Abstract: An apparatus for touchpad-based scroll control and method for scroll control comprising a data packet processor working in conjunction with a touchpad. A scroll zone, having a central axis, is defined on the touchpad. After detecting a user running a finger on the touchpad in a direction substantially parallel to an axis running the length of the scroll zone, the processor software sends scrolling messages to the operating system or application that owns an active window. The packet processing software is configured to not scroll on motions that are not substantially parallel to the axis of the scroll zone, thereby avoiding unwanted interference with normal program function, and also stops scrolling when the user lifts the scroll-activating finger or moves it in direction substantially perpendicular to the scroll zone.

Abstract: The present invention provides a user control mechanism for selectively retaining for display a document obtained from a network. The user control is located as an icon or symbol in the browser interface for ease of use. Subsequent documents which are downloaded from the network are displayed in a separate window of the display in the computing system, and these subsequent windows are also provided with the same user control mechanism. In particular, the user can selectively create a second browser display page by following a link contained in the first browser display page, without overwriting the contents of the first browser display page.

Abstract: An objective, quantitative metric is used in a system that measures the physical effort expended by a user on computer input devices while the user manages the functionality of application software so that an evaluation of the desirability of computer-human interfaces being evaluated is generated. For certain convex polygonal targets of arbitrary size and location relative to a target acquiring device, the present invention identifies a circular subset of points that permits determination of the width and distance parameters of Fitts' Index of Difficulty and thus, permits objective quantification of the physical effort incurred in acquiring a target via computer input devices. The invention itself presents a method for symbolically expressing actual targets appearing on a computer-human interface and physical actions required by a user to accomplish a task set utilizing the application software.

Abstract: A user interface for a control structure comprising a controller, and physical devices coupled to the controller is disclosed. The controller is adapted to control and monitor the physical devices. The user interface is coupled to the controller for displaying representations of status conditions of the physical device.

Abstract: A browsing unit according to the present invention comprises an input means for receiving request for a node from a user, an information obtaining means for obtaining the requested node from a server, content information output means for outputting the content information of the obtained node, a related information extracting means for extracting structural information from the content information of the received node, a historical information storing means for storing the structural information obtained by the related information extracting means, and a structure display means for displaying to the user in the form of a map the structural information stored by the historical information storing means.

Abstract: A system and method are provided, for use with a computer graphical user interface (GUI) system, for giving the user help information associated with displayed symbols, such as icons representing data objects, applications, etc. For a given icon or other symbol, a plurality of different images are provided. When help is invoked, such as in response to a user moving the display cursor onto the icon, the plurality of help images are displayed. The images may represent a sequence of actions the user is to take, in order to make use of the object represented by the icon. The images are then displayed in time sequence. The images may then include reminder images of what had taken place prior to the image currently being displayed. Alternatively, the images may represent a set of alternative uses to which the user may put the object.

Abstract: The system and method consistent with the present invention improves searching and display features of graphical user interfaces by providing automatic compression and expansion of the display during the scroll.

Abstract: An information processing system and method using a file storage unit which stores electronic information and a display unit which displays the electronic information. A discrimination unit discriminates each of a plurality of physical objects indicated by a user. An attribute discrimination unit discriminates changeable attribute information of the physical objects. A link storage unit stores link information designating a correspondence between each of the physical objects and a respective corresponding portion of the electronic information stored in the storage unit.

Abstract: A page proxy manages representations of page information, such as Web page locations in the form of Uniform Resource Locators (URLs), which are presented as Web page bookmarks. A proxy tool is provided by which a URL proxy for a Web page displayed in a browser, such the Netscape Navigator, may be readily manipulated by the use of any well known gestures, such as mouse-over and click and drag and drop (where a cursor is moved over the Web page proxy by use of a mouse, a button on the mouse is clicked to attach the proxy to the cursor, and the mouse is used to drag the proxy to a desired location, where it is then dropped by releasing the button on the mouse). The proxy tool operates in conjunction with a navigation aid that provides an organization view of destination locations and actions in the form of a drop down menu.

Abstract: A system and methodology for implementing user assistance functions concerning interoperability of diverse applications, whether hosted on the same computer platform or hosted on different computer platforms. The user is assisted by being offered information, tools and/or automation as appropriate to the problem presented. As appropriate, graphics or animation is utilized to permit complete and full understanding by the user of the assistance being provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cursor control system for controlling operations of a pop-up menu. The menu comprises a plurality of command regions, each of which has a correspondent computer command. The system comprises a displaying device for displaying the pop-up menu, a computer electrically connected to the displaying device and a cursor control device electrically connected to the computer. The computer comprises a program for controlling image display of the displaying device and operations of the menu. The cursor control device comprises a housing having a recess installed in it, a cursor controller elastically installed in the recess for generating a shifting signal, and a switch installed in the recess beneath the cursor controller for generating a start signal. When a user presses the cursor controller and thus triggers the switch, the program will receive the start signal generated by the switch and then will display the menu over the displaying device.

Abstract: A portable handheld computing device has a processor and a touch-sensitive display. The display includes a touch-sensitive area superimposed on a viewing area. The handheld computing device has an operating system which executes on the processor to provide a graphical user interface environment capable of presenting a plurality of on-screen controls that can be activated by tapping on them with a stylus. The operating system is configured to present a usage tip relating to a particular on-screen control when a user touches the display over the control for a predefined duration.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically changing a user's avatar's displayed view perspective in a virtual world upon execution of a gesture by the avatar, and in which the view perspective is changed for each gesture. The configuration of the view perspective switching specifies an action, a speed, a position and a return time. An avatar implementing the present invention allows the user to avoid manual view perspective switching which interferes with the immersive environment of a virtual world.

Abstract: A processing apparatus capable of easily giving compatibility to corresponding information and thereby improving efficiencies of operations in a plurality of processing apparatus. Corresponding information set in a processing apparatus is written in storing means and an image processing function assigned to each operation key is changed in accordance with the corresponding information read into the processing apparatus from the storing means. Thereby, it is possible to easily give compatibility to the corresponding information and resultingly, improve efficiencies of operations in a plurality of the processing apparatuses.

Abstract: Disclosed are a coordinate input system and a method of controlling the coordinate input system, which can notify a user of a state of having come into a drag lock mode in an easily discernable manner, and hence can keep the user from being embarrassed as far as possible. When the user operates a coordinate detecting device (PD) such as a pad, the operating action is sent to a coordinate outputting device (PC) such as a personal computer. If the user makes a predetermined drag lock action, this action is detected by a measuring unit (13), causing a mode converter (14) to effect shift to a drag lock mode. The coordinate outputting device (PC) is thereby held in a similar state as allowing continuous dragging of an icon or window indicated on the screen of a display (16). At this time, a controller (15) replaces the cursor indicated on the screen by other one having a different shape specific to the drag lock mode.

Abstract: The conventional technology of designating a page with a scroll bar or by a dialogue and displaying the designated page can only display the designated page. According to the present invention, when an icon displayed in the form of a book in open state is designated with a mouse, the designated position is judged, and, if it is on the right-side page, the image of the designated page is displayed in compressed state to the designated point, and an underlying page is displayed. Then the designated page is turned over and the images of the succeeding two pages are displayed. When the left-side page is designated, the preceding two pages are displayed through a similar process.

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: A method of indicating to a user of a terminal which includes a display, of the occurrence of a function which can be implemented on the terminal, comprising displaying a cursor on the display which cursor is moveable by the user and which has a form and position on the display which is related to a program currently being used by the user and which is unrelated to the function, and changing the form of the moveable cursor at the position to one which relates to the function upon occurrence of the function.

Abstract: A graphical user interface (GUI) is disclosed. The GUI includes a chronological display that displays graphical messages generated by a plurality of clients connected on a data distribution system.

Abstract: A user interface comprising input means, and control means for determining whether a period of time of a predetermined duration has elapsed from a first operation of the input means, and responsive to another operation of the input means: if the other operation is detected within the period of time to cause an item to be made available for selection, or if the other operation is detected after the period of time has elapsed to cause an item to be selected. The user interface may be suitable for a telephone.