. The sessions, along with the windows and the files are combined to output a unique multi-window editing file or a multi-window presentation file. The multi-window editing file could be loaded into the multi-window file editing system for editing. The multi-window displaying file could be loaded into the multi-window presentation system for presenting.

Abstract: Methods and systems for classifying images, such as photographs, allow a user to incorporate subjective judgments regarding photograph qualities when making classification decisions. A slide-show interface allows a user to classify and advance photographs with a one-key action or a single interaction event. The interface presents related information relevant to a displayed photograph that is to be classified, such as contiguous photographs, similar photographs, and other versions of the same photograph. The methods and systems provide an overview interface which allows a user to review and refine classification decisions in the context of the original sequence of photographs.

Abstract: A portable data processing device with one touch control and a switching method thereof apply to the portable data processing device with a touch pad and a built-in one touch control official system, and users can directly press the key on the touch pad to execute the corresponding application program or function.

Abstract: A method for implementing remote control functionality with a mouse in a video playback system includes the steps of identifying all selectable buttons within the page, depressing a key on a mouse device while the mouse is positioned over a first button currently selected, dragging the mouse device in the direction of a second button to be selected while depressing the key, and releasing the key on the mouse device once the mouse device is positioned over the second button to select the second button.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a system and method for downloading interactive content, which provides remote control functionality in a video playback system. Briefly described, one embodiment, among others, is directed to a method for selecting buttons in pages within a video. The method comprises selecting a video, downloading interactive content associated with the video from a server, wherein the interactive content identifies all selectable buttons in each page within the video and contains the properties for each button. Finally, the method comprises utilizing the interactive content to interact with the video.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for providing a graphical user interface environment to a user. A view of a plurality of applications and an active application may be provided to an output device. The view may be selected from a group consisting of a windows view where each of the plurality of applications is displayed in a separate window and a tabs view where each of the plurality of applications is displayed in a tab included in a window. The user may switch between the windows view and the tabs view.

Abstract: A method and mechanism for enforcing a one-submission-only policy for a graphical button is provided. The method provides a button object defined to be enabled for only one submission action upon the button object. When a first submission action upon the button object is detected, the action associated with the button object is executed. When another submission action upon the button object is detected, the other submission action is discarded without executing the associated action. Subsequent submission actions are similarly ignored until the button object is re-instantiated to restore its functionality. In this manner, the one-submission-only behavior is embedded into the button object itself, without reliance on external mechanisms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable device and method of providing menu icons and, more particularly, to a portable device and method of providing menu icons, which display upper icons and the lower icons thereof in a hierarchical fashion. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a portable device includes a button signal determination unit, a focus location checking unit, a background screen management unit and a icon management unit. The button signal determination unit determines whether an input button signal is the signal of a function button or the signal of a direction button when the button signal is received from a user. The focus location checking unit checks a location of a focus located on a specific menu icon. The background screen management unit changes the view point of a background screen to a direction in which the focus is moved. The icon management unit changes the size of a menu icon based on the location of the focus.

Abstract: According to a content reproducing method, when contents are from a recording medium, one of the presence or absence of menu contents and a title indicating the body of the contents is analyzed, and some of necessary key operations are automatically performed according to the contents of the analysis to reproduce the contents, in the case where menu contents are present and a plurality of buttons are provided to reproduce contents other than menu contents when the buttons of a menu are pressed, contents reproduced by executing one button having the smallest number are reproduced as a main part. The number uniquely distinguishes the button from the other buttons.

Abstract: A graphical user interface is provided which allows the user to perform numerous operations suitable for analysis of in-vivo images within a single display screen or a single window. Using the the-vivo GUI, the user may create and manipulate analysis tools such as rectangle and ellipse tools to define regions of interest and perform various measurements on an in-vivo image. In addition, the GUI allows the user to store measurement results in a dated electronic notebook, display testing information, manipulate image presentation and print while maintaining view of the image.

Abstract: A navigation tool permits a presenter to navigate through a presentation, while easily introducing supplemental material into the presentation. Presentation slides are represented as thumbnails on the screen of the presenter's monitor, and are preferably arranged in rows and columns. The rows may indicate a main narrative sequence, and the columns may include thumbnails of slides representing supplemental or background material. The presenter may proceed from one slide to the next using conventional mouse/cursor technology or a remote control device. To this end, a navigation tool is introduced permitting the presenter to easily proceed along a row or a column simply by simply selecting the correct button. A special button is dedicated to making larger jumps back to the main narrative.

Abstract: An application hosting a browser modifies its own functionality in some manner based on whether particular content (e.g., an identifier) is present in a document for rendering by the browser. In one embodiment, a financial statement page for rendering via the hosted browser is scanned to determine if an identifier corresponding to a download button is present. If present, the host application provides an alternate download button that does not scroll off the screen as the page is scrolled. The present invention also suppresses a dialog box (e.g., the open/save dialog box) when a request for a certain file type is made by a hosted browser. For example, a request for download of financial information suppresses the open/save dialog box, and automatically opens the downloaded file.

Abstract: A method for customizing the graphical user interface of a multi-function device includes the steps of: (a) providing a multi-function device including a multi-function unit and a document server, where the multi-function device includes three or more built-in functions such as copying, printing, scanning, faxing, and emailing, and the multi-function unit includes a graphical user interface originally configured to display standard icons representing the built-in functions, where the user may activate the standard icons to command the multi-function device to perform the associated built-in function; (b) selecting an additional function to be available on the multi-function device; and (c) automatically adding a new icon associated with the additional function to the graphical user interface of the multi-function unit.

Abstract: A user interface for navigating among screens on a personal computer. The screens, which include layers of a shell user interface and various locations within applications, are presented as pages. In addition, commands and help information of an application are presented as a web of command pages. To this end, a unit of measure, called a “place” is defined. In general, an application is a place, and separate documents within an application may also define a place. Separate command windows and dialog boxes within an application or a document typically do not define a place. Backwards navigation takes the user to the previous place, and forward navigation (if possible) takes the user to the next place. Because the underlying data for a page may change between an initial visit to a page and navigation back to the page, data objects and page code are maintained separately, and are combined only when a request for a page is made.

Abstract: A graphical user interface is provided for defining parameters for a process to be executed by a computer. Additionally, methods, systems and software applications are provided for presenting the graphical user interface to a user. In one implementation, the graphical user interface comprises at least two tab panel elements, each tab panel element comprising means for entering a set of parameters that are usable to carry out the process. Each set of parameters may be different to and independent of other sets of parameters. Further, only the set of parameters of a selected tab panel element may be relevant for carrying out the process on the computer.

Abstract: Methods are provided for configuring and invoking command sequences from a remote control (RC) keystroke in a multimedia system of networked devices. The configuring method comprises: selecting a multimedia configuration menu; selecting an RC key; selecting a multimedia command to associate with the RC key; selecting a multimedia source associated with the multimedia command; selecting a multimedia destination associated with the multimedia command; in response to associating multimedia commands with RC keys, generating an RC key map cross-referencing RC keys to multimedia commands; and, storing the RC key map in permanent memory.

Abstract: An EUI for presenting contents to a user, is constituted with at least a first display container cell, a second display container cell nested within the first display container cell, and a display action cell nested in either the first or the second display container cell. In one embodiment, each display container/action cell is defined by a plurality of cell attributes. The container cell attributes of each container cell include attributes defining a kernel, a maximum state, a centroid, a relocatability, and a resizing priority. The container cell attributes may also include attributes defining the maximum number, placement and alignment of descendant container/action cells. The container cell attributes of a leaf container cell also include an attribute defining content type of content to be rendered in the leaf container cell. The action cell attributes include attributes defining an image and/or binaries to be executed for various user actions.

Abstract: A plug-in is provided to existing electronic message programs, such as electronic mail message programs, to provide a virtual toolbar therein. The virtual toolbar includes one or more virtual buttons that allow a user to select multimedia content to be added to an electronic message. The multimedia content may include, without limitation, any one or more of: graphics, audio, animation, video and text selections. The multimedia content may further include customizable templates in which business messages may be generated. The virtual buttons may be each be assigned to one category of related content, such as Backgrounds for providing graphic backgrounds to a message, Holiday Themes for providing multimedia content associated with particular holidays, Animations for including FLASH animations or the like to a message, and Text for including pre-formatted text to a message.

Abstract: A system and method for programming a plurality of agents onto a distributed control system are disclosed. The system includes a terminal that displays a graphical user interface having a plurality of images. The plurality of images includes a first image showing a plurality of selectable templates and at least a first mechanism by which first user input signals can be received concerning the templates, where the templates include agent-type programming, and a second image showing a representation of controllable devices and at least a second mechanism by which second user input signals can be received concerning associations between the templates and the representation. The system further includes a processing device that generates executable programming to be performed by the distributed control system based upon the templates and the associations, where the executable programming at least partly governs agent-type behavior of the distributed control system.

Abstract: The system and method herein provide selecting and presenting user customizable preferences. Techniques involved can include having a custom entry in a list box such that the list view item updates its displayed item based upon the configuration settings. As such, the user can see what has been set as a custom preference without having to go into secondary dialog boxes. The techniques can be particularly advantageous with wireless devices that need to minimize the number of fields that must be viewed to get information.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing controls on the screen of a computer controlled display. The preferred embodiment of the present invention provides for quick and efficient activation and deactivation of controls by designating a number of controls as a control grouping. The preferred embodiment then collectively activates or deactivates the designated number of controls using an identifier for the control grouping. Additionally, after a user terminates cursor movement, the preferred embodiment automatically positions a cursor on an ideal control. The preferred embodiment determines the ideal control (1) by removing from consideration any controls which are (a) not visible to the user, or (b) located at non-optimal positions on the screen, and (2) by calculating a weighted distance for each remaining control. The preferred embodiment calculates the weighted distances by comparing the previous cursor movements made by a user with application specified parameters.

Abstract: A method and system for web based control components. Specifically, the present invention describes a method of rendering user interface button and tab control components within a hypertext markup language (HTML) web page. The present invention generates an HTML table that comprises a plurality of cells. For a button component a two row by three column table is generated. For a tab component a five column table is generated. The present invention places a plurality of graphical corner images in the plurality of cells to produce corner outlines of the button or tab control component. Multiple button or tab components can be coupled together in a single table by repeatedly adding more of the plurality of cells associated with button or tab components, respectively. In addition, the control component has the ability to accommodate word wrapping of the text contained within the control component.

Abstract: The execution process registration unit is a function unit for causing a user to register in advance the information about the process (function) that is assigned to each button, and for storing the information. A command display unit controls an initial screen display, an execution process display unit controls the screen display during operation, and a command execution unit executes the process in accordance with the operation (time), on the basis of the information that is registered in advance.

Abstract: A method for real time generation of menus in a DVD recorder. The method includes the steps of providing a template menu having one or more dummy buttons, activating a marking command during a video data recording session, and in response to the marking command, modifying the template menu by assigning to the dummy button a valid flow control command for accessing the video data which has been recorded.

Abstract: An object-oriented framework comprises system services, objects, and integration interfaces which unify retrieval and browsing of data among multiple different application programs, document formats, and local and remote data storage sites. The framework provides a hyperlink object which encapsulates general hyperlink navigation functions. The hyperlink object has a moniker which references a hyperlink's target, and a location string which designates a location in the target. The hyperlink object uses the moniker to retrieve the target as an object in the framework, and causes the object to display a view of the target at the location. The framework also provides a browse context object which maintains a navigation stack of navigated hyperlink targets, and allows passing of window and navigation tool bar position information to a frame in which the target is displayed to effect the appearance of window reuse when navigating between frames.

Abstract: A method for the easy input and operation of miniature computing devices which allows for a plurality of input functions using only two buttons in a method of contextual navigation. The two buttons provide four different input functions which are continually graphically displayed upon the computing device display such that the user can always discern the action that will occur when one or both buttons are depressed. Different functions occur with the pressing of each one of the buttons yielding two functions whereas pressing both buttons for a short period yields a third function and both buttons for a longer period a fourth function. Additional utility is provided through the use of voice commands that may be communicated and stored in the computing device with associated data which will be displayed upon subsequent communication of the same voice command. A third button facilitates the entering and retrieval of voice command related data.

Abstract: A portable electronic apparatus and method for receiving information from a transmitter and providing the information to a user are disclosed. A display provides visual information to the user, and the visual information includes an image and at least one active area. At least one touch button is associated with the active area. A frame grabber, responsive to data received from the transmitter divides the data into a plurality of frames. A memory stores the plurality of frames into a hierarchy level sequence of memory frames. Each memory frame is uniquely identifiable and includes information portions corresponding to images, active areas and links. A controller identifies which information is to be displayed.

Abstract: A system and method for setting up a user interface of a remote control. The remote control displays a logical group of function keys the activation of which will cause the remote control to transmit a command to a target device and a plurality of indicators representative of devices. A user input functions to select one of the plurality of indicators and the device represented by the selected indicator is assigned as the target device for the logical group of function keys.

Abstract: A method to coordinate requests submitted to a data storage and retrieval system from two or more operator input stations, whereby an initialization request comprising a requested operation is provided at a first time to the data storage and retrieval system. At that first time the method provides a current history of previously-submitted commands to perform the requested operation. The method also generates a request history token at that first time. The first history is displayed to the user. The user then determines if the current history includes the requested operation. If the first history does not include the requested operation, the user at a second time submits a command to perform the requested operation. The method generates at that second time a current history token, and determines if the current history token matches the request history token. If the current history token matches the request history token, then the method performs the requested operation.

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: In an output setup to a device apparatus, when the contents of a plurality of setting items are changed in a lump by using a compound setup consisting of a plurality of setting items, a mismatching of the set contents and a function of the device apparatus is avoided. For this purpose, according to the invention, when the compound setup can be used for a plurality of device apparatuses, the compound setup which is used for the designated device apparatus is selected, and in case of performing the output setup to the designated device apparatus by using the selected compound setup, whether the output can be performed by the contents of each setting item of the compound setup in the device apparatus or not is discriminated in accordance with the function of the device apparatus.

Abstract: An MHP television device including a user input and a GUI application for use in such a device wherein the GUI application maintains at least one notional wheel to which activities and strings for representing the activities may be assigned and generates an image for display, the image including an edge of the notional wheel on which a predetermined number of the strings are arranged for display, the GUI application being responsive to the user input both to rotate the notional wheel so as to display different strings and to select any activity represented by a string on the notional wheel at a predetermined position of the image.

Abstract: An automated administration system for providing state-based control of soft-labeled keys (SLKs) in a wireless terminal or other type of communication system terminal. In an illustrative embodiment, the automated administration system uses a set of operations to generate information representative of a state machine for controlling labels for the SLKs. The operations process input received from a given user, e.g., a form specifying desired features, layout and language, and generate a state transition table or other suitable representation of a corresponding state machine. Other information generated by the automated administration system may include a control table and a label table. The control table associates a different set of SLK label identifiers with each state in a set of states of the terminal. Each of the label identifiers specifies a label to be associated with a given one of the SLKs in at least one of the states.

Abstract: An arrangement is provided for dynamic web list display. A view page is displayed at a client site. The view page hosts a plug-in and supplies the plug-in a link to a filler page on a server. The filler page provides list content with specified content structure. The plug-in downloads the filler page from the server site and renders the list content according to the content structure specified by the filler page.

Abstract: A system and method for configuring a plurality of graphics pipelines in a computer graphical display system is disclosed. The method comprises displaying a graphical user interface to enable a user to graphically specify at least one parameter for a plurality of pipe rectangles of the computer graphical display system, each of the plurality of pipe rectangles being associated with at least one of the plurality of graphics pipelines, receiving the at least one parameter, and updating a compositor of the computer graphical display system in real-time based at least in part on the at least one parameter.

Abstract: A storage medium stores a large number of data sets or files as grouped in a smaller number of data groups or directories, each data group containing a plurality of data sets. On a control panel is provided a display screen, and are also provided a plurality of group call buttons to be individually allocated for the respective data groups and a plurality of data set designating buttons to be individually allocated for the respective data sets. When the user actuates an intended one of the group call buttons, identifying names or marks of the data sets of the called group are listed in a display screen for a further selection of the intended data set from among the listed group by user's actuation of an intended one of the data set designating buttons. This enables an easy and speedy selection of a particular intended data set from among a large number of data sets.

Abstract: An application program and system feature reactivation process and apparatus for use in a graphical user interface of a computer-based system. A user-selectable feature reactivation button is quickly defined or “programmed” through a first use, allowing subsequent reactivation of the system feature by simply operating the reactivation button while a pointer is located anywhere on the screen within a user input area. The reactivation button may be on a pointing device such as a mouse, trackball, trackpoint, keypad, stylus, etc. The invention eliminates the need to repeatedly relocated the pointer to a feature activation push button on the screen to and from the user input area, and eliminates excess user hand movement from the pointing device and the keyboard.

Abstract: A graphical user interface for a media player includes a button associated with accessing media stored on a computing system. An actuation mechanism enables a user to select the button. Selection of the button causes the media player to obtain information regarding media available to the user and to display the information regarding media available to the user in a hierarchical manner.

Abstract: A method for navigating a graphical user interface (GUI) having at least one page, comprising providing a first booklet, wherein user interaction with the first booklet can cause the GUI to navigate to a new page; providing a request based on user interaction with the first booklet; mapping the request to a control tree factory; generating a control tree from the factory based on the request wherein the control tree includes a booklet control corresponding to the first booklet; advancing the control tree through at least one lifecycle stage based on the request; and generating a response wherein the response can be used to render the new page.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for using physical buttons on a device in association with a display to display, access, and execute functions available through associated hardware and software. The physical buttons are programmable, and the function of each button is displayed on an associated display when the button is activated using a first type of motion, and the function of the button is performed when the button is activated using a second type of motion. This allows the display to be free of unnecessary icons, tool-tips, menus, text, etc., and to be devoted to actual content unless and until a user decides to perform a function associated with the device containing the display. Increasing the available display space is especially important in the advancing art of electronics, where devices are becoming smaller and smaller, yet consumers are demanding more and more functionality.

Abstract: Methods and a data structure for assigning URLs (e.g., to radio-station-streaming-media-content sources) to graphical objects (such as buttons) are disclosed. In one aspect of the present invention, zip codes are used to identify and assign geographically relevant URLs to buttons. In a second aspect of the invention, a graphical user interface enables a user to select from a plurality of radio buttons and menu entries in order to identify search results satisfying the user's selection criteria. In a third aspect of this invention, search results are displayed in an IFRAME so that the Web page need not be replotted each time the server identifies URLs satisfying the user selection criteria. In a fourth aspect of this invention, information identifying a user's button assignments or preferences (such as the user's zip code) is stored in various data fields in a cookie data structure.

Abstract: A control panel unit for a computing device includes buttons having characteristics that define individual button states. Upon actuation of a button, the viewable states of the buttons may change. A portion of the button may be illuminated to represent the state and/or include an icon depicting an application controlled by the button. The control panel unit may include a display for displaying plural soft labels corresponding to the buttons and representing the current context that will be initiated when the corresponding button is actuated. The soft labels may identify users or applications available to one user. Upon actuation of an application, the soft labels can change to represent various actions or functions available in the application. In the user interface, each user may be assigned a specific color scheme. The color schemes allow a person to visually determine who is logged into the system and/or which individual has new information.

Abstract: A portable hand-held remote control unit device is disclosed which may be utilized for selecting designated functions in a plurality of remotely controllable multimedia processing units. Multiple user selectable screen objects may be created from a general purpose computer and transferred to the remote control unit. The screen objects include screen layout and descriptions of soft keys to be displayed on a graphic display of the remote control unit, as well as commands associated with the screen object, the soft keys and programmable keys on the remote control unit. The user may select any of the loaded screen objects for controlling various multimedia processing units, for performing complex functions of commands to various multimedia processing units.