Abstract: An electronic device having a user interface on a display and method for controlling the device, the method including: detecting a proximity of an object to the display; detecting a two-dimensional motion pattern of the object; and controlling the user interface according to the detected two-dimensional motion pattern. Also, a method including: detecting an object in a space over a border between first and second zones of a plurality of touch-sensitive zones and outputting a detection signal; and simultaneously displaying first and second information elements corresponding to the first and second zones in response to the detection signal.

Abstract: A control server, or similar central processor, manages the distribution of data (including audio and video), voice, and control signals among a plurality of devices connected via a wired and/or wireless communications network. The devices include audio/visual devices (such as, televisions, monitors, PDAs, notepads, notebooks, MP3, portable stereo, etc.) as well as household appliances (such as, lighting, ovens, alarm clocks, etc.). The control server supports video/audio serving, telephony, messaging, file sharing, internetworking, and security. A portable controller allows a user to access and control the network devices from any location within a controlled residential and/or non-residential environment, including its surrounding areas. The controllers are enhanced to support location-awareness and user-awareness functionality.

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: Disclosed are systems and methods for delivering a plurality of sender messages and recipient messages on an interface. The interface can receive a first sender message, the first sender message being displayed in a first format on the interface so that the first sender message is graphically associated with a sender graphic. The interface can receive a second sender message being displayed in a second format on the recipient interface. A format can be any feature, characteristic, attribute and/or appearance of any kind of a sender's message or recipient's message. Also disclosed is a selection tool to allow the visualization of a conversation history for a particular individual by performing a selection command over the communication of that individual wherein when the selection tool provides a selection of the first sender message, the first sender message assumes the second format or a third format.

Abstract: In an example embodiment, an online advertising management platform maintains an account that includes data relating to an order for advertising provided by an ad network affiliated with the platform. When the platform receives a login that identifies a user as having access rights to the account, the platform displays a view that includes a window displaying data relating to the order and a toolbar in a standardized location relative to the window. The toolbar includes a tab that displays a count of each informational message (e.g., alert or tip) which relates to the displayed data and which has not been dismissed by the current user. When the user clicks on the tab, the platform displays a tabbed window that includes a list of the informational messages, regardless of whether an informational message on the list has been read or dismissed by another user allowed access to the account.

Abstract: An item in a user interface is visually enhanced in response to an interaction with the item or in response to a request. In some implementations, the item (e.g., an icon, button, text, etc.) is visually enhanced and displayed in the user interface at a conspicuous location (e.g., the center of the user interface). Optionally, the user interface can be altered (e.g., darkened) to improve the visibility of the enhanced item. In some implementations, visual enhancement includes displaying enhanced feedback (e.g., text, data, graphical objects or images, etc.) associated with the item in a caption panel. The caption panel can display enhanced feedback associated with any items in the user interface and not just the item associated with a current user interaction. In some implementations, the user can interact with items (e.g., launch an application) from within an interaction panel.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a user's usage of a target application. Such a target application can, as examples, be a software program running on a computer or a workstation, an image forming device, an appliance, etc. The target application includes a user interface with a plurality of commands which a user can select. In the example of the target application being a software program, the commands may be icons displayed on a computer screen which a user can point to with a mouse pointer and then click on. In the case of the target application being an image forming device or an appliance, the interface may be an operation panel with buttons, a touch pad, etc. which a user can press. The present invention monitors the user's usage of such interfaces and logs data of the user's usage of such interfaces. The logged data is stored in a map mapping key data to value data. The logged data can then be communicated by the sending unit by Internet mail to a designated location.

Abstract: An interactive object property region displayable in a graphical user interface for an application program is disclosed. The interactive object property region is preferably automatically generated in response to a mouse pointer being moved over the object, but may also be affirmatively selected. Preferably, the region is initially positioned proximate to the object when generated. The interactive object property region, preferably a window, displays one or more properties of the selected object, and is interactive in the sense that the user can edit the displayed values in the region without the need to access further menu options in the graphical user interface. For example, in a preferred embodiment, the pointer can be moved from the object to the region to automatically change the displayed properties from a static display to an editable mode. Alternatively, the displayed property as soon as they are generated or can be editable upon affirmative selection.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for displaying and managing information on a webpage using an indicator in which, a memo and so forth can be recorded in the desired contents of the webpage through the indicator and the URL of the webpage can be stored with the indicator to call out them at anytime, whereby providing a convenience in terms of search and manage of information. The system having a client server and a system server comprises an indicator displayed on a surface of specific contents of each webpage with reference to coordinate values corresponding to the specific contents of each webpage and for classifying and elaborating on the specific contents and may use an indicator generation module, an input portion for inputting information, a storage portion storing coordinate values, and an output portion for outputting an indicator.

Abstract: A system and method for visualizing and navigating dynamic documents including data from an ongoing process and including instances of specified search terms. A summary view including a condensed abstract representation of a dynamic document provides a global overview of the distribution of search terms. The invention updates the document and aggregates the instances of search terms when the representation includes a nonlinear scale or uses multiple display regions having different resolution levels. The invention supports rapid skimming of dynamic documents and dynamic document collections, including enhancements triggered by cursor brushing, while keeping the user in context. Navigation to a segment of the dynamic document by selecting a corresponding portion of the summary view can replace the use of conventional scrolling techniques.

Abstract: A guide display apparatus includes a display portion, an input portion, a guide display portion, a pop-up display control portion, a setting column display portion, and a setting command portion. The guide display portion makes the display portion display a guide screen explaining an operation procedure of an apparatus. The pop-up display control portion makes the display portion display, if the user selects an object on the guide screen displayed by the guide display portion, a pop-up explaining the object while placing a button within the pop-up. The setting column display portion makes the display portion display, if the user operates the button within the pop-up, a column in which to input a setting value of the apparatus. The setting command portion sends the setting value inputted from the input portion in the input column displayed by the setting column display portion to the apparatus.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for the controlled cursor's behavior. According to one example method, any desired data may be linked to a cursor and a desired cursor behavior could be defined to convey the linked data using the cursor. When a change in the linked data is detected, the example method includes using the desired cursor behavior to convey the changed data independent of a location where the cursor is placed on a screen.

Abstract: A broadcasting receiver, broadcasting transmitter, broadcasting system and a control method are provided. The broadcasting receiver includes a broadcasting reception unit which receives caption data including information on an edge shape of a caption window and caption text to be displayed in the caption window, and a caption processor which processes the received caption data, determines the edge shape of the caption window corresponding to the caption data, and generates the caption window and the caption text according to the edge shape and the caption text. Accordingly, the edge shapes of the caption windows in which the caption text is displayed can be expressed in various forms.

Abstract: Improved methods and apparatuses are provided for determining when and how to display non-modal messages relating to user input portions of a graphical user interface (GUI). One method includes displaying at least one user input portion within a GUI and determining if the user input portion is in an invalid state by determining that valid user input associated with the user input portion has not been received. The method further includes displaying a non-modal message within the GUI. The non-modal message is visibly graphically associated with the user input portion. The method also includes automatically applying a focus of the GUI on the user input portion. As long as the focus of the GUI remains on the user input portion, the method includes displaying the non-modal message until the user input portion is determined to be in a valid state.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for an Internet visualization system and related user interfaces. In one implementation, the system analyzes Internet search logs to determine most popular search queries across the world at a current time. A user interface displays a keyword of each of the most popular queries in a single visual display that relates each query to a geographical location of greatest popularity. The system can also filter queries according to demographics. In one implementation the user interface provides a 3-dimensional Internet visualization that adopts an ocean or seascape theme. The ocean floor displays a map of the world, and query bubbles rise from geographical locations on the map. The size and duration of each query bubble denotes the relative popularity of a given query.

Abstract: A computing system for providing a user interface control to modify properties of items within a main application window. The computing system has a main application window, a gallery control window, a control object selection processing module, and a control object focus processing module. The main application window contains one or more application items, each application item having one or more control properties affecting a behavior of the application item. The gallery control window contains a list of one or more control objects for modifying control properties of the application items located within the main application window. Each of the control objects in the list of control objects includes a graphical icon having a selection portion and a properties portion and one or more control properties that affect one or more items within the main application window.

Abstract: A method of annotating a specification of a programmable logic controller is provided that includes displaying a graphical element in a first graphical language for programming the programmable logic controller, and displaying a comment associated with the graphical element. A method for converting a specification for a programmable logic controller in a first language to a second language is provided that includes converting a first instruction in the first language to a second instruction in the second language, and converting a first comment associated with the first instruction to a second comment associated with the second instruction. A computer-readable recording medium is provided.

Abstract: A method for automatically choosing an electronic correspondence signature line, having an electronic search agent for scanning electronic correspondence for the designated destination address of the electronic correspondence, and retrieving at least one designated destination address for the electronic correspondence. The method also includes determining a domain name associated with the at least one designated destination address for the electronic correspondence retrieved by the electronic search agent and comparing the domain name for the at least one destination address with a predetermined list of domain names. The method also includes selecting at least one signature line for the electronic correspondence from a plurality of signature lines, based on the at least one domain name associated with the designated destination address of said electronic correspondence and attaching the at least one selected signature line to the electronic correspondence designated for the destination address.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention address deficiencies of the art in respect to alert bubble management and provide a method, data processing system and computer program product for interactive alert bubbles for alert bubble management. In one embodiment of the invention, an interactive alert bubble can be provided for an alert management data processing system. The interactive alert bubble can include an alert bubble interface to the interactive alert bubble. An alert text field can be disposed in the interface and configured to provide a reference to an alert notification in the alert management data processing system. Additionally, a rating control can be disposed in the interface and configured to establish a rating for the alert notification responsive to a selection of the rating control.

Abstract: A user interface for displaying source data and a translated copy of a segment of the source data is provided. The user interface includes a first display portion for displaying at least a subset of the source data on the display. The user interface includes a second display portion for displaying a translated copy of a selected segment of source data on the display.

Abstract: A user interface (UI) includes floating action buttons. Respective hot zones are established for associated respective UI elements. When a focus is targeting (e.g., located at) a given hot zone, one or more floating action buttons that are associated therewith are presented as part of the UI. Activation of a particular action button of the one or more floating action buttons causes an action corresponding to the particular action button to be implemented. In an example implementation, the actions available through the one or more floating action buttons may be context-sensitive such that the actions thereof are tailored to the type of item corresponding to the UI element (e.g., an icon, a graphical element, a text portion, a screen area, etc.).

Abstract: A method includes receiving information identifying a plurality of selections made by a user. The method also includes updating a help index value based on one or more of the selections. The method further includes detecting a request for help from the user. In addition, the method includes retrieving help information using the help index value and presenting the retrieved help information to the user. At least one of the selections by the user may include a selection of an option from a plurality of options, where each of the options is associated with a different incremental value. Updating the help index value may include adding the incremental value associated with the selected option to the help index value.

Abstract: A method and system for providing help information for a computer program. The help system provides help information based on a schema that specifies the structure of a valid computer program. The schema provides definitions of program element types that are specific instances of a program element type derived from more general program element types. The help system identifies a “derivation” of program element types relating to the selected program element. The help system then displays the derivation to the user. The user can then select to display documentation associated with the displayed program element types.

Abstract: An electronic program guide that assists a user to navigate through a variety of digital and analog feeds made available by digital television technology is provided. Features such as allowing the user to purchase items, allowing the user to choose the content of the display screen, enabling more efficient use of black areas, among others are provided. Default settings based on prior user settings is provided to allow for an automatically customized environment. This automatic customization may entail, for example, the automatic resizing of windows based on the user's prior preferences. Also provided is a feature that allows for the automatic activation of a local or remote application through the user's set-top box based on the content currently being viewed.

Abstract: Displaying data sub-items corresponding to a cursor-selected object displayed on a computer screen involves determining that a cursor is positioned to point at an object on the computer screen, loading the cursor-selected object, evaluating the cursor-selected object to determine it has a fixed value, has related data sub-items or if the related data sub-items are capable of expansion into lower-tier sub-items. The values for the object and the related data sub-items are assembled and displayed in a window that indicates the values of the object and the related data sub-items along with an indication of a presence of lower-tier sub-items which can in turn be further examined.

Abstract: Device, system, and method for providing interactive guidance with execution of operations. For example, a method of providing interactive guidance to a user of a computerized application includes: receiving a user request to obtain interactive guidance with respect to the computerized application; based on the user request, selectively retrieving an interactive guidance script from a repository of previously-recorded interactive guidance scripts; playing the interactive guidance script with respect to the computerized application; and automatically executing by the interactive guidance script at least one action on behalf of the user with regard to the computerized application.

Abstract: A user interface (UI) includes floating action buttons. Respective hot zones are established for associated respective UI elements. When a focus is targeting (e.g., located at) a given hot zone, one or more floating action buttons that are associated therewith are presented as part of the UI. Activation of a particular action button of the one or more floating action buttons causes an action corresponding to the particular action button to be implemented. In an example implementation, the actions available through the one or more floating action buttons may be context-sensitive such that the actions thereof are tailored to the type of item corresponding to the UI element (e.g., an icon, a graphical element, a text portion, a screen area, etc.).

Abstract: A system for displaying at least one notification from at least one source includes a processor configured to access the at least one notification from the at least one source, the at least one notification comprising content and geographical information. The processor is further configured to display the notification on a map based on the geographical information of the notification. A method for displaying at least one notification from at least one source is also provided.

Abstract: A method to provide an electronic web sticky may include placing a web sticky icon proximate to a selected feature on a web page to which the web sticky may be associated. The method may also include providing a plurality of options for selecting a web sticky type.

Abstract: A method of composing an email message at an electronic device and an electronic device operable to carry out the method are provided. The method includes receiving an email command from a user input of the electronic device through a calendar user interface, the email command relating to at least one of a plurality of intended attendees of a calendared meeting, and providing an email composition interface in response to receiving the email command. The email composition interface includes a user-editable portion of an address field. The user-editable portion of the address field is automatically populated with email address information for the at least one of the plurality of intended attendees.

Abstract: A user may select an error message presented in a graphic user interface and bring up a word processor by which text describing the error and its solution may be entered. This is saved, and the next time the error is encountered, the saved annotation is available for presentation to and further editing by the user. In this manner, the developer may continually improve the quality and usefulness of the error messages.

Abstract: An improved user interface is provided for allowing the application of two properties or pieces of metadata to an object with a single user action. A two-dimensional radial menu (user interface) is provided. The radial menu is a generally pie-shaped user interface that is divided into two or more slices associated with two or more corresponding types of a first property that may be applied to a selected object. The menu is further divided to two or more circular sections so that each slice of the pie-shaped radial menu is further divided into two or more sections. Each circular section is associated with a type of a second property that may be applied to the object. By selection of a given section in a given slice of the radial menu, one type of the first property associated with the given slice and a one type of the second property associated with the given circular section of the slice are applied to the selected object with a single user action.

Abstract: A search engine user interface that reduces the need for explicit search rules; dynamically responds as user input is entered to give immediate feedback to a user; is not limited to searching data residing in a single store; and may be used with a plurality of search engines, is provided. The search engine user interface provides search functions for a plurality of types of file metadata and types of file content. The search engine user interface provides an active query box, query editing, word-wheeling, and query narrowing and broadening. The user interface provides accordion behavior for visual elements of the user interface, integrated custom tagging, multiple independent search parameters, and filtering and integrated custom tagging in a common file dialog box.

Abstract: A system and method for displaying sticky notes on a phone are provided. The system for displaying sticky notes on a phone includes a processing system and a controller. The processing system includes a processor that is coupled to a display icon and user input device, to enter and display the sticky notes on the phone. The controller classifies the entered sticky notes on the basis of the action to be performed on them. These sticky notes may be classified, based on user identification associated with a multi-user phone.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a customizable content tooltip provides a customizable content tooltip including a customization control that, when activated, allows a user to choose and/or edit the content displayed by the customizable content tooltip.

Abstract: An error/exception helper may provide tailored help when an error such as an exception is generated. A source program editor interface may be displayed and/or focus given to the program editor interface. An error/exception bubble or tool tip may be displayed, which, in one embodiment of the invention, points to the line of code that generated the exception. The error/exception bubble may include a link to a help topic or the actual help text may be displayed within the bubble. The bubble may also include one or more actions that may be taken to correct the error or a link to a procedure to perform the action(s). The source code may be edited, actions initiated and execution re-initiated at which time the bubble and editor interface display may be dismissed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to navigating in a geographic information system. In an embodiment, a method tours geographic information in a geographic information system. A set of actions for a tour is received. Each action includes a tour time. A tour time of at least one of the actions is defined by a user. Each action in the set of actions is executed to tour geographic information in the geographic information system.

Abstract: A method and system for providing help information for a computer program. The help system provides help information based on a schema that specifies the structure of a valid computer program. The schema provides definitions of program element types that are specific instances of a program element type derived from more general program element types. The help system identifies a “derivation” of program element types relating to the selected program element. The help system then displays the derivation to the user. The user can then select to display documentation associated with the displayed program element types.

Abstract: A method of displaying a selected spatial allocation is provided. The method includes but is not limited to associating spatial allocation characteristic data stored in a database with corresponding spatial location data representing a location of a spatial allocation on the map. The method also includes but is not limited to, upon selection of the spatial allocation from the map, displaying the corresponding spatial allocation characteristic data from the database, along with the selected spatial allocation on the map, on a display. Additionally, the method includes but is not limited to, upon selection of the corresponding spatial allocation from the database, displaying the map, along with the selected spatial allocation in the map, on the display.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a method for generating labels for drawing elements of a computer aided design (CAD) drawing that may include some unknown number of associated or related drawing elements. The method includes receiving a selection of a set of drawing elements in the CAD drawing that are associated with the first drawing element, receiving a selection of fields specifying attributes of the drawing elements in the set of drawing elements to use in generating label content for a label of the first drawing element, and defining a label style based on the selection of the set of drawing elements and the selection of attributes of the of the drawing elements in the set of drawing elements.

Abstract: An interactive program guide containing schedule data for multiple channels and advertising data is provided to viewers on a screen. The advertising may be related to the programs adjacent thereto in the guide and to time slots displayed on the screen. The advertising srolls in various directions in response to the viewer's scrolling of the grid, but at a different pace and according to a different scheme than the scrolling of the schedule data itself. For example, the advertising may remain on the screen in a predetermined location while the viewer scrolls the schedule data, and then scroll off the screen to be replaced by new ads after a predetermined number of channels scroll off the screen, or on the basis of time slots and/or adjacent channels displayed on the screen. This provides for greater viewer attention to the advertising and for greater control by advertisers over the manner and length in which advertising is presented to viewers.

Abstract: A display position determination apparatus has a selection unit selecting a first part from a parts group of display objects, an acquisition unit acquiring display occupancy in a display screen for each of said display objects, a judgment unit judging whether a balloon for the first part selected by said selection unit can be displayed within a non-display area or not in said display screen where no parts group is displayed; a search unit searching a second part from said parts group based on the display occupancy acquired by said acquisition unit when said judgment unit judges that the balloon cannot be displayed in said non-display area, and a determination unit determining that the display area of the balloon for said first part is within the display area of the second part searched by said search unit.

Abstract: A plurality of data of still image for screening and zooming shot at maximum magnification to perform magnified observation with regard to a plurality of divided areas obtained by dividing a shoot target area in a microscopic image such that a portion of a peripheral portion of each of the dividing areas is overlapped to each other, and a plurality of data of still image for focusing shot by respectively shifting focus in each of the divided areas, are created. From data of tiled still image for screening and zooming and data of edited still images for focusing, which are obtained by applying a predetermined processing to the data of still image, an animated image for screening, an animated image for zooming, and an animated image for focusing are created, and an animated image reproducing motion of a microscopic image in actual microscope observation is displayed on a computer screen.

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 display method for displaying a plurality of icons in list form on a display device by a list-form displaying section and for enlarging and reducing an icon. When a first icon is selected while second icon previously selected is being enlarged, the second icon is enlarged to a predetermined size, and then after the enlargement, the enlarged second icon is reduced so as to have a size substantially equal to the size of each of icons which are not selected.

Abstract: A system and method for producing notification objects conveying computer warning or error notification information to a computer user is provided. The notification objects point to a target to which the information contained therein relates and are persistent until dismissed by a user or an application. The notification objects are aware of the bounds of their target, and where possible do not obscure any part of their target. These objects are collapsible, allowing the user to minimize the objects, and are also non-modal, allowing a user to fully interact with any running application while the notification objects are visible. These notification objects are only visible when the window containing the target to which the information in the notification object relates is the active window.

Abstract: A computer-readable medium for interfacing with a plurality of wizards in a computer system includes programming instructions for providing the plurality of wizards, providing a launch button on a launch pad, the launch button associated with a wizard, where selection of the launch button executes the wizard, and providing information pertaining to the wizard on the launch pad. The information includes a relationship between the wizard and other wizards on the computer system, elements of the computer system affected by the wizard, and/or how to information showing how to use a user interface of an application on the computer system to accomplish a task. The launch pads are interactive interfaces between a user of a computer system and wizards which exist on the computer system. The information is provided in the form of text and/or visual objects.

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: A system and method for producing notification objects conveying computer warning or error notification information to a computer user is provided. The notification objects point to a target to which the information contained therein relates and are persistent until dismissed by a user or an application. The notification objects are aware of the bounds of their target, and where possible do not obscure any part of their target. These objects are collapsible, allowing the user to minimize the objects, and are also non-modal, allowing a user to fully interact with any running application while the notification objects are visible. These notification objects are only visible when the window containing the target to which the information in the notification object relates is the active window.

Abstract: A method, system, and article of manufacture for quickly and easily obtaining information about a list of elements. One embodiment of the invention comprises receiving a selection of at least one desired summary function, generating a configuration file containing the at least one desired summary function, receiving a selection of a list of numbers, copying the list of numbers into a clipboard, parsing the configuration file to extract the least one desired function, calculating the at least one desired summary function using the list of desired numbers to generate summary information, displaying the summary information in a pop-up window, and replacing the selected list of numbers with the summary information. The results window may be a pop-window, a hover-help window, or a clipboard.