Abstract: A weather information display apparatus comprising a map information retrieving device, a weather information retrieving device, a display device, a command receiving device, and a display controlling device. Each of weather information sets has a predetermined display priority. When a first region of a map associated with first weather information overlaps with a second region associated with second weather information via an overlapped section, the display controlling device controls a display condition of the overlapped section such that the overlapped section is displayed under the display condition associated with the first weather information. Here, the first information has the display priority higher than that of the second information.

Abstract: An abbreviated user interface for instant messaging (or other type of communications occurring in a graphical user interface environment permitting concurrent running of multiple application) is provided. The abbreviated user interface is different from a related primary user interface and is presented when the primary user interface is instantiated, yet is not on top of a z-order of a graphical environment. The abbreviated user interface can be a light-weight one that permits a user to quickly read messages. In one embodiment, a user can create outgoing messages using the abbreviated user interface. Presentation of the abbreviated user interface can require a user action, such as hovering a pointer over a task bar element for a duration or pressing a hot-key combination. In one embodiment, presentation of an otherwise unread message within the abbreviated interface for a designated time can cause the message to be marked as read.

Abstract: A system and method for an event driven virtual workspace are described. According to one example method, a trader can define a plurality of windows to be associated with a virtual workspace. Also, the trader could define one or more triggering events, the combination of which may be used to activate the virtual workspace. In such an embodiment, when the system detects the one or more triggers, the system can attempt to activate the virtual workspace. According to the example method, the trader may place a number of limiting conditions before any states of the currently displayed windows are modified such that the triggered virtual workspace could be displayed. If no limiting conditions are detected, the system can display the triggered virtual workspace.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for managing elements in a user interface for a software application executing on a computer system include displaying a user interface having separate elements including at least an image browser element for viewing preview thumbnails of available images, an image viewer element for accessing a selected image and a Heads-Up Display (HUD) element that displays metadata for the selected image; receiving user input requesting that the HUD element be moved from a current location in the user interface to a destination location in the user interface; and modifying the displayed user interface by moving the HUD element to the destination location and selectively altering a size or location or both of one or both of the image browser element and the image viewer element to accommodate display of the HUD element at the destination location in the user interface.

Abstract: A system and method for inserting space is described. A user may designate content to be inserted into a document and have the system insert space to accommodate the new content. The system and method permit some content to overlie other content as may be intended by a user.

Abstract: An icon representing a target object is constituted by a pin main body, which comprises a head and a needle, and a shadow of the pin main body. The display and control of the target object are changed by changing display states of the pin main body and the shadow. For example, if a decision button is depressed and released with a cursor pointer placed on the head, the target object is displayed on the screen of a display. When the target object is displayed on the screen and is in an unexecuted state, the needle is displayed so that it has stuck halfway. When the target object is being executed, the needle is displayed so that it has stuck deeply. When the target object and the icon are in a movable state, the needle is displayed so that it is floating. When the target object is in an enlargeable or reducible state, the head is displayed so that it is rotating.

Abstract: A system and method for developing a sequence of motion control operations. Various embodiments of a motion control prototyping environment application are described. The motion control prototyping environment may be designed to enable a user to easily and efficiently develop/prototype a motion control sequence without requiring the user to perform programming, e.g., without needing to write or construct code in any programming language. For example, the environment may provide a graphical user interface (GUI) enabling the user to develop/prototype the motion control sequence at a high level, by selecting from and configuring a sequence of motion control operations using the GUI.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for obtaining financial information with a handheld device. One embodiment of the present invention relates to a system for obtaining real time financial information utilizing a bar code or RF ID reader on a handheld device. A bar code or RF ID reader is used to obtain the product identity of a particular product in a retail environment. The product identity is correlated with the particular retailer's product price. This information can then be analyzed versus current financial budgets or recorded as part of a financial plan. In addition, real time financial advice and information can be given on the product including whether a competitor offers a lower price on a similar product, consumer reviews of the product, value rating, etc. The bar code or RF ID reader may be incorporated into any existing handheld device including a PDA, media player, cell phone, calculator, watch, or shopping device.

Abstract: An operating system shell has an underlying desktop object that is rendered according to different views. The operating system shell renders on a display screen a desktop graphical user interface with windows, tools, icons, etc. that are within a segment of the desktop object that can be observed (i.e., rendered) from one of the views. In illustrated implementations, the desktop object is of an extent that is greater than can be rendered from a single view. Allowing a user to select or access different views of the desktop object effectively provides an extended desktop that overcomes the fixed and limited display capabilities of conventional operating system shells.

Abstract: A context arrangement method, comprising: an operation input step of accepting an input of an operation with respect to a selection target embedded in contents on a display screen; a context arrangement step of arranging a context at a position corresponding to the input of the operation in a virtual display space which is larger than an area in which the contents are displayed; and a drawing step of drawing display data of the selection target in the arranged context by a background processing.

Abstract: To integrate a parent application and a child application, the parent application receives events through a user interface. If the events are to be processed by the child application, they are propagated to the child application. The child application generates content data based on the received events, writes the content data into a storage module, and then notifies the parent application. The parent application reads out the content data written in the storage module.

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 display management method and system of a mobile terminal for switching between user interfaces of applications is disclosed. A display management method of a mobile terminal according to the present invention includes displaying a first execution screen of a first application on a display; detecting an input signal for activating a second application; and displaying a second execution screen corresponding to the second application in response to the input signal, wherein displaying the second execution screen comprising presenting at least one of a first intermediate image obtained by downsizing an image contained within the first execution screen, a second intermediate image obtained by downsizing an image contained within the second execution screen, and a task window containing at least the downsized first and second intermediate images in a sequential order.

Abstract: A video display system, which enables users to navigate (by panning and zooming) throughout very large digital images. The digital images are stored on a disk drive in a proprietary file format (which is optimized for speed) and then viewed via a VGA connection. The system enables a user's ability to navigate throughout the entire image seamlessly. Instead of requiring a large amount of memory to display these images, the images are essentially transferred directly from the disk drive to video memory.

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 system and method for an event driven virtual workspace are described. According to one example method, a trader can define a plurality of windows to be associated with a virtual workspace. Also, the trader could define one or more triggering events, the combination of which may be used to activate the virtual workspace. In such an embodiment, when the system detects the one or more triggers, the system can attempt to activate the virtual workspace. According to the example method, the trader may place a number of limiting conditions before any states of the currently displayed windows are modified such that the triggered virtual workspace could be displayed. If no limiting conditions are detected, the system can display the triggered virtual workspace.

Abstract: Methods, systems and computer program products for managing user focus change between applications on a computer are provide. A current user focus application is identified that is executing on the computer and has a current user focus. A current state of execution of the current user focus application is determined. Information characterizing a focus criticality of the determined current state of execution of the current user focus application is obtained. A request from another application executing on the computer to change the current user focus to the other application is limited based on the focus criticality of the determined current state of execution of the current user focus application. The request from the other application to change the current user focus to the other application is allowed responsive to a user override authorization regardless of the focus criticality of the determined current state of execution of the current user focus application.

Abstract: A lightweight information user interface is provided for displaying information about a selected text item, data item or other object in an electronic document that minimizes interruption of workflow with the electronic document. Upon selection of an item in an electronic document a quick look-up function may be invoked for retrieving information from a local or remote information source about the selected item. Retrieved information, for example, dictionary definitions, translations, contacts information and research information, is displayed in close proximity to the selected item in a lightweight user interface.

Abstract: Methods of controlling the display and use of a UI element are disclosed. In an embodiment, the UI element may configured so that it initially maintains a topmost position but eventually allows other applications to assume the topmost position. In an embodiment, the display of the UI element may be adjusted in response to an input so that the UI element is not visible on the display. In an embodiment, the use of the UI element may allow for seamless dragging of the UI element even if the user inadvertently fails to make consistent contact with the touch-sensitive display while dragging the UI element.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus including a display section to display a data, an input section to input user input information, a communication section to communicate with a server, and a control section. The control section controls a display of a received message on the display section in accordance with the input information input through the input section. The control section displays, on the display section, a post card in which information included in the received message is laid out on a template selected in advance by the server, and enables a user to judge whether the post card corresponds to a read message or an unread message by displaying the post card corresponding to the read message in different display forms from the post card corresponding to the unread message.

Abstract: A system and method for an event driven virtual workspace are described. According to one example method, a trader can define a plurality of windows to be associated with a virtual workspace. Also, the trader could define one or more triggering events, the combination of which may be used to activate the virtual workspace. In such an embodiment, when the system detects the one or more triggers, the system can attempt to activate the virtual workspace. According to the example method, the trader may place a number of limiting conditions before any states of the currently displayed windows are modified such that the triggered virtual workspace could be displayed. If no limiting conditions are detected, the system can display the triggered virtual workspace.

Abstract: A file manager for a consumer electronic device enhances a user's experience in a computing environment by displaying a variety of content in a folder in a collage configuration. The content may be, for example, live applications and other files, and are collectively termed assets. The file manager also displays the content in a grid configuration for management purposes, and provides graphics tools to allow the user to artistically customize the display of the assets.

Abstract: First user-generated input is received that selects a first element in a graphical user interface identifying a work area. In response, a plurality of second elements characterizing categories of objects associated with the work area are displayed in the graphical user interface. Thereafter, second user-generated input is received that selects a second element in the graphical user interface element. Once the second element is selected, a visual representation of a plurality of primary objects associated with the category corresponding to the second element is displayed. The plurality of displayed primary objects are displayed in a first person perspective projection format with the objects being displayed in order at depths in the first person perspective projection according to values of an attribute associated with the second element. Related apparatus, systems, techniques and articles are also described.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention comprise a design tool for designing an application interface. The design tool includes a graphical user interface (GUI) that visually represents a hierarchy of data and the relationships between the data. Thus, the design tool eliminates the need for an interface designer to have independent knowledge of the structure of the data (i.e., the data fields and relationships between the data). The design tool's GUI represents the data and the relationships between the data in a hierarchical display referred to as a data palette. An output hierarchy comprised of output levels is created as the user selects fields from the data palette to be displayed in the application's interface. When a data field is selected, the design tool automatically determines the appropriate interface component and output level of the output hierarchy using the relationships defined for the data. Output levels are associated with interface components that comprise the application's interface.

Abstract: A method referred to as x-ray browsing for allowing a user to browse through windows on their desktop is provided. Aspects of the invention include responsive to a command, making a first window the window in focus on the display screen and changing the relative opacities between a content portion of the first window and a content portion of the second window. By controlling the opacities a single window can be made opaque while the remaining windows can be made transparent to allow a user to successively navigate among open windows.

Abstract: A widget security system, method and computer-readable medium detects a security event associated with a widget, assesses the risk associated with the security event, and initiates a security action based on the assessed risk.

Abstract: A computer-human interface provides a mechanism to manage the available space of a computer display in a manner that facilitates navigation among multiple windows that are overlaid upon one another. The interface includes a user-selectable mode in which the windows are rearranged, and resized if necessary, so that all open windows can be simultaneously viewed within the area of the display, thereby enabling any one of the windows to be easily selected for access. In effect, the presentation of the windows is “flattened” so that all windows appear at the same virtual depth, rather than overlapping one another. With this approach, there is no need to minimize windows in order to access one that is overlaid by another, thereby enabling the user to keep the content of all windows visible and accessible. Subsets of windows can be repositioned in the same manner, or all windows can be removed from the display area for access to desktop objects.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for providing an improved three-dimensional graphical user interface. In one embodiment, the method generally comprises: receiving an input from an end user, and capturing computing output from at least one computer source in response to the received end-user input. The computing output can be presented as two or more objects within a three-dimensional virtual space displayed to the end user. In one embodiment, the method further comprises generating a timeline that includes an icon for each object presented within the virtual space. In another embodiment, the method further comprises providing a database for storing and categorizing data regarding each object presented within the virtual space.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a display, an processor configured to allow for selecting items of interest for inclusion in an indicator pop-up, circuitry configured for maintaining the indicator pop-up for continued use when performing other actions, and an indicator configured for selecting the indicator pop-up to be shown on the display.

Abstract: A method of displaying data or images on a multi-level screen display, assigns screen designation codes to respective software components, to determine the physical screen on which the corresponding images or software components are displayed. The screens may include layered liquid crystal displays. The method allows a user to see overlaying objects at the same time, e.g., toolbars or menus can be displayed on a front screen, and a drawing image can be displayed on a background screen.

Abstract: In a thumbnail screen, categories and category thumbnails are disposed and displayed in the depth (Z-axis) direction and in the horizontal (X axis) direction, respectively. When focus is given by a focus to any of upper and lower category thumbnails, which are displayed on the most front side, and a category name display part, the row (layers) of the thumbnails scrolls in the horizontal direction. When the right and left direction keys of a remote controller are operated while the category name display has focus, the scroll in the depth direction is performed, thus enabling the specification of a desired category. This three-dimensionally displays the thumbnails and facilitates the operation for viewing information.

Abstract: A method of assigning screen designation codes to images is disclosed. The method includes accessing data operable to display a first image and a second image. A first screen designation code is assigned to the first image, wherein the first screen designation code is associated with a first display screen of a multi-component display, and wherein the first screen designation code is operable to cause a display of the first image on the first display screen of the multi-component display. A second screen designation code is assigned to the second image, wherein the second screen designation code is associated with a second display screen of the multi-component display, wherein the first display screen and the second display screen overlap, and wherein the second screen designation code is operable to cause a display of the second image on the second display screen of the multi-component display.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed herein for re-ordering floating objects in an electronic document. An electronic document having floating objects is displayed in a first mode. Each floating object has an x-y location in the document and has a position on a z-order stack. In the first mode the floating objects are displayed in an x-y plane based on the z-order stack. Then, the electronic document is displayed in a second mode in which the electronic document is depicted as x-y plane slices. Each x-y plane slice corresponds to one position on the z-order stack. The x-y plane slices are displayed in particular order to depict the position of the floating objects on the z-order stack. A re-ordering of the x-y plane slices is displayed based on a request. Then, the electronic document is displayed in the first mode again based on the re-ordering of the x-y planes.

Abstract: A device, a control method, and a program to increase the accuracy of voice read-out and text mining by automatically structuring a presentation file.

Abstract: A display controlling apparatus which displays icons representative of data in layers on a screen, the display controlling apparatus including: an operating section which, based on operations performed by a user, obtains at least instructions for how to display the icons on the screen; a storing section for storing at least data constituting the icons in the layers; a controlling section for generating picture data for displaying the icons in the layers on icon array axes; and a display outputting section for outputting the picture data generated by the controlling section onto a display device; wherein, when the operating section obtains an instruction from the user, the controlling section acting on the instruction generates the picture data in such a manner as to move each of the icon array axes into a different direction together with the icons displayed in an array on each of the axes.

Abstract: It is an object to provide an operational support computer program and an operational support computer system that carry out a simple and convenient input operation by means of an input button, such as a keyboard or the like.

Abstract: A user interface comprising a controller configured to display a map and to display at least one marked location on said map. The location is associated with at least one graphical object. The controller is further configured to determine whether a first graphical object will overlap a second graphical object when rendered and if so said controller is configured to create a third graphical object being associated with said first and second graphical objects and render said third graphical object.

Abstract: A display controlling apparatus stores therein first position information of pieces of data in a predetermined n-dimensional virtual space displayed on a display device, specifies second position information in the virtual space indicating positions of the pieces of data obtained after performing a rearranging process thereon, specifies intermediate position information indicating positions in a m-dimensional virtual space corresponding to a period during which the data is rearranged from the first-position-information positions into the second-position-information positions, the m being smaller than the n by 1 or more, calculates first transition paths in transitions from the first-position-information positions to the intermediate-position-information positions, calculates second transition paths in transitions from the intermediate-position-information positions to the second-position-information positions, and outputs display screen information containing the pieces of data that go through the transitions

Abstract: A method of visually expressing user interface elements on a display is provided which emphasizes those user interface elements which a user would be more interested in and deemphasizes those user interface elements which a user would be less interested in. Certain user interface elements, such as active elements, can be rendered in a sharp manner and be within a depth of field while other elements, such as inactive elements, can be rendered in a blurry manner and outside the depth of field.

Abstract: In a client-server system, a server-node application runs a user session and a remote presentation protocol communicates between the client node and the server node. The server node stores a remote virtual desktop including remote windows of the user session. The client node displays multiple local windows of applications running locally on the client node and further displays one or more windows of the remote virtual desktop. The one or more windows are clipped to produce a clipped region so that the remote windows are displayed therein to appear as the local windows. The local windows are enumerated according to z-order from back to front and an area of each local window which overlaps the clipped region is subtracted from the clipped region so that the local windows show through the area.

Abstract: A display control and information management system seamlessly integrates layered and slotted formatted data from local and remote sources to provide a highly versatile information display. The system permits selective control of display and display features so that complex data and data flows can be seamlessly accessed with enhanced cognition of salient information by a user.

Abstract: A graphical user interface is provided for capturing application data in picture form. A set of data capture tools, including a subjective data parameter palette and accompanying data canvas, are presented to an operator during an interactive session. By selecting and placing such data parameters on the data canvas, a user can paint a data picture representing his/her subjective motivations, mental impressions, reasons, etc., for engaging in a particular transaction. In a preferred embodiment, the present interface is used in connection with a stock portfolio management application, where it is used to capture user rationale and logic for purchasing or selling financial instruments such as securities, options, etc.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program for organizing and visualizing display objects within a virtual environment is provided. In one aspect, attributes of display objects define the interaction between display objects according to pre-determined rules, including rules simulating real world mechanics, thereby enabling enriched user interaction. The present invention further provides for the use of piles as an organizational entity for desktop objects. The present invention further provides for fluid interaction techniques for committing actions on display objects in a virtual interface. A number of other interaction and visualization techniques are disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for an event driven virtual workspace are described. According to one example method, a trader can define a plurality of windows to be associated with a virtual workspace. Also, the trader could define one or more triggering events, the combination of which may be used to activate the virtual workspace. In such an embodiment, when the system detects the one or more triggers, the system can attempt to activate the virtual workspace. According to the example method, the trader may place a number of limiting conditions before any states of the currently displayed windows are modified such that the triggered virtual workspace could be displayed. If no limiting conditions are detected, the system can display the triggered virtual workspace.

Abstract: A system and method of windows management. The system and method comprises at least one window having information displayed thereon and a processor for determining an application type associated with the at least one window and rendering the at least one window at a predetermined opacity level based on the application type.

Abstract: A method comprises obtaining a user profile from a user who registers with an online service, providing the user profile to an ad server, receiving from the ad server a targeted ad based on the user profile, and displaying the targeted ad in an unused area of a browser window as an overlay to the browser window while the user views a page from a website or search results from a search engine

Abstract: An improved system and method for styling content in a graphical user interface control is provided. An application may define a user interface control having a data object of any type of singular content, including another user interface control. An application may include style declarations that may associate a style resource with the user interface control and a style resource may be dynamically selected for presenting the data object of the user interface control. The style resources may define property values that may be selectively applied to specify a visual representation for the user interface control and data object, such as a visual subtree. A visual representation of the user interface control with the data object may be generated and then a display representation may be rendered for presentation on a user interface display.

Abstract: A graphical user interface is described that controls an electromagnetic energy output system. A touchscreen presents control icons and receives input from a user; the input being used to control the electromagnetic energy output system. The interface permits modifying stored values of preset operating parameters.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and a system for assisting a customer in making a purchase decision of a product. Information from the customer is received and a first virtual model is generated based on the information. A graphical image corresponding to the product is overlaid on the first virtual model for generating a second virtual model. The second virtual model is displayed for assisting the customer in making the purchase decision of the product.

Abstract: Among other things, techniques and systems are disclosed for providing a graphical user interface (GUI) to user. A system includes a content source and a GUI communicatively connected to the content source. The GUI includes a user input area to receive user input and a display area to display available content items from the content source based on the received user input. The display area includes a presentation of the available content arranged in one or more rows. Each row includes a user selectable area to display at least one visual indication that represents one or more of the available content items. Each row includes a holding area to display another visual indication that represents other available content items not displayed in the user selectable area. The display area includes highlighting positioned over one of the available content items.