Abstract: Disclosed are a system and method for generating three-dimensional objects to represent files in a three-dimensional environment. A primary classifier classifies stored files into groups based on a first set of properties and generates three-dimensional mesh objects to represent each file. The mesh objects are the same within each group and distinguish the files from group to group. A secondary classifier further classifies each group of files into sub-groups based on a second set of properties and deforms the mesh objects in each sub-group in a particular manner to distinguish files from sub-group to sub-group. Additional classifiers modify the deformed mesh objects to further distinguish files within each sub-group (e.g., by varying the shape, texture, animation, etc.). Each three-dimensional object can then be embedded into a three-dimensional graphical user interface as a selection tool that provides visual cues regarding the contents of a particular file.

Abstract: A preview window generator can be configured to sense a presence of navigation input applied to a resource reference (e.g., an icon, file path, etc.) displayed in an application window. The resource reference displayed in the application window can represent a resource such as stored content (e.g., a file, folder, etc.). While sensing input such as presence of a pointer in a vicinity of the resource reference in the application window, the preview window generator displays a context view (e.g., a file system view) including a representation of the stored content. Accordingly, a user can view the stored content in a relevant context view such as a storage context indicating where the content is stored in a file system without having to launch a separate windows explorer application. The preview window can be configured to receive input, enabling a viewer to modify a particular context view.

Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus and a method for user interfacing. The user interfacing method of a portable terminal with a pointing device includes checking whether or not pointing through the pointing device has occurred, and removing a current image while distorting the current image around a pointing position if pointing has occurred. The user interfacing apparatus of a portable terminal comprises a pointing device for enabling pointing by a user, a display unit for displaying an image for graphic user interfacing, and a control unit for controlling the display unit in such a manner that a current image is removed by distorting the current image around a pointing position and a resultant image according to the pointing is displayed if the pointing has occurred through the pointing device.

Abstract: A method and system for displaying an annotated file are described. The method includes associating an annotation with a programming module of a baseline file and displaying in a window of a graphical user interface the baseline file as a tree structure having a plurality of nodes. Each node represents a programming module of the baseline file. The method also includes displaying the annotation proximate to the node that represents the programming module with which the annotation is associated. The annotation includes at least one message indicative of a modification made to the baseline file by a contributor.

Abstract: A system may include a selection tool configured to determine a selection of a file icon that is displayed on a user interface and that represents a file associated with an application. The selection tool may be further configured to determine a result-class associated with the selection. A parser may be configured to determine one or more rules associated with the result-class, access content of the file by way of an application program interface associated with the application, and parse the content of the file for a target-result, based on the result-class and the one or more rules. Presentation logic may be configured to provide at least a portion of the target-result in visual proximity to the file icon within the user interface.

Abstract: Media center icons are used to navigate a media center. The media center icons may include media device icons, a remote control icon, and media player icons. The media center icons may be used during a setup process, to select between media devices, and to navigate between media devices and media content.

Abstract: A method, system and medium suitable for rendering substantially instantaneously thumbnail data pre-cached in a volatile memory. The thumbnail data is rendered once an indicator or pointer is hovered over an icon that has associated thumbnail data stored in the volatile memory.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer-readable medium for improved correlation between source code in a source code view pane and a corresponding control in a graph view pane in an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) is presented. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of receiving, from a user of a source code view pane, an entered name of a type of control that is to be modified in an Integrated Development Environment (IDE), wherein the control is displayed in a graph view pane of a Graphical User Interface (GUI); in response to a hyperbutton being activated, displaying a mini-GUI in the source code view pane, wherein the mini-GUI displays all controls that have the entered name as part of their source code; and in response to a selection of a selected control in the mini-GUI, dismissing the mini-GUI and pasting, in the source code view pane, a name of an actual source code object that, when executed, displays the selected control in the GUI.

Abstract: Systems and/or methods are provided that facilitates revealing assistance information associated with a user interface. An interface can obtain input information related to interactions between the interface and a user. In addition, the interface can output assistance information in situ with the user interface. Further, a decision component that determines the in situ assistance information output by the interface based at least in part on the obtained input information.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for displaying download information at a graphical user interface (GUI) at an electronic device, the electronic device having a display module displaying the GUI, is provided. If a message, in a message list displayed at the GUI, is selected, and the message is associated with at least one active download, then the display module is caused to display information associated with progress of the at least one active download in an area of the GUI which is proximal to the message.

Abstract: A notepad computer with a page display region displaying a page of a document on which a user can write using a pen or stylus type writing tool is provided. Associated with the page is an interface that can be used with the pen. The interface includes a core task tool region adjacent to the page where tool icons are partially visible until the pen is brought near one of the icons. The tool icon becomes fully visible when the pen is within the region of the icon. The tool when activated can pop-up a radial pop-up menu located at an edge of the document where all the menu choices are located in a semi-circle away from the edge so that the users hand while holding the pen and making a selection does not block the choices.

Abstract: A method for interfacing with a plurality of wizards in a computer system. The method includes providing the plurality of wizards organized into groups; providing a launch button on a launch pad, wherein the launch button is associated with at least one wizard, wherein selection of the launch button executes the at least one wizard; providing information pertaining to the at least one wizard when a pointer is positioned over the launch button. The method further includes providing a high-level visual overview of a process corresponding to the plurality of wizards to assist a user when the user may not be familiar with the process before the user selects the launch button to execute the at least one wizard, wherein the high-level overview comprises a relationship between the at least one wizard and other wizards on the computer system.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for identifying the most likely recipients for a message or other communication from a source and building a most frequently used list of recipients. The present invention utilizes a contact list and determines the likelihood that a list of recipients from that contact list are the intended targets for a current message. The likelihood determination is made using both how recent and how frequent prior communications were made to particular individuals or groups of recipients. Further, a user is able to switch between a most frequently used list of recipients and full list of contacts.

Abstract: An interactive tooltip provides access to help information and enhanced editing capabilities. The interactive tooltip may be useful for a user editing a function within a spreadsheet formula. The present invention may integrate HTML-like interactivity with a conventional tooltip to provide a new interface for working with the associated data. The interactivity of the tooltip may provide additional levels of help or documentation when requested and may provides additional editing navigation functionality within the associated data. Embodiments of the present invention may provide a tooltip in close proximity to the associated data, while the associated data is being edited. In the case of a spreadsheet, a tooltip may be provided when the user begins editing a function within a spreadsheet cell. The help facility may recognize that the user has begun entering a function.

Abstract: Methods and computer readable media for generating displays of user-defined blocks of networking addresses on a map of an associated address space are provided. Each block of networking addresses is described in a user-defined table with a start address and a map size. The display for each block of network addresses may be rendered on the map at a location based on the relative position of the start address within the associated address space and of a size based on the mask size in relation to the associated address space.

Abstract: A property inspector with a partial functionality indicator is described that analyzes a selected group of objects within the design canvas of an ADE to determine the properties available to each of the objects and also which of the properties applies to the individual objects. The inspector interacts with a user by identifying which properties apply to only some of the selected objects. This interaction may take on any useful form of sensual identification data, such as visible, audible, or tactile indications.

Abstract: A change monitor as part of an online editor of a sequential function chart (SFC) programming environment monitors edits to a control routine. The change monitor provides warning to users before taking actions that would result in a reset of the control routine currently being executed by an industrial controller. The change manager reduces or eliminates many situations that would otherwise result in a reset as well by instructing online editor as to what language elements need to be assembled to implement the change. The change monitor also filters the manner in which reset warnings are given to reduce unnecessary distractions.

Abstract: A tool-tip presentation system for multimedia files. The tool-tip presentation system can be configured to respond to proximity events associated with a selected entry in a list of multimedia files such as screen captured images or complete audio files. Based upon the selected entry, a corresponding multimedia sample such as a thumbnail image of a screen captured image or an audio sample of the audio file can be retrieved and presented as a tool-tip. In particular, the tool-tip can be displayed in a position which is proximate to the selected entry. In this way, one who interacts with the list of multimedia files need not load each complete multimedia file in the list in order to determine the contents of the multimedia file. Rather, the multimedia sample in the tool-tip can suffice.

Abstract: A navigation system for navigating a three-dimensional (3D) scene that includes a model or object with which a user can interact. The system accommodates and helps both novice and advanced users. To do this, the system provides a walk tool GUI that has a quite motion zone in which a cursor can be moved without causing view motion and arrow cursors that control direction and speed when positioned relative to the zone.

Abstract: A distance between a cursor and an object displayed on a Web page or other image automatically controls a volume with which an audio file associated with the object is played. A user can thus explore a displayed image to discover audio files associated with different objects or portions of the displayed image. The audio files can provide instructions, data, music, sound effects, or almost any other form of audible sound desired. The designer and/or the user of the displayed image can set parameters that control how the audio files are played, such as the maximum distance of a cursor from an object to initiate play, the relative priority of the objects, and the maximum number of audio files that are simultaneously played.

Abstract: A computer device, such as a mobile phone or PDA for example, is able to output a message based upon selection of a corresponding sequence of symbol. Such symbols can be polysemous in nature and thus be associated with a plurality of different meanings depending upon other symbols sequenced therewith. By utilizing polysemous symbols, a relatively large number of sequences can be developed and associated with stored messages in the computer device. To aid a user in accessing a desired sequence or to aid in training the learning of stored sequences, for example, a category relating to at least two symbol sequences is fed back to the user upon pre-selecting a symbol; a theme relating to at least two symbol sequences is fed back to the user upon selecting a symbol and pre-selecting a next symbol; and/or a message associated with a sequence is fed back to the user upon selecting and/or pre-selecting at least one symbol completing a symbol sequence.

Abstract: A new network topology visualization integrates out-of-view and topology overview information into the navigational frame bars of the primary topology view to save screen space and make the associated information more tightly bound to the working view area. This way, the user does not need to go back and forth between two disconnected and distinct view areas, and more screen space will be available for conveying useful information.

Abstract: A storage medium and computer that determine a tree representing links embedded in documents, create a depth indicator having a size proportional to the size of the tree, and display the depth indicator with a root link in a root document. The tree is determined by repeatedly probing the links to retrieve the documents. In various embodiments, the size of the tree may be the number of levels in the tree or the number of links in the tree. The depth indicator may include representations of the links and represents a possible future context of the root document. In various embodiments, a graphical representation of the tree may be displayed, hover help that includes the tree size may be displayed, and an indication of a condition reported by a document may be displayed. In various embodiments, the condition may include a message, updated content, new content, or an error.

Abstract: A method is provided for viewing extended text information associated with a particular item in place. A user may invoke a text scrolling area in order to view extended text in place without obstructing the view of other screen items. Multiple scrolling areas may be created to view text associated with multiple items.

Abstract: A tool-tip presentation system for multimedia files. The tool-tip presentation system can be configured to respond to proximity events associated with a selected entry in a list of multimedia files such as screen captured images or complete audio files. Based upon the selected entry, a corresponding multimedia sample such as a thumbnail image of a screen captured image or an audio sample of the audio file can be retrieved and presented as a tool-tip. In particular, the tool-tip can be displayed in a position which is proximate to the selected entry. In this way, one who interacts with the list of multimedia files need not load each complete multimedia file in the list in order to determine the contents of the multimedia file. Rather, the multimedia sample in the tool-tip can suffice.

Abstract: A method performed in a web-based environment on a computer system teaches a user to implement an application. The method includes providing predetermined applications and presenting an annotation page that includes one or more annotations descriptive of a predetermined application. Each annotation includes keyword links, annotation links, and detail of implementation of the application. The method includes permitting the user to select a link in an annotation. If the user selects a keyword link, reference documentation associated with that keyword is presented. If the user selects an annotation link, another annotation descriptive of another source file of a predetermined application is presented.

Abstract: A method, system and article of manufacture for hover help management in data processing systems and, more particularly, for providing dynamic and intelligent hover assistance in graphical user interfaces. One embodiment provides a method of displaying hover assistance on a display screen. The method comprises moving a pointer element to a position over a user interface element shown on the display screen in response to user manipulation of a pointing device, while the pointer element is positioned over the user interface element, invoking a first hover element for display on the display screen, and invoking a second hover element for display on the display screen after invoking the first hover element, and while the pointer element continues to be positioned over the user interface element.

Abstract: A navigation device displays predicted traffic information downloaded from a server device and statistical traffic information stored in a storage unit, on the same screen. Both information items may be displayed in such a manner that at least a part of them is overlaid (a superimposed display). The predicted traffic information may be superimposed on the statistical traffic information. When traffic information of the same time band of the same object (link, mesh area) exists in both the information items, one thereof may be selected to be displayed.

Abstract: A technique is described for delivering contextual information to end users of a data network which includes at least one client system associated with an end user. According to a specific embodiment, the technique of the present invention provides a contextual-based platform for delivering to an end user in real-time proactive, personalized, contextual information relating to web page content currently being displayed to the user. A portion of web page content relating to a web page intended for display on the client system is received. According to a specific embodiment, the web page corresponds to a URL associated with a content provider. The portion of web page content is analyzed for keyword information. A portion of keyword information associated with the portion of web page content is identified. According to a specific embodiment, the portion of keyword information includes at least one keyword.

Abstract: A palette-based graphical user interface for a computer-implemented system. The palettes can be customized in a number of different ways to make them more user-friendly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for displaying real-time messages by a mouse cursor are disclosed. A setting unit sets a trigger condition for an event, and a monitoring unit monitors the event according to the trigger condition and thus generates a monitor result. A determining unit determines whether the event is triggered according to the conditions and the monitor result. When the event is triggered, a displaying unit displays a message on or near a mouse cursor to remind a user of the triggered event.

Abstract: An interface for enabling a user to quickly access contact information automatically displays a list of expected contacts that are most likely to be selected by the user when attention is directed to an appropriate object requiring contact information. When a contact is selected, the corresponding and appropriate contact information is automatically entered. If a user does not select a listed contact, but instead begins manually typing in the contact information then the interface performs a search and displays a list of unexpected contacts having contact information matching the typed input from the user. Various criteria can be used to identify which contacts will be presented to the user and how they will be presented.

Abstract: Network applications rely on ever-increasing diverse and complex transport service mechanisms. A transport service between points in a network often traverses multiple technologies involving numerous containments and adaptations. A network event affecting the transport service may occur in any number of elements supporting the transport service, resulting in a myriad of alarms. Prior techniques for suppressing alarms involving complex network information models and coding logic to reduce the number of alarms presented, but require additional steps before the network event can be troubleshot and resolved. In contrast, the provided alarm correlation technique presents a highly structured and comprehensive visual presentation depicting the network event affecting the transport service in terms of the supporting elements affected by the network event.

Abstract: A filing assistant for coupling to an e-mail application; the email application comprising a message database for storing and retrieving messages and a graphical user interface (GUI) for displaying the messages and for allowing the user to otherwise interact with the application, the filing assistant comprising a display and indexer for generating an optimized folder index.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention address deficiencies of the art in respect to mouse over sensitive user interface components and provide a novel and non-obvious method, system and computer program product for dynamic mouse over handling for tightly packed user interface components. In one embodiment of the invention, a method for dynamic mouse over handling for tightly packed user interface components can be provided. The method can include determining whether a mouse over enabled user interface component is tightly packed, and adding a delay to mouse over handling for the mouse over enabled user interface component if the mouse over enabled user interface component is determined to be tightly packed.

Abstract: A computer readable storage medium includes executable instructions to display video content. A cursor associated with the relative position of the video content is provided. A new cursor position associated with a request for a new relative position of the video content is received. A thumbnail image of the video content corresponding to the new relative position is displayed. The thumbnail image is then transitioned to a full display image.

Abstract: A method is provided for graphical presentation of objects and/or technical processes on a screen, as well as an editor implementing the method being provided. A tooltip appears when a pointing device such as a computer mouse for example uses its mouse pointer to remain for a predetermined time over a predetermined section of the display area, and that the tooltip graphically presents at least a part of the object and/or of the process in a modified way compared to that shown in the display area. In this way, with the aid of the tooltip, the same object and/or the same technical process can be presented in a number of views.

Abstract: A function calculator includes a display unit and an input unit which inputs an arithmetic expression containing a function in accordance with user operation. When the input unit inputs an arithmetic expression, the calculator causes the display unit to display the arithmetic expression upon the input operation. The function calculator then determines whether the cursor present on the arithmetic expression displayed on the display unit is located at a portion corresponding to a function. Upon determining that the cursor is at a portion corresponding to a function, the calculator displays format explanatory information about the function on another window on the display unit.

Abstract: A method for controlling an avatar in a virtual space, the virtual space accessed through a computer network using a console, is disclosed. The method begins by capturing activity of a console controller and processing the captured activity of the console controller to identify input parameters. Another operation of the method is to map selected ones of the input parameters to portions of the avatar, the avatar being a virtual space representation of a user. Wherein the capturing, processing and mapping are continuously performed to define a correlation between activity of the console controller and the avatar that is the virtual space representation of the user.

Abstract: An interface enables perception of information regarding a communications session that leverages an instant messaging platform. The user interface includes an instant messaging application user interface that enables perception and selection of instant messaging communications sessions for an instant messaging user, a mechanism to determine the content from within a desired instant messaging session that is not actively displayed, and an informational tool tip that provides a perceivable indication to the user of at least a portion of the determined content of the desired instant messaging session.

Abstract: The present invention includes a system and method for enhancing multimedia information shared on electronic systems. The electronic systems are capable of receiving multimedia information and presenting multimedia information. In combination with the multimedia information, a representation is presented which is based on the shared multimedia information. The representation may be an avatar for display. Further, the representation may be based on control of the multimedia information, content of the multimedia information or reaction to the multimedia information.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, computer system, and computer program product to optimize space available for displaying text descriptions in a limited area, such as a sidebar. Space is optimized by displaying only the maximum portion of the text describing each selection that will fit within the limited area, thereby allowing space to display additional text descriptions in the remaining portion of the limited area. Positioning a pointer over the maximum portion of the text causes the complete portion of the text to be displayed. The complete portion of the text can serve as a link to content related to the text. Space is also optimized by providing a thin scroll bar to add space for displaying content within a window.

Abstract: The completion of an electronic checklist is facilitated by the automated display of certain data while completing the checklist. The disclosed program presents an automated display of synoptic, navigational, or flight management data for each task in a checklist. For each task in a checklist, there may be certain data which would aid the pilot or other user to complete the checklist. Such data can be displayed contemporaneously with the checklist. After the completion of each task in the checklist, the contents of the display can be restored to the state the display was in before the checklist was started.

Abstract: An interface enables perception of information regarding e-mail communications. The interface includes an e-mail application user interface that enables perception of e-mail message information for one or more e-mails received by an e-mail participant and that enables active display of one or more of the received e-mails selected by the e-mail participant, The interface also includes a mechanism that determines a request for e-mail message information for one of the e-mails from within a desired e-mail message that is not actively displayed. The interface further includes an informational tool tip that provides a temporary perceivable indication to the e-mail participant of at least a portion of the requested information for the desired e-mail message while maintaining active display of the one or more selected e-mails.

Abstract: A graphical user interface system for facilitating the retrieval of information relating to at least one predetermined category of information. The system comprises a computer, a user controlled pointing device and a graphic display, said graphic display comprising a number of pixels for generating an image comprising x times y pixels based on information from said computer. The image comprises a background with a superposed grid defining a number of sectors, each sector comprising a number n of pixels. Furthermore, the system comprises indicating means for indicating in a sector defined by said grid and displayed on said graphic display, the existence of a piece of information for that sector, where said piece of information relates to the background corresponding to that sector. Furthermore, said indicating means indicates that said piece of information relates to said at least one category of information.

Abstract: Methods and arrangements are provided that display at least one user input field within a graphical user interface and automatically display reminder information associated with the user input field through a non-modal mechanism within the graphical user interface. The methods and arrangements monitor user input activities and automatically display the reminder information associated with the user input field through the non-modal mechanism after a defined period of user input inactivity. For example, if a user is unable to remember a password, then the methods and arrangements provide for an automatic non-intrusive way for the reminder information, which the user previously entered when setting up their password/account, to be displayed. A tip balloon is one type of a non-modal display mechanism that does require the user to respond and does not interfere graphically and/or operationally with the ongoing graphical user interface supported process.

Abstract: A service management method of the present invention is provided so as to enable a service provider to easily obtain information on a user's usage conditions after the sales of a software package, and to provide the user with service to give him a chance and motivation to use a function which is available in the software package but is seldom used. To attain these objects, the service management method of the present invention includes a step for preparing a file showing usage conditions of a plurality of functions constituting the software package, a step for detecting that a function is selected or performed, and a step for updating the file so as to distinguish the detected function from an undetected function.

Abstract: In a computer system, a touch sensitive input device having touch sensitive auxiliary controls can be used to provide a user with information regarding the functionality of an auxiliary control. When a user's hand approaches a touch sensitive input device, feedback can be displayed on a display screen. A user can receive feedback without activating the input device by touching or being extremely proximate to an auxiliary control. The feedback may take the form of a tool tip related to the auxiliary control or a combination of auxiliary controls simultaneously touched. When the hand of a user is moved away from the touch sensitive input device, the feedback brought on by sensing the user's hand may disappear.

Abstract: Help functionality is described for integrating help information into a primary application in a just-in-time fashion. The help functionality can perform this task by providing a see-through panel which is presented on top of an application interface provided by the primary application. A user can move a mark on the see-through panel to identify features of the application interface concerning which he or she may have questions. The help functionality responds by presenting potentially context-sensitive help information to the user in audio mode and/or visual mode. If the visual mode is selected, the help functionality can present the help information on the see-through panel itself, and/or can dynamically move parts of the application interface to accommodate the display of the help information. The help functionality can supply the help information from a local source and/or a remote source, in an automated manner and/or a manual manner (e.g., using a remote human assistant).

Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method for displaying additional information corresponding to an item represented by a visual indicator in response to a mouseover event is disclosed. Various embodiments receive a mouseover event corresponding to a visual indicator displayed on a display screen and generate additional information corresponding to an item represented by the visual indicator in response to the mouseover event, the additional information being obtained from various databases and used to generate additional information corresponding to the item.